8 Tips to Find a Healthcare Provider that Addresses All Your Needs

Did you know around one out of four Americans don’t seek medical care because of the cost? Yet, regular appointments and health care can prevent or catch health problems early.

If you want to learn how to find a reputable healthcare practice, we can help. In this guide, we’ll go over how to find a healthcare provider that will meet all your needs.

Want to learn more? Keep reading.

1. Consider a Natural Healthcare Provider

Do you have a disease or an advanced condition, look for a naturopathic doctor who specializes in integrative medicine.

You may want to work with someone who can help you improve your diet or lose some weight. Consider checking out some weight loss clinics to learn more. Find someone who offers personalized healthcare.

2. What Are Your Main Needs?

Internists, pediatricians, family doctors, and geriatrics are all considered primary care providers. Some people will want a doctor who has been trained to deal with a specific medical condition.

Everybody will have specific health needs, and the demands will change as people get older. When interviewing health care providers, ask them about their areas of interest.

If you have a chronic condition like neuropathy, find an experienced doctor. When you first talk to the doctor, ask them about their caseload and if they handle patients like you a lot.

If you want a specialist, first, make sure they are board-certified. Board certification will verify if the doctor is an expert in a particular area. Find a doctor who specializes by using Medicare’s Physician Compare tool.

When you have a list of doctors to interview, ask them about their specialty.

3. Ask Your Network for Recommendations

Another way to find a reputable primary care provider is to get a referral from people in your life.

Colleagues, friends, and relatives are great people to ask. Your relative might have someone in mind that would suit your needs best.

You could also ask other allied health professionals. Your dentist or pharmacist might know someone that would be the perfect fit for you.
Ask people in the healthcare industry and explain your specific needs.

4. Is the Healthcare Provider Accessible?

Before you choose anyone, you want to consider if you can easily access the services. Will you need to take a bus to the doctor’s office? Does public transportation bring you close to the provider?

If you are driving to the office, is there a lot of cheap parking available? Is the office in a safe area?

You’ll also want to find out where minor surgeries, lab tests, or blood work will get done. Can you get these things done at the doctor’s office, or do you need to travel?

Many primary care physicians will be able to do these procedures at their offices. If you need to travel, consider if the areas are accessible to you.

5. Can You Easily Get an Appointment?

Find out when the healthcare provider’s practice opens and closes. If your schedule isn’t fixed, find a provider who has appointments opening in the evening or on the weekend.

Also, is the practice super busy, or will you be able to get an appointment fairly quickly if needed?

Some people prefer telemedicine. Find out if the physician or healthcare provider will offer online evaluations. Will they call you? When you need a prescription refilled, can you request this over the phone?

6. Don’t Forget About the Staff

When you reschedule or make appointments or have a question, you’ll chat with the medical staff. Make sure you find a doctor and team that are patient and courteous.

You want to work with staff who will respect your privacy. Are they helpful, or do you always feel like they are in a rush to get off the phone?

7. Options For Insured and Uninsured People

Do you have health insurance? If you have insurance, you’ll need to find a doctor who’s in your network.

This way, you will keep your costs down. Before starting your search, find out what physicians are covered in your area.

Some insurance plans have more flexibility. You might be able to have a primary care doctor that isn’t in your network.

If you have to pay out of your pocket because you don’t have insurance, find out the cost of visits. You want to know what the price will be for doctor visits in the future.

You could also visit local clinics at Walgreens. Sometimes, doctors will prescribe certain medications. Yet, you can ask the pharmacist if they can recommend something cheaper.

8. Find a Healthcare Provider Who Communicates Well

When researching different healthcare providers, look for someone whose philosophy matches your beliefs.

Find a provider who will respect and listen to your decisions. You also want to learn about their treatment philosophy.

Make sure you interview a few healthcare providers. You can conduct the interview on the phone if you don’t want to go in person. Some practitioners will let you have an initial consultation free of charge.

For other people, you might need to schedule a visit.

Find a Healthcare Provider Today

We hope this guide on finding a healthcare professional was helpful. If you want to find a healthcare provider that meets your needs, ask for a recommendation.

When you call the provider, ask them about their experience and if they work with patients like you.

Are you looking for more lifestyle tips? Check out our sections on fitness and health.