A family doctor is one of the most influential people in your life. They are the initial stop for all health concerns. They are your primary source for referrals to specialists. They are the ones you trust with deeply personal information that can affect everything from how you react to certain medications to whether or not you’re pregnant. It’s essential, in my opinion, to find a doctor with whom you can be comfortable and who makes you feel respected and heard. If you look to find an experienced family medicine doctor such as Kalpana Desai MD, you may find these tips helpful.
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Use the Internet
The internet can be a helpful tool for your health, and the easiest way to find a family doctor is probably by using an online database. However, before we get into that, let’s back up for a minute and discuss what kind of relationship you want with your doctor. I think all patients wish to doctors who: Listen to them and provide the best care possible Keep their medical opinions separate from judgment and empathy Do thorough exams and assessments Give them enough time to ask questions and address concerns Are easy to reach (e.g., providing office hours, call-back policies)
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Determine What You Need in a Doctor
My family doctor, for instance, is a female. I only want women as my doctors because I prefer to have a female’s perspective on personal issues and feel more comfortable with a woman. If you’re a man who wants a male doctor, go for it! It’s all about finding the right fit between patient and physician. Similarly, you should ask yourself whether or not you want to see a doctor who specializes in specific fields. For example, you may prefer a pediatrician even though they are only qualified to treat children if you have children.
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Ask About Insurance Plans
Some family doctors only accept certain types of medical insurance, so you should ask whether or not they take yours. If your medical insurance doesn’t cover the doctor you want to see, paying out-of-pocket might be an option. However, keep in mind that family doctors are generalists and that depending on the population they serve, their prices may vary. If this proves too expensive, you may want to go for a doctor within your insurance network.
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Go For Experience over
I understand that patients often go for doctors with high-profile practices because they’re known in the community, but remember that it’s your health and well-being at stake. Often, people think family medicine is just giving you a referral to see another specialist when it comes to more complicated cases. However, if you look deeper into family medicine, you’ll find that they are trained to treat the whole person, emphasizing wellness. As a patient, you need to recognize what family doctors are capable of to make an informed decision.
In summary, the internet is a great place to start when you’re looking for a family doctor. All you have to do is search online and read reviews from previous patients, which can give you a sense of whether or not they will meet your needs.
