subject: Guidelines For Choosing The Best Primary Care Physician [print this page] Every person wants the best care for their family's health. Thus, thoughtful consideration should go into to choosing the best primary care physician for you and your family.
A good primary care physician should be able to do the following: provide preventative care and instruct your family about establishing a healthy lifestyle and nutritional guidelines, treat non-emergency medical conditions, give advice on picking the best treatment for emergencies and refer you to specialists if the need arises. Thus, you would go see your family doctor for an annual physical check up, when you have a cold or fever, need a vaccination before foreign travel, or require consultation about a certain medical issue.
Furthermore, it is paramount that you be able to build a continuing relationship with your doctor based on trust and honesty. If you or members of your family feel uncomfortable or think the advice you are receiving from your doctor is not the best, it's probably time to find another family doctor.
Although most people choose family practitioners essentially board certified doctors who have completed family practice medical residency and specializing in family medicine, to be their primary care physicians, it is also recommended to use pediatricians, internists, obstetricians, gynecologists, or nurse practitioners. Again, the importance lies not so much in what their specialty is, but if your family feels relaxed around them and if they are able to serve your family's needs.
One of the best ways of finding a doctor for your family is through word of mouth. Ask your friends and family members which doctors they use and if they are happy with them. You could then set up a consultation with each of the doctors and determine if they are a good fit for your family. Another method is to contact your local hospital and request a list of family physicians practicing in your area. Lastly, you can look up on the internet the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). There, you will be able to find lists of family doctors based on the city and state you live in.
After you have found a doctor, you should schedule regular visits for your family regardless if they are sick or not. It's best to get your family acquainted with your doctor as soon as possible. That way, when the time comes when someone in your family really needs medical attention, they will already feel comfortable with the doctor.
