It is important to find a primary care doctor you can be open with and talk to freely. Good communication with your doctor is one of the most important factors in getting the best healthcare. This relationship allows your doctor to get to know you and your health baseline, helping them make medical decisions that fit your values and lifestyle. They can also coordinate with any other specialists or healthcare providers you may need.
Taking an active role in your health care puts the responsibility for good communication on both you and your primary care doctor. You should feel comfortable asking questions if you’re unclear about something, bringing up concerns even if your doctor doesn’t ask, and letting them know about any changes to your daily life or worries about a particular treatment.
Is it Time for a Change?
If you don’t have a primary care doctor or aren’t comfortable with the one you have, it may be time to find a new one. Don’t worry about hurting your current doctor’s feelings—they understand that different people have different needs and that finding the right fit is essential. Whether you’ve just moved to the Sacramento area, switched insurance providers, or had a poor experience with your previous doctor or medical staff, it’s worth the time and effort to find a doctor you trust.
Starting Your Search
The first step in finding the right doctor is deciding what’s most important to you. Make a list of qualities you’re looking for. Do you prefer a male or female doctor? Are weekend hours or a specific hospital affiliation important? Do you want a doctor who is part of a larger group practice or works alone? After you’ve made your list, go back and prioritize what’s most important and what’s just a “nice-to-have.”
Once you have a sense of what you’re looking for, ask friends, family, and other healthcare professionals for recommendations. Rather than just getting a name, ask about their experiences. For example, “What do you like about Dr. Smith?” or “Does this doctor take time to answer questions?” A doctor whose name comes up often is a strong possibility.
Remember, if you have a managed care plan like an HMO or PPO, you may need to choose a doctor from a specific network to avoid extra costs. These plans usually have websites with lists of participating doctors and information on their backgrounds.
Resources for Your Search
- Online Databases: The American Board of Medical Specialties’ Certification Matters database can help you find certified doctors in your area, and the Medicare.gov Physician Compare tool can help you find doctors who accept Medicare.
- Local and State Medical Societies: Don’t forget to check with these organizations to see if any complaints have been filed against the doctors you are considering.
When searching, you may come across the term “board certified.” This means a doctor has completed extra training after medical school and passed an exam to demonstrate their expertise in a specific area, like family medicine. Certification is a great way to learn about a doctor’s medical expertise, but it doesn’t tell you about their communication skills.
Narrowing Down Your List
Once you’ve narrowed your list to a few candidates, visit their websites or call their offices. A practice’s website is a great place to find information about a doctor’s education, qualifications, office policies, and accepted insurance plans. Pay attention to how you’re treated by the office staff, as you’ll be communicating with them often.
You may even want to schedule an introductory meeting with a potential doctor. They may charge for this, but it’s a great opportunity to see if you feel comfortable. If you’re not satisfied, you can move on to your next candidate.
When you meet, consider asking questions like:
- Do you have many patients like me?
- How do you feel about involving my family in care decisions?
- Can I call or email you or your staff with questions? Do you charge for that?
- What telehealth services do you offer?
- What are your thoughts on complementary or alternative treatments?
Making Your Choice
When you’re ready to make a decision, ask yourself a few key questions:
- Did the doctor give me a chance to ask questions?
- Did the doctor seem to be listening to me?
- Could I understand what the doctor was saying? Did I feel comfortable asking them to clarify?
Once you’ve chosen a doctor, schedule your first official appointment. Bring your medical records, a list of your medications, or the medications themselves. If you haven’t already met the doctor, ask for some extra time during this visit to get to know them and their practice.
For more information on finding a primary care physician, check out our Primary Care Physician Checklist.
For more information on each of our physicians and team members, check out our Provider directory.
For New Patient information, check our Patient Resources.
For frequently asked questions about River Bend Medical Associates, see our FAQs.
