A strong partnership between you and your doctor is key to getting great care and reducing costs. A provider who not only knows your medical history, but understands what's important to you may be the resource you need most when you face a major healthcare decision.
A primary care physician, such as a family medicine doctor or an internist, who knows and understands your needs can be your most valuable health partner. Specialists who work with you on specific health problems are important and valuable members of your care team, but they may not see your whole health picture or get a good understanding of what's important to you.
When you choose a doctor, there are lots of questions to ask, but these three matter the most:
- Is the doctor well-trained and experienced?
- Will the doctor be available when needed?
- Will the doctor work in partnership with me?
Let’s look at little closer at these three topics.
Is the provider well-trained and experienced?
For most people, a good choice for a primary care physician is a board-certified family medicine doctor or an internist. For children and teens, a board-certified pediatrician or family medicine doctor is a good choice.
Doctors become board-certified by completing training in a specialty area and passing an examination to demonstrate that they have the skills and experience needed to practice that medical specialty. To maintain their certification, doctors must take continuing medical education courses and pass periodic examinations. Board-certified family doctors, internists and pediatricians have knowledge about many common medical problems.
Will the doctor be available when needed?
Because health problems rarely develop when it's convenient, it helps to have a doctor who can see you when needed. Ideally, you want the best doctor you can find who is conveniently located and who belongs to your health plan.
Other things you may want to consider include:
- If I called right now for a routine visit, how soon could I be seen?
- How much time is allowed for a routine visit?
- Will the doctor discuss health problems over the phone or online?
- What hospitals does the doctor use?
- Does your health plan provide coverage for this provider?
Will the doctor work in partnership with me?
During your first visit, tell your doctor that you would like to share in making treatment decisions. Pay attention to how you feel during the visit.
- Does the doctor listen well?
- Does the doctor speak to you in terms you can understand?
- Does the doctor spend enough time with you?
- Do you think you could build a good working relationship with the doctor?
If the answers are no, look for another doctor. It may take more than one visit for you to decide whether you will be able to work partner a doctor.
Benefits of having a resident physician as part of your Parkview care team
The Parkview Residency Center offers the unique opportunity to have a resident physician as part of your care team. A resident physician is a doctor who recently graduated from medical school and is continuing their education and training under the guidance of a supervising physician. Patients with a resident physician as part of their care team have access to:
- An individualized care plan with oversight by two highly qualified physicians
- The latest health information, practices and treatments
- Focused attention to help you achieve your health goals
For more information, visit parkview.com/ResidencyFAQs.
Finding the right doctor for you may take a little bit of time and effort, but, it’s worth it. A strong partnership between you, your doctor and your care team will allow you all to work together for your overall health and well-being. To start looking for the right doctor, visit our search tool here. You can also call our Access Center team for assistance any time, 24/7 at 877-PPG-TODAY or 877-774-8632.
Copyrighted material adapted with permission from Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.
