Tips on Choosing the Right Doctor for You

When choosing a doctor there's a lot to think about. Experience, specialty, professional interests, health plans accepted, and more. So we've put together a list of questions to ask yourself when choosing a doctor.

• Are you choosing a Primary Care Physician?
• Do you want a doctor who is close to home or work?
• Are you more comfortable with a male or a female doctor?
• Do you have any language requirements?
• Does the doctor accept your health insurance?
• Do you want a doctor who specializes in a certain type of medicine?

Are you choosing a Primary Care Physician?

A primary care physician (PCP) such as a family medicine physician or an internist who knows and understands your needs can be your most valuable health partner. A host of specialists who work on separate health problems complete your health team, but it is your PCP who typically sees your whole health picture and has a good understanding of what's important to you.

Traditionally, PCPs fall into three specialities:

Family Medicine. A family medicine practitioner is a medical doctor who specializes in the total health care of the individual and the family. A family practitioner can diagnose and treat a variety of health conditions and diseases for people of all ages and both genders.

Internal Medicine. An internist is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of adults. People can choose an internist as their primary doctor for regular checkups and for treating illness. Internists can also specialize in areas such as allergy, cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, infectious disease and rheumatology.

Pediatrician. Pediatricians treat children from birth through adolescence.

OB/Gyn. Women will often choose a gynecologist or obstetrician for their primary care needs.

When you have a physician you know and trust, you feel comfortable talking about anything. And, all your basic care--including routine exams, preventive care and treatment for illnesses or injuries--goes more smoothly and easily. Your PCP also knows when it's best to refer you to a specialist.


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Do you want a doctor who is close to home or work?

Keep in mind that most doctors' appointments are scheduled during the day, Monday through Friday. So you should consider where you are during those times. At work? At home? Helping out at your children's school? This will help you find a doctor who is the most convenient for you.
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Are you more comfortable with a male or a female doctor?

Discussing health issues and treatments can be a very personal experience. It's important that you are comfortable talking to your doctor about any medical situation that may come up. Deciding whether you prefer a male or female doctor can ensure that you are as comfortable as possible.
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Do you have any language requirements?

Let's face it, treatments and diagnoses can be pretty complex regardless of what language they're in. That's why it's important for you and your doctor to be able to communicate without any language barriers. Choosing a doctor who speaks your native language will help ensure good communication.
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Does the doctor accept your health insurance?

To avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket health care expenses, you will want to find a doctor who accepts your health insurance. While most of the doctors affiliated with Eden Medical Center accept most major health plans, you will want to check to make certain that yours is on the list. We strive to keep this information as complete and current as possible, however it's a good idea to contact the physician's office or your health plan Customer Service Department regarding the specifics of your plan type and coverage. And if your PCP refers you to a specialist, it's always a good idea to make sure that specialist accepts your insurance.
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Do you want a doctor who specializes in a certain type of medicine?

The Sutter Health network consists of thousands of specialists in communities across Northern California. When choosing a specialist, it is a good idea to make sure the physician is covered under your insurance plan. If you have an HMO plan you will probably need to obtain a referral or authorization from your primary care physician before scheduling a visit with a specialist.
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