Your search for the right primary care doctor can feel overwhelming at times, because it’s an important decision to make. Ideally, your PCP should provide you with great care, compassion, and excellent service. But these days, overcrowded clinics and overbooked physicians are just two of the many challenges you face in your quest to choose the right PCP.
You know the adage, “It’s not personal; it’s business.” Well, when it comes to choosing a PCP, it’s just about as personal as it can get. While there may be several options in your area or network, remember that you are choosing your main healthcare provider who will help guide you and advocate for your best possible health. So, before you decide on a PCP, there are a few critical things to consider.
Expertise
Your PCP should have the education and professional experience to diagnose and treat a broad range of acute and chronic medical conditions, and should be an expert in preventive medicine.
Board certification is considered the “gold standard” in terms of qualifications. General internists who are board-certified are qualified to diagnose and treat patients with a wide range of health issues and symptoms. Internists are specifically trained in the interrelated nature of body systems and disease. It’s said that internists are like medical philosophers who carefully consider all aspects of a patient’s symptoms and medical conditions.
Access
In case acute illness strikes, you want to be seen quickly, ideally by the doctor you know and trust. Ask the staff at any practice you consider engaging if same- or next-day appointments can be arranged in case of a sudden medical problem.
Even if it’s not an emergency, being seen soon, and without long waits, is important in light of your busy lifestyle.
Comfort and Assurance
Though many people find modern medicine to be more hurried and impersonal, that’s not a given. It’s still possible to establish a relationship with your PCP that is meaningful and long-lasting.
For that to happen, it’s essential that your doctor has the ability to spend the time with you to come up with a personalized diagnostic and treatment plan.
Top-notch primary care involves getting to know a patient, having the time to perform a careful history and physical exam, and coordinating care and advocating for patients when specialists need to be involved.
What You Can Do
If you are looking for a PCP, contact us any time. We provide personalized, patient-centered care for acute and chronic conditions, as well as preventive care for individuals throughout the adult lifespan, from young adulthood to middle age to the senior years.
To learn more about the benefits of concierge medicine and what we have to offer, schedule a complimentary consultation today. Call (301) 545-1811 or get started online.
