Primary care physicians are the backbone of most healthcare systems. They provide a wide variety of services but bear the lion’s share of responsibility for care coordination, which means that their impact goes far beyond the provision of a few services. 

Deciding to choose a new primary care physician is a big decision that shouldn’t be made lightly. To help increase the likelihood of finding a practitioner who meets your needs and wants, here are some tips:

Know “In-Network” Doctors

A lot of health plans come with negotiated special, discounted rates with specific doctors and hospitals in a particular area. In that case, you will pay less for visiting these “in-network” doctors. When you choose an in-network doctor, you can guarantee that the doctor accepts your insurance plan. 

Choose a Doctor With Expertise That Meets Your Specific Needs

Different doctors specialize in various types of medicine. Some specialize in a specific ailment, while others are only proficient in certain age groupings or types of patients. 

For example, you are a young adult needing primary care. In that case, you might consider choosing a doctor who specializes in young adults, who is up-to-date with the latest information on your specific condition, and who is familiar with your kind of body. The more you research your condition, the better you will be at finding a doctor who can give you the best care.

Ask for Referrals from Friends, Family, or Colleagues

A good way to find a doctor is to ask for referrals from people you know and trust. Some people prefer to find a doctor through word of mouth since a lot of office staff—including the doctors—rely on word of mouth to get new customers to visit their office.

Consider the Logistics

Regardless of how great a doctor you have chosen, it may not work out in the end if the office is too far away and if there is a long wait time. You may have to give up some time out of your day to see a doctor, so try to make it as convenient as possible. 

Before you sign up, make sure you can get to the location without hassle, and you can get a timely appointment without too much hassle. Also, make sure you can get an appointment when it is most convenient for you!

Read Reviews on the Doctor

You can also turn to the internet to see what others have written about the doctor. Nowadays, professional doctors and office staff have official websites outlining what they do and if they have any reviews. Other online sites will have reviews on the doctor, as well.

Call the Office and Ask Questions

Before you sign up, call the office and ask a few questions. First of all, make sure that you can get an appointment with the chosen doctor. You can also ask specific questions about how the office operates, what the office hours are like, how much the doctors charge, and the general quality of service you can expect.

The Best Primary Care Physician for You

Finding a new primary care physician is important, and it may take some time to find the right fit. Use these steps to find the right primary care for you. Although it may take some time, it will be worth it.

Aspen Medical Center is a medical clinic in Santa Fe and Espanola. We offer state-of-the-art primary care and urgent care services. Get in touch with us!