Health Topics for General Health

How to choose a family physician

Primary care physicians handle a broad range of problems for people of all ages. They can treat acute and chronic illnesses. When needed, they refer patients to other specialists. Family care physicians must complete a 3-year residency and pass a national board exam. Their residency programs cover areas of internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, and orthopedics.

Moving to a new area or joining a new health plan requires choosing a new provider. Do not be tempted to make a quick decision. Make the choice when you are healthy, not sick.

Some tips to help choose the correct primary care physician are:

• ask for referrals from friends, colleagues, pharmacists, or the county or state medical society
• after choosing one or more possible providers, call to verify that the provider is accepting new patients
• check on the provider's credentials. Board certified physicians have received additional training (up to 7 years) in a medical specialty and have passed a national board exam. Some providers use the term "board eligible" for the first year or two after training before taking the exam. Beware of physicians who use it continually, because they have never passed the exam. Check on certification by calling the local, county, or state medical society. Any state's medical licensing board can verify whether the provider's license is current or expired.
• contact the provider's office and ask about office hours and appointments, location, payment policy, and insurance coverage
• schedule an interview to meet and get to know the provider. This will give a clear idea of the provider's approach. How is emergency care handled? Who is the medical backup when the provider is away? Is telephone consultation available to patients?
• while at the office, notice how the office looks and how patients are greeted. Expect courtesy, respect, dignity, and responsiveness.

If the health insurance or HMO coverage limits the choice of providers, obtain a provider directory. Check the plan's directory for names, locations, and other information.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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