Top 5 Tips for finding the right Family Doctor

Raising a family means looking out for their health and well-being.  You of course want to be sure that they are taken care of, especially in a time where they may need medical attention. Taking care of these needs means finding the right doctor for your family.  A family doctor can easily grow to become a member of your extended family, they grow with your family and learn your stories and experiences, and because of this you want to make sure that you choose the right one.

Here are some tips for finding the right practitioner for your family.

1) Do it when you're healthy.

Have you ever heard someone tell you not to go grocery shopping when you are hungry ? The reason people say this is because you are more likely to think with your stomach and make more wasteful purchases.  The concept is similar when it comes to finding a family doctor.  When a family member is sick you are more likely to compromise and take the quick remedy rather than take the time to make the right choice.

2) Location and availability matter.

Finding a doctor that is close by or easily accessible is very important, especially when an emergency occurs during rush-hour.  The hours that your family practitioner has should also fit into your schedule.  A doctor that only sees patients between the hours of 11am and 2pm is not very useful to you if you can never get to them during that time.

Your family doctor should be available to respond to your needs, such as an urgent phone call, they should be able to handle special needs, and available for providing care outside of their office setting such as making a house call or a visit to a hospital.

3) A comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

You may not have any problems sitting in a cold and sterile waiting room, but your kids might.  Friendly staff and nurses can go a long way in taking away some of that unease that can come from a doctor’s visit.  Your kids will have a better time, because everybody feels bad when they have to stick a screaming child with a needle.

4) An interest in you and your family.

Walking in, getting the pills you want, and leaving might seem like a convenient way of getting treatment, but the reality is that this is anything but ideal.  A family practitioner should take an interest in your family and your family’s lifestyle.  This helps them to be better informed when making a decision in treatment and can help them in better predicting any problems that may arise.

5) Someone who you can be honest with.

Your doctor is not the only person who has to meet expectations.  You and your family need to meet the expectations that your family practitioner has.  Being able to have honest and open communication is essential to receiving the best care that you want.  Your doctor has other patients and other needs to attend to; they have to be able to rely on you for following their instructions for any medication or treatments.

Choosing the right family doctor is necessary when providing the right kind of care for your family. Take your time, consider your options, and find the right practitioner for your family. You'll be able to settle with some peace of mind knowing that if something does go wrong you'll be taken care of.