A good doctor-patient relationship relies on a two-way exchange of information and feedback. The patient should always be able to feel comfortable opening up to their doctor.
One of the best ways to find a friendly doctor Adelaide Hills is by getting recommendations from friends or family. Another great resource is online reviews.
Ask for Recommendations
Your primary care physician is a trusted partner in your health. They are there to advise you, examine you and treat you. They are also there to listen and respect your needs, concerns, preferences and choices. So, it’s important to take the time to find a doctor that you are comfortable with and who can meet your healthcare goals.
If you are looking for a new primary care physician, ask friends and family members what doctors they like and why. You can also find doctors through online directories, but be sure to check the reputation of those websites before using them for research.
Look for Online Reviews
Seventy-one percent of patients say that online reviews are the first step in choosing a new healthcare provider. Moreover, “healthcare providers with high customer experience have 50% higher profit margins.” As such, providers must monitor their online reputation on patient review sites and take measures to address any negative reviews immediately.
If you want to find an LGBTQ-friendly physician, ask your community for recommendations or look for physicians on LGBTQ-specific directories like HealthDash and PraiseMD. You can also search for a physician by zip code or approach to care on websites like Vitals and Healthgrades.
Many medical practices are starting to put QR codes in their waiting rooms that direct patients to their doctor’s online profile or review page. This method makes it easy for patients to leave a quick, anonymous online review without having to type or search for the physician’s name.
Look for Certifications
Another important factor to consider is how comfortable you feel talking about your medical history with the potential doctor. If you’re worried about being open and honest, consider bringing someone along for support during your appointment. A friend or family member can help you ask questions and advocate for you during your consultation.
When you’re evaluating a physician, it’s also a good idea to look at their website and other online resources. Many physicians provide detailed information about their background and education on their websites, as well as their approach to care and any certifications they have earned. You can also check for a doctor’s board certification, which indicates that they have completed training and passed an exam to become certified in a particular area of medicine.
Look for Experience
Choosing a doctor is a lot like dating: You may meet one and find your physician for life, but that’s not always the case. Some patient-primary care physician relationships last decades, while others end when patients change insurance or move away. But, regardless of how long the relationship lasts, it’s important to select someone with whom you feel comfortable being honest, who has expertise in areas that match your needs, and who is “in-network” for your health plan.
Start by making a list of the qualities you prioritize in a primary care provider, such as whether they have evening office hours or are affiliated with a hospital or medical centre, speak your language or are LGBTQ-friendly, or are willing to refer you to other doctors who have more experience treating your condition. Also, please pay attention to the small things, such as how warm and welcoming their staff is and how well they listen.
Finally, make sure to give your new friendly doctor Adelaide Hills, feedback, even if it isn’t what you expected, so they know that your care is important and that their patient-centered approach is working for you. If you’re not getting the results you want, it’s OK to break up with your current doctor and start over — after all, your health depends on it.