What to Consider When Choosing a Primary Care Physician

Finding a new primary care physician can be a challenge, especially if you are new to the area. Asking people you know whom they would recommend is often the starting point for most people, but you still need to make your own decision about who will be the best for you.
 
Your insurance company will have a list of doctors who are in their network, and for most people, this will have a significant impact on whom they will see. If the doctor is not in your insurance company’s network, there are other factors to consider if you want to work with them. You will need to check with your insurance company to find out how this will work. If you have moved to a new location, you may want to find a good doctor and then choose a plan through your employer that includes that doctor.
 
Other things to consider are where the doctor is located. Are they easy to get to? Is their office comfortable? What is the staff like? What are their office hours? Going to the doctor can be a bit difficult if you are uncomfortable with some of these factors. However, if these factors meet your needs, it makes going to see the doctor much easier.

There are many questions you should ask when you select a family physician. Here are a few to consider.

• Which hospitals does the doctor use? Does that choice work for you?
• Where are routine lab tests and X-rays done? Are they done in the office or at another location?
• What is the time frame to get an appointment? Is urgent care available?
• If you call about your care, does the doctor or staff return the call promptly?
• What happens when the doctor is away?
• How are problems that happen after hours handled?
• Does the doctor prefer to refer you to specialists or handle most care themselves?
• How is insurance handled?

This is not an exhaustive list of questions. There may be other questions that are directly related to your health and care that you want to know the answers to. Make a list of the questions that are important and bring them when you first meet the doctor and staff.

Your first visit with a new primary care physician is important. This is the time that you meet your doctor and cover important aspects of your medical history and health care needs.
 
The doctor will want to have access to your medical history. They will need to know if there are any existing conditions that require attention. They will want to know about your family’s medical history, especially if there are health concerns that run in your family. The doctor will also want to know if there are any immediate health concerns. The doctor will want to know about any medications or supplements that you are currently taking.
 
In the first appointment, your doctor will want to know about your lifestyle. They will want to know whether you smoke, how much you drink, or other factors that can impact your health. They will want to know about your preferences when you visit the doctor, such as whether you want someone with you or if you have modesty concerns.

PrimeHealth Primary Care offers a wide variety of services to address acute, chronic, and preventative care. These include the following and more:

• Prescription medications
• Flu treatment
• Urinary tract treatment
• Diabetes management
• Hypertension management
• Cancer screening

Contact PrimeHealth Primary Care to find out more about what we have to offer. We are accepting new patients. We are conveniently located at 3014 53rd Ave East, Bradenton, FL 34203. For more information, please Contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Bradenton FL, Ellenton FL, Palmetto FL, Rubonia FL, Foxleigh FL, and West Samoset FL.