If you’re looking for a new primary care physician or even a specialist, such as a cardiologist, you want the best possible fit. However, with so many options, finding the perfect doctor is daunting. Let’s look at ten tips to help you locate the right doctor so you can partner with that provider in achieving and maintaining vibrant health for life and where you can go to receive the best primary care in Sarasota, FL.
Tip #1 Ask Relatives or Friends for a Recommendation
Rest assured that trustworthy family members or coworkers will not recommend you see doctors who gave them bad experiences or faulty care. Also, look for online reviews. While these are not always reliable, you can still count on them for general information regarding appointment availability, wait times, facility cleanliness, and more.
Tip #2 Visit the Practice Website
The doctor’s website provides a wealth of information, including the doctor’s biography. Also, you’ll learn about office hours, services offered, and even the philosophy of care–all important aspects of decision-making.
Tip #3 Choose a Doctor with a Convenient Location
Preferably, your doctor’s office is close to home, work, or school. This eliminates long trips through traffic, particularly if you’re not feeling well or just had surgery. Also, find out if parking is free and located close to the practice entrance. Try to avoid long walks through large medical centers and parking ramps.
Tip #4 Check with Your Insurance Carrier
To avoid unexpected bills or large copays, ensure the doctor participates in your health insurance. Verify this by calling the insurance carrier and the doctor’s office team.
Tip #5 Check the Physician’s Credentials
These should be included on the practice website. However, for the best verification of board certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties, go to certificationmatters.org, and search for the prospective doctor’s name.
Tip #6 Meet the Doctor
Book an initial consultation. Talk with the physician to understand:
- His or her communication style
- If he or she readily and completely answers questions
- Seems patient-centered, non-rushed, and a good match for your personality
- Has expertise in your particular health concern
Tip #7 Learn About Office Dynamics
Simply calling to inquire about appointment availability and office hours will tell you how friendly and respectful the staff is. First impressions really do mean a lot, so make the call and be prepared with a few questions.
Tip #8 There Should be a Patient Portal and More
The most efficient physician’s offices feature paperless charting and patient portals so people can access test results, make appointments, refill prescriptions and send messages to their physicians or physician assistants. Find out if the new doctor has a patient portal.
Tip #9 Learn About On-site Services
The best medical practices offer a wide range of services, such as X-ray imaging, simple casting and suturing, vaccinations, blood work, urinalysis, and more. Or, if these services are not delivered directly in the office, they should be located nearby for your convenience.
Tip #10 Trust Your Gut
In other words, if you meet the doctor and staff and something feels a little off, try another practice. You want the best health care possible for both you and your family.
Primary Care Providers in Sarasota, FL
If you need a primary care physician, look no further than the Intercoastal Medical Group. We have many primary care providers practicing in both internal medicine and family medicine, and our friendly and helpful staff can help you find the right physician to meet your needs. We are also a multispecialty practice, ranging from gastroenterology, oncology, podiatry, rheumatology, and many more, in case you need a certain specialist. Intercoastal Medical Group has over 100 physicians to choose from. We look forward to caring for you and your family!
To know more about our services, call one of our area locations today. You can also schedule your consultation using our convenient online appointment request form.
