Knowledgeable and Experienced Guidance

How can I choose a good doctor?

On Behalf of | Oct 15, 2018 | Medical Malpractice |

If you’re looking for a new primary care physician, you probably have a lot of questions. Finding the right doctor is crucial, as this person will be responsible for providing you with essential care. A good doctor also lessens the risk of a serious complication, which can cause injury or illness in some patients. WebMD offers the following advice in this case, which can help you choose the best doctor for your specific needs.

How are you treated by the staff?

When calling to make an appointment, how are you treated by the doctor’s staff? You’ll be interacting with the staff quite a bit, and it’s crucial that you feel comfortable doing so. When staff are dismissive or incompetent, it can have a real effect on the care you receive. The staff is an extension of the doctor you’re seeing, so it makes sense that they’d strive to offer the best service possible.

Must you wait a long time for an appointment?

Long wait times for an appointment could signal a care provider that is ill-equipped to provide the best care possible. Additionally, if you have a pressing medical concern, waiting months for an appointment may not be feasible. While wait times are common for new patients, you want to steer clear of any office that asks you to wait for an exorbitant amount of time just to be seen for your first exam.

Who can you call with after-hours questions?

It’s natural for patients to have questions about medications or other issues after-hours. You want to make sure that you can easily contact your care provider with these concerns and that messages will be relayed promptly. For instance, if you experience bothersome but not necessarily urgent side effects after taking a medication, it’s important that you’re able to get in touch with your medical provider for assistance.