Choosing the Right PCP

I knew this would happen.  After detailing the function of internists, many of you wondered (and in several cases asked), “where and how can I find the right physician for me?”  Let me first say that this is a great question and is the first step in the right direction in terms of taking ownership of your health.  Let’s dive right in using the following steps:

Step 1: Ask people with similar taste, personality, and background who their primary care physician is--much in the same way you seek out a church home, realtor, or financial advisor.  This will be particularly effective for those of you who have access to a middle-aged peer group.  For those of you who are younger adults, this approach may not be as high-yield.  Either way, it’s a good place to start.

Step 2: Identify the top healthcare network(s) in your area.  Given the current climate of healthcare in the United States and the trend of more and more internists and other primary care physicians (including obstetricians/gynecologists) affiliating with healthcare systems, finding a strong, reputable medical home is essential to attaining high tier quality care.  Your primary care physician will become your gateway, or guide, in navigating said medical healthcare system, which includes specialists, labs, testing facilities, hospitals, urgent-care clinics, and, more often than not, an integrated electronic medical record.

Step 3: Most of the healthcare systems have user-friendly websites.  Visit them, and do some research on the doctors they employ.  Do a physician search based on things like location (close to work, home, or school(s)), age (younger versus older), sex (male versus female), etc.  From there, you will likely have access to doctor profiles.  These profiles will allow you to actually see the physicians, look at their medical training, view their special interests, and in some instances even see their hours.

Step 4:  See what else is out there on the internet about your selected physician(s).  I’d be very careful looking at consumer rating websites.  There are a lot of malicious people who spew nasty, unwarranted opinions and reviews on consumer sites.  However, you may find helpful interviews and profiles online that give you more insight into your potential new physician(s).  Narrow down your preference from there.

Step 5: Pick out one or two physicians and then make sure your insurance is accepted in their offices.

Step 6: Make an appointment and go!  I wouldn’t worry about having old records from any previous doctors sent over until your potential new physician asks.  Nevertheless, I would go into the initial appointment with an organized medical/surgical history, medication list, selected pharmacy, and knowledge of any medication allergies.