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Health Tips
6 Tips for Choosing a Healthcare Provider
By
May 14, 2016 - 10:57:49 AM

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - Your medical needs may not always be on your mind, but it's very important that you have healthcare providers you trust. No matter if you just need a general practitioner to handle various aches and pains or if you need a specialist to handle pre-existing conditions, knowing how to make the right choice can be the difference in your medical care. If you're currently in the market for a new healthcare provider, use the following six tips to help ensure you make the right choice.


1. Choose one that accepts your insurance.

No matter if you're using employee benefits from your work or opting for one you pay for out of pocket, choosing a doctor that is in your insurance network is beneficial. When a doctor is in your network, you will receive discounts on your medical care, and your insurance will also cover a portion of that cost. This means that you will pay less out of pocket for your medical care than you would if you either didn't have insurance or chose a doctor out of your network. Most of the time you can use a search field on your insurance provider's website to see a list of doctors in network, or you can always opt to call physicians directly and ask if they accept your insurance.


2. Choose one that's close to you.

Having a doctor nearby is important. After all, when you're sick or injured, you don't want to travel far to receive healthcare. However, choosing the right proximity should depend on certain factors, not just your home. For example, if you work far away from your home, and your doctor is only open during work hours, maybe it would be more convenient for you to find a doctor closer to work. This way, you can schedule appointments during your lunch break or before or after work and make it easier on you to find appointments.


3. Choose one that fits your schedule.

In addition to finding a doctor that's close to you, it's important to choose one that fits your schedule. Unfortunately most doctors have shorter hours, so try to find the one that is open early, open late, or open on the weekends. When you can find a doctor that fits your schedule, you'll be able to receive your desired healthcare without having to take vacation time off work to do so.


4. Choose one with great reviews.

Websites like Healthgrades offer feedback and reviews on doctors in your area. If you're looking for a new doctor, ask friends and family members for recommendations, or use these review sites to see what others are saying. Then, use this information to determine if you want to use that doctor or not at your practitioner. If you find that you're getting the same person as referrals, be sure to check them out and put them at the top of your list.


5. Know their specialties.

Some doctors are specialists in certain areas, and if you need a specialist, whether if you suffer from allergies, deal with behavioral health issues, or any other need, be sure you choose one that fits that profile. After all, you don't want to take your newborn baby to someone who specializes in senior care, so make sure to do your research.


6. Have a meet and greet.

Doctors know personal information about you, and it's important that you're comfortable with them. Most doctors will be happy to have a consultation or meeting with you so that you can get to know them, their practice, and their healthcare style. If you feel comfortable after this meeting, you can schedule your appointment. If you're not comfortable, then you should consider finding someone else in your area that you are actually comfortable with.


In addition to meeting with the physician, use this time to determine how you feel about the office and the staff. If you feel that it's dirty, if you think the staff is rude, or if you need to wait well past your scheduled time, take this into consideration when making your final decision.


Choosing the right healthcare provider is important, so you want to make sure that you're doing your research and making the smartest choice for your specific needs. By using these tips, you can help ensure that you make the right choice.

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