PICKING THE PERFECT DOCTOR FOR YOUR FAMILY: HOW TO FIND DR RIGHT?

September 22, 2020 /

Written by Feba Maryann     

Choosing a doctor before you have children is easier than once you embark on parenthood. The quest to find a reliable and trustworthy doctor who understands the needs of your family can turn out to be very challenging.    

A long-standing relationship with a dependable family doctor is essential for the wellbeing of your family. Over time, he/she knows your allergies, reactions to medicines, lifestyle, treatment choices and the slightest changes in your overall health. Hence, a doctor who knows the medical history of your family is better suited to making important decisions regarding your healthcare.   

Here’s a list of factors you need to consider when choosing a family doctor: 

  1. Ask Around   

Talk to co-workers, neighbours and friends about their doctors. Try to get insight into the practice by asking questions. For example, What are the wait times? How friendly are the office staff? How good is he/she with kids? Is the office kid-friendly? Research about his/her clinical expertise and experience. Some prefer older doctors because of the years of experience they have. Others prefer younger doctors, as they may be more updated with the latest information and technology. You could also look into online reviews and ratings.    

  1. Location   

Distance is a factor that is often neglected but very important. In case of emergencies, having a doctor nearby is essential. Be practical when you consider distance, addressing to everyday health needs becomes much easier when he or she is located somewhere convenient to you. If you have small children, having a doctor close by becomes even more important.    

  1. Coverage  

Before you finalise a suitable candidate, make sure they work within your current health plan’s network. Talk to Medicare and your insurance provider to check if the doctor is part of your plan’s network. Some doctors may not be covered by your providers and in that case, your providers may charge more, some won’t cover out-of-network care at all. Choosing a doctor who is part of your network protects you from surprise co-pays and additional fees.   

  1. Schedule A Visit   

You can never choose a family doctor until you get the real feel of their personality and commitment. A doctor may tick all the boxes on your preference list but could lack the bedside manner you prefer. Try to make a quick phone call before booking an appointment to get a first impression of how the office runs. For example, ask if they offer after-hours services or same-day care if needed, prescription refills, scheduling online appointments etc. Find out if he/she works in a hospital or practices solo. I recommend you find a doctor who works in a group practice so that they can cross-cover for each other.    

  1. Keep Your Specific Needs In Mind   

Every family has unique healthcare needs which change as people age. Ask your doctor about his/her scope of practice. Most doctors in Australia provide general care to all ages of patients, but some choose to hone expertise in a particular area of interest. For instance, if your kids are serious athletes, a doctor with expertise in sports medicine will prove to be very beneficial. Some cultures are more sensitive to certain topics and issues. Try to find a doctor who understands your culture, customs and ideas. If English isn’t your first language, look for a doctor who speaks your native language.    

  1. Level Of Comfort   

It’s important that you feel comfortable asking questions and trust him/her. Your family doctor is going to play a vital role in making major decisions regarding your health. You need to feel at ease with this doctor. He/she should take time to listen to all your concerns and questions and explain things in a way you understand.   

If something feels wrong, trust your gut feeling and look for a new doctor. Just because a doctor was perfect for your friend, doesn’t mean he/she is right for you.    

Overall, finding the right doctor is a very important decision that comes with a lot of trust. Your doctor is the primary advocate for your family’s healthcare. Make sure you do thorough research as it is a long-term commitment. Keep these tips in mind while selecting the right fit for your family.