Everything You Need to Look for When Selecting a Primary Care Doctor

Did you know that the United States has the lowest life expectancy among other wealthy nations? On average, Americans are dying at 76 years old. In comparable countries, people are living to at least 82 years old.

One reason is that many Americans are forgoing primary care. A recent report concluded that roughly 100 million Americans do not see a primary care doctor.

You can stay on top of your health by visiting a primary care physician (PCP). Read on to learn about selecting a primary care doctor. Explore tips on how to get the best primary care experience and review options for doctors.

Search Online

You can start your search for a PCP on the internet. Both social media and internet search engines are powerful tools for finding doctors.

Here, you can locate board-certified primary care doctors that offer services near you. In Missouri, for example, you will find health providers like Compass Health Network.

Once you locate a PCP, make sure that they are considered in-network for your health insurance. Reading online patient reviews is also an important step in the process.

You want to select a doctor that is reputable and receives largely positive feedback from the community. While not every client is going to be satisfied, you want to make sure that most are happy.

Verify Credentials

It is wise to verify your health provider’s credentials. You can often do this by reviewing the doctor’s or health network’s website.

The typical physician website has an “About Us” landing page. Select this and learn more about the doctors at the practice.

You can explore where the doctor attended medical school and how long they have been in practice. For larger medical networks, you can research multiple doctors and select one that is most compatible with your preferences.

Compare Costs

Comparing treatment costs is another important step in the process. There are a number of variables that affect the patient’s financial responsibility.

The patient’s health insurance is the primary determiner of cost. Some patients have employer-based insurance, while others use government programs like Medicaid or Medicare.

The best medical providers try to reduce barriers to access. There are still many Americans without health insurance that require care.

For example, Compass Health Network has a sliding fee discount program. They offer this to patients that meet specific requirements for income and family size. Before making an appointment, ask the office about treatment costs based on your situation.

Your Guide to Selecting a Primary Care Doctor

You are now ready to search for and pick a PCP. The doctor that you select should have certain attributes that make them stand out. These characteristics include a positive reputation and sound medical credentials.

Also, it is important that your doctor works within your budget and family’s needs. If you are in the process of selecting a primary care doctor, contact us today to get started at Compass Health Network.