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Find a Primary Care Physician

Finding a primary care physician you can trust and get along with is a daunting task. Many people do not seek out a primary care physician until they develop a medical condition that needs immediate attention, often leading to rushed or blind decisions about where to seek care. As a healthcare provider and a healthcare consumer, here are a few tips for finding a new doctor.  It’s a challenging process that might take a few attempts.

1. Interview your friends and find out who has a good reputation. This is especially helpful if you have a physician friend to query, because they often have a insider’s perspective.

2. Check online reviews of physicians in your area.

3. Check the physician’s licenses and credentialing online. Most state medical licensing boards have a website where you can check a physician’s credentials and see if they have any disciplinary action or judgements against them.

4. Make an appointment and go see the doctor.  This visit is necessary to see if you’re going to “click” with the doc and the staff.  Be honest with yourself in your review of your visit and make sure you don’t “settle.”