We all want high-quality healthcare, but it's hard to know how to choose. Learn about the specific things to consider when looking for a doctor. Getting a referral from someone you know and trust is a great way to find a doctor. Is the doctor open and friendly and does he answer questions completely and honestly? Is the office environment clean and tidy? Does the provider respond to concerns over the phone or otherwise? Are appointments easy to get or are they booked well in advance? Is it possible to arrive without an appointment or register online? What is the appointment cancellation policy? Is my doctor fluent in my language?You may find it difficult to open up to healthcare providers, but transparency is critical to a successful provider and patient relationship.
Consider asking your provider some key questions that can help you understand them and understand their work. Just as each doctor has a different style, each patient has different needs. Here are some tips to help you choose the doctor that's right for you. When looking for a primary care doctor for yourself or a loved one, it's important to choose someone you can trust. You may also be able to get some free or low-cost health services at clinics or community health centers.
Throughout the Mass General Brigham system, providers work closely together to provide personalized care to all patients at every stage of their journey. This content about choosing a doctor was adapted from materials from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the National Institutes of Health. A type of health insurance plan that generally limits coverage to care provided by doctors who work for or have a contract with HMO. If you are among a primary care physician when a minor medical problem arises, contact your local urgent care center.
They use a relationship-centered approach to providing primary, behavioral and specialty health care. If you don't have health insurance, you may have to pay for health care out of pocket (for your account). This microsite is coordinated by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health, the Office of the Secretary, U. These are the factors to consider when choosing quality health care for immediate and long-term health needs.
There are also doctors who focus on children, called pediatricians, who will be your child's primary care doctors. If you have health insurance, you may need to choose from a list of doctors in your plan's network (doctors who accept your insurance plan). When you're enrolled in a Blue Shield HMO plan, your health care will only be covered when it's provided or coordinated by your PCP. Remember that your primary care doctor is someone you can see for years, so it's important to choose someone you trust and build a good relationship with.
This is usually the person you meet with most often to get routine checkups, have common medical problems, and ask questions about your health. If for any reason you're not happy with your choice, most BCBS plans allow you to change your primary care doctor at any time during the year of plan.
