At some point in your life you will have to find a new doctor. It might be due to a move, insurance changes, your doctor retired or just because, at 30 you really are too old to still be seeing your childhood pediatrician! Whatever the reason, it’s going to happen.

But how do you find the right one? Depending on where you live there could be hundreds or even thousands of options. Choosing the wrong one will be frustrating and time consuming at least, possibly worse.

Choosing a new family doctor is serious business and should not be taken lightly. You want to find one you can live with for a long time, one that will true care about you! Consider the following mistakes and then avoid them!

Don’t Be Rash With That Rash

Something has gotten under your skin and you’re in a rush to see a doctor. Don’t settle for the first opening just because they have an opening. You are not the only one in your community that goes to the doctor! The single best resource you have are the other people in your community. Ask around. Ask a lot! It won’t take you long to figure out your best options. Most people are very inclined to share their experiences, good or bad.

We live in a highly reviewed culture. Everything from the food we eat to the socks we wear. You can find a review for it all. At first I didn’t pay much attention to reviews, but now I don’t buy much of anything without checking out at least one review, if not many. Check out what people say about the family doctor you are considering before making a commitment.

Pick A Family Doctor With The Wrong Philosophy

A doctor of Philosophy won’t be able to help with what ails you, but a family doctor with the wrong philosophy can definitely make things worse! I don’t imagine most people give much thought to principles and ideals that underpin their healthcare, but they should. In fact, in our culture there are a many philosophies that have a massive impact on the healthcare system. Not to get sidetracked, but just to mention a couple. We will do anything to avoid pain and death and our entrenched commitment to these tenets has massive implications for healthcare and the associated costs, but that is a topic for another post.

Likewise, the philosophy of care espoused by your physician, directly impacts you. Asking your doctor is a great place to start in discovering what drives them, but their behavior often speaks the loudest.

• How do they run their practice? Is the care and attention you receive more comparable to a McDonalds drive through or coffee and conversation with a close friend?
• How do they interact with you? Do they listen? When you leave do you feel heard and cared for?
• What is their goal for you? Do you feel that above all else they want you to be healthy? Do they work to understand and treat the underlying problem or simply treat your symptoms and rush on to the next patient?

I am, I am Superman and I Know What’s Happening

One of my favorite REM songs for sure and I love to use that line on my kids, but the fact is….I am not and I don’t. As my youthful invincibility fades away, having a family doctor that really knows me and cares deeply about my health and well being becomes increasingly important!

It is gratifying and comforting when some cares enough to dig deeper, pushes to find the answer and follow up. Studies show that the healthier the relationship between doctor and patient, the healthier the patient. It’s really part of our nature as humans. Babies that are held more are healthier. I wouldn’t necessarily suggest that you ask your doctor to hold you more, but finding a doctor that offers the equivalent level of care will increase your health!

Innova Primary Care – A Family Doctor That Stands Out

If you have spent any time at all in doctor’s offices over the years, you will immediately recognize the difference when you walk in to Innova Primary Care. From the moment you walk in the front door, you know Innova is different, but that is just the beginning.