There are many factors that determine your choice of a primary care physician. It would be nice if the primary reason you chose a particular family doctor is because you know you will receive the best possible care from a competent, compassionate individual who takes the time to get to know you and your medical issues. Unfortunately, the choices we make when it comes to family physicians often have as much to do with our health insurance coverage as anything. If a physician you like and trust is not in the “network” or covered by your HMO policy, chances are, you might be out of luck. That said, if you are thorough with your research, there is a very good chance that you will be able to find a doctor you like whose services are covered by your health insurance.

One of the first things you will want to do when you decide on a primary care physician is consider your personal health needs. Are you often ill? Are you one of those people who refuses to miss an annual checkup? Do you have any serious health problems that require close monitoring by a physician? Does your condition require you to take prescription medication, or undergo blood testing once or twice a year? The answers to these questions and others will help you determine what you need in a family doctor. But that is only the start.

As mentioned earlier, it is extremely important to make sure that if you have health insurance, the doctor you select is part of the covered network. Out-of-network services often cost full price, which can quickly add up even for routine examinations if they aren’t covered by insurance copayments. Fortunately, most physicians these days belong to managed care groups or HMO networks, and rarely will you find a physician whose practice is not affiliated with your insurance company.

Once you have determined what you need in a doctor and found a group of potential candidates who are covered by your insurance, it’s time to start researching. Does a physician you’re considering have all the required experience and credentials? You will want to find a doctor who is board certified by a recognized certification body like the ABMS or ABPS. You also will want to check online using the doctor’s name and terms like [reviews] [malpractice] and [complaints]. Online review sites and websites such as Health Grades (healthgrades.com) can provide a great deal of information about legal troubles, credentials, and performance outcomes on specific forms of procedures (for surgeons). There are many other review sites, as well, but one of the best and most trusted sources of information is your own social network – both online and offline.

If you belong to Facebook, try updating your status with the simple question for your local friends and family members: “Does anyone have a suggestion for a reliable, experienced primary care physician in the area? Thanks!” You might be surprised at how quickly your connections come through with suggestions.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to selecting a doctor.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to selecting a doctor. http://www.lsiphysicianrelations.com/

Author Bio: Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to selecting a doctor.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: selecting a doctor, choosing a physician, healthcare facts