How to Choose a Primary Physician -- 314.839.8700
Choosing a primary physician is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your health. Your primary physician can help you manage many health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, lung ailments and other chronic conditions. They also can help with acute problems such as colds, flu and injuries. Primary physicians are important resources for preventive medical care, including physicals -- also called health maintenance or well visits -- and counseling to prevent disease. Your primary physician acts as the "quarterback" of your health-care team, working with specialists when specific care is needed.
Choosing a primary physician should not be left to chance. There are several factors to consider.
First, determine your family's needs and the type of physician you want to see. Pediatricians specialize in child health and generally treat newborns and patients up to 18. Internal medicine physicians specialize in health care for adults and generally treat patients 18 and over. Family medicine physicians specialize in health care for the whole family, from newborns to the elderly. Making the decision on separate physicians for different family members or one physician to care for the entire family is the first step.
You'll want a physician who is board-certified or board-eligible in his or her specialty. Board-eligible physicians have completed a specialized residency-training program and may have taken their board-certification exam, but are waiting for results or completing final requirements.
Next, determine which physicians have contracted with your insurance carrier. Insurance companies distribute provider directories listing physicians by specialty and may have similar resources on their web sites. Other considerations include location, office hours, office size, do they offer same-day appointments, and the hospital where the physician has admitting privileges. This information is usually in the provider directory or on the insurance company web site.
After you have narrowed your search, contact the offices on your list for a practice brochure or other information. You may want to schedule a "get acquainted" visit. This is your opportunity to find out a physician's philosophy of care and learn about office policies and other staff members.
