Around 25% of Americans don’t have a primary care physician (PCP). Unfortunately, that number is estimated to grow. The majority of people without a primary care provider are in a younger generation.
What’s stopping so many people from seeing a PCP? Some younger people might not feel the need to have a PCP because they’re overall in good health. Others might have a difficult time finding the right PCP for their medical needs.
In the guide below, you’ll find several factors to consider when choosing your primary care. Continue reading to get started!
Start With Your Health Plan Network
A great place to start is your network of doctors that accept your health insurance. You don’t want to be hit with a high co-payment each time you need to see a doctor. You also don’t want to discover any surprise medical bills each time you visit the mailbox.
To keep the cost of your medical expenses down, start by contacting your health insurance. Ask your health insurance to provide you with a list of primary care doctors that accept your insurance. Once you have this list, you can then move forward with your research.
Follow With Reading Patient Reviews
What past and current patients say about a primary care physician is important when making your selection. You want to know what other people’s experiences were when visiting the doctor because this can give you a good idea of what to expect yourself. Take a few minutes during your day to sit down and research each PCP in your health network.
Read the online reviews and testimonials to start narrowing down your top picks. The best doctor will have plenty of great reviews from patients.
Gather a Few Trusted Referrals
You don’t have to solely rely on reviews from strangers. You can also gather trusted referrals from family members, friends, and co-workers. Ask them what primary care doctor they see and if they’d recommend that doctor to you.
Then, visit the office/hospital website, such as https://santiamhospital.org/ to learn more about the medical team and medical treatment offered.
Check Certifications and Specialties
Many doctors go through extra training and certification even after completing their medical degrees. This is essential when searching for a doctor who specializes in the type of medical treatment you need. Take the time to do some research on each doctor.
Check with the American Board of Medical Specialties and the American Medical Association to learn which doctors hold special certifications. Use this information to make the best choice for you.
Who’s Your Primary Care Physician?
Who will your primary care physician be? It takes time to research and discover the best doctors near you. However, with the help of this guide, you should find the right local doctor with ease.
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