Did you know that one out of four American households (that’s 25%!) are skipping regular doctor’s appointments? That’s shocking considering the large number of doctors practicing in the U.S. today.
The fact is, regular checkups with your doctor can help prevent a number of health issues. This is true for both children and adults.
If you are ready to join the 75% of American families that regularly make and keep their checkup appointments, the first step is to find the right doctor.
If you are like many others, you may wonder how to pick a doctor – the right doctor – for you. If this is the case, you’re in the right place. Some important considerations to keep in mind are listed here.
1. Physician Type
Before you even begin considering specific doctors, you need to consider the type of physician you need. The majority of people will start with a primary health care provider. This is a doctor who is responsible for managing your overall care. When necessary, they will refer you to specialists.
In most cases, if you have a disabling or chronic condition, you will need a specialist. This is someone who understands your specific health concerns. This doctor will ensure you can live a fulfilling life even with the condition you suffer.
2. Board Certification
It’s important to find a doctor who is board certified. For a primary care physician, they should be board certified in internal medicine or family medicine.
If you are seeing a specialist, their training is going to be more robust. In most cases, the doctor has completed residency training in a certain field after graduating from medical school.
3. Patient-Doctor Communication
While this factor may not seem as important, it is. The human-to-human interaction with the doctor you choose is crucial.
You don’t want to feel like an experiment, but to be treated as a person who has unique health care needs. Finding a doctor with a great bedside manner will help you maintain optimal health over time.
4. Experience
Learn about the background of a physician you are thinking about using. For example, have they been practicing in the area long? Are there any complaints filed with the state board? Where do they have hospital access?
You can find out most of this with a bit of research. For example, any disciplinary action against the doctor is public record, and this tool can help you determine what hospitals in your area are best. Then you can find a doctor with approval to see patients there.
5. Pusher vs. Healer
There are some doctors that are in the “pockets” of big pharmaceutical companies. This means the doctor is going to try and prescribe pills, rather than actually heal you.
Evaluate the style of the doctor. This will let you know if the doctor is a pusher or a healer.
How to Pick a Doctor: Now You Know
If you need to go to the doctor or have found it difficult to find the right one in the past, then the tips and information should be helpful. When it comes to how to pick a doctor, the right information is invaluable.
If you are looking for more information about healthy living or how to choose the right senior care facility, you will find all this and more here. Be sure to visit often to learn new invaluable information for life and happiness.