Four Important Factors When Choosing a Primary Care Physician in Treasure Valley

Your Treasure Valley primary care physician is your go-to resource for your healthcare needs. They will give you advice, education, examination, and treatment, as well as help you make decisions regarding your health and wellbeing. This makes it essential to find a physician you can trust. The best doctor is someone you feel comfortable having honest conversations with and someone who has expertise in the areas that meet your health needs. Regardless of how long you plan to see your primary care physician, the relationship you have with them is an important one.

To find the right physician, you must determine what’s important to you in a doctor-patient relationship. The following are some of the important considerations you should have in mind when picking a primary care physician:

Your Health Needs

There are various kinds of doctors who are identified as primary care physicians and you want to ensure you choose one who meets your healthcare needs. Family practice doctors can treat patients of all ages. They can treat a wide variety of conditions and ailments you would normally see a specialist for such as sports injuries or some women’s health issues. Doctors who specialize in international medicine often treat adults and specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of diseases and chronic conditions. Lastly, general practice doctors can also treat patients of all ages and gender. Doctors who practice a kind of alternative medicine with special focus on the musculoskeletal system known as osteopaths belong to this category of physicians.

Logistics and Office Hours

If you are like most patients, you probably prefer to visit a local physician’s office over one that is miles away from your home. When considering your doctor’s location, you should also think about safety and the cost of parking. Also, consider the days and times the doctor sees patients. Do you have to take time off work to visit the office or you can go after work or on weekends? Consider checking which hospital the doctor admits patients to and where they perform procedures such as laboratory tests, X-rays, and minor surgeries.

The Doctor Who Accepts Your Health Insurance Plan

The majority of health plans have negotiated discounted rates with some physicians and hospitals in Treasure Valley and you will save money on out-of-pocket costs when visiting these doctors. By choosing an in-network physician, you can avoid a surprise “out-of-network” charge or having to pay in full out-of-pocket when your chosen doctor doesn’t accept your insurance plan.

If you do not have health insurance and will be paying out of pocket, consider talking to your potential doctor about the cost of office visits. It helps to know about costs in advance, so you can plan your future visits.

Staff Friendliness and Professionalism

You will be engaging with the office staff of your primary care doctor regularly. You will interact with them when making or rescheduling appointments, resolving billing issues, and asking for refills. That is why you want an office with courteous and patient staff. Also, the staff should help facilitate contact between you and the doctor.