Going to the doctor is a necessary part of life. Wellness visits help ensure that you’re staying on top of your health, and you want someone you trust that you can turn to when you’re feeling sick.

Finding a new doctor can be a hassle, and many people turn to the first doctor that takes their insurance and is accepting new patients. A doctor/patient relationship is important and you want to be sure that the office you choose to visit is the right one for you.

So, how do you find the right doctor who you can trust to put your health and needs first? Check out these 4 questions that will help you find a doctor that you can build a lasting relationship with.

Do They Have Good Reviews?

You should never go to a doctor who you don’t trust or feel comfortable with. Thankfully, with the help of the internet, it’s easy to vet any practitioners that you’re considering seeing. Make a list of all the doctors in your area that accept your insurance and start digging.

Many physicians have their own websites where they talked about their practice and the types of services that they offer. You can also look at reviews that others have posted online detailing their experience with each doctor.

There are great resources for this now, like Healthgrades, that have reviews from current and previous patients. You can search for a specific doctor or by your zip code. This can give you the confidence you need to reach out and make that first appointment.

Do They Offer Alternative Appointments?

In today’s world, it’s not always convenient or safe to make a trip to the doctor’s office. No one knows if restrictions will be put into place with the rise of a new COVID strain, and many of us are so used to communicating with healthcare professionals at home that it’s become the new normal.

Before deciding on a new healthcare practitioner, you should check to see if they offer alternative appointments online. Seeing a doctor online can save you time and be particularly helpful for people who struggle with social anxiety. The best doctors want to help meet their patients’ needs, and offering online appointments is a good indication that they understand the importance of alternative appointments.

Do They Dispense Medication At Their Office?

Have you ever considered how much time you would save if you could get your medication straight from the doctor’s office? Having to make an extra trip from the doctor to a pharmacy can be a huge hassle and time-killer.

Some doctor’s offices offer prepackaged medication dispensing so you can get your medication at the end of your appointment. Not only will this save you a ton of time, but it will also make the whole experience of going to your doctor more cohesive.

You won’t have to worry about the pharmacy taking ages to fill your prescription and setting back your day even further. This is a great question to ask any physician that you’re considering seeing.

Will You Feel Comfortable?

This is a personal question that only you can answer, but it’s the most important one. If the doctor you’re considering seeing has good reviews, offers online appointments, and has a medication dispensing system in place, then what else should you consider that will help you feel comfortable?

If you’re a person who’s struggling with mental health, then you should check that the doctor you’ll be seeing is mental health-friendly. Thankfully, it’s not popular to disparage people suffering from mental health problems anymore, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t happen.

There’s still a stigma around mental health and some physicians may not be sympathetic to your struggles. This is something you should keep an eye out for when you’re looking through reviews and their website.

Another thing to consider is whether you’d feel more comfortable with a male or female doctor. If you’ve had bad experiences in the past that make you uneasy around a certain sex, then this is something you shouldn’t ignore.

Finally, will they be accepting of your lifestyle? In this day and age, people are more open and accepting than ever, but not everyone is there yet. You need to be able to trust your doctor and if they have a problem with some aspect of your lifestyle, then you won’t be able to confide in them and get the help you need.

Don’t overlook your comfort levels for convenience’s sake. If you have to travel a little further out of your area to find the perfect doctor for you, then that’s what you should do. You can always call the physician’s office to ask if they’ll be supportive of your lifestyle if you can’t find the information you need online.

Final Thoughts

Switching doctors can happen for a lot of reasons. Maybe you’ve moved or obtained new insurance. Either way, you’ll want to find a doctor that you trust to meet your needs and who has a good reputation.

Every patient should think about these 4 questions before committing to seeing a new doctor. It can save you time and trouble in the long run and will help you feel confident in the new doctor/patient relationship you’ll be building.