Your choice of healthcare provider can affect your health outcomes. Not all physicians are created equal, as each person is different and has unique qualities. It is recommended that patients really take their time in choosing a healthcare physician they can trust. This quality – trustworthiness – is very important and a keystone of the patient-physician relationship. Without trust, cooperation is at risk, which is necessary to build an effective relationship.
If you want to become proactive about your health, but are unsure of where to start, choosing a primary care provider is the first step to take. Let’s talk about the methods you can use to help you land a professional, trustworthy, and reputable physician.
Search for Primary Care Doctors Near You
Your primary care doctor’s clinic should be conveniently located near you. Close proximity is important, because it means you won’t have to hassle with traffic and long commutes to get the medical care you need. Clinics that are too far or too out-of-the-way, combined with time constraints (busy work schedules and home responsibilities) can cause you to avoid or miss appointments.
Check Credentials
You want a board-certified primary care doctor as your main physician. Board-certified physicians are skilled and knowledgeable in their chosen field, and have passed rigorous training and assessment standards. Board certification expires every few years, meaning physicians have to recertify. This communicates a commitment to continued learning and competency.
Check Online Reviews
It’s never been easier to look up a doctor’s reputation. Patient review sites are a valuable resource for assessing whether the doctor is right for you. When you read reviews, take each one with a grain of salt — opinions do not necessarily reveal how well the doctor provided care and treatment. However, factors such as demeanor and communication style may reveal themselves in reviews. It is not recommended that you base your choice solely on patient reviews.
Make an Appointment with the Physician
The best way to find out what the physician is like is to meet them. Make an appointment with the physician to see for yourself how the practice is run and whether you are comfortable with the doctor’s personal manner. It’s hard to build trust in a doctor you are not compatible with.
Health Care Physicians in New Jersey You Can Trust
Hudson MD Group is an independent medical practice composed of experienced, renowned, and respected physicians in New Jersey. Our healthcare physicians are key decision-makers in our practice, which allows them to retain their autonomy and focus on providing personalized and compassionate medical care to our patients. For your convenience, we have several locations from which to serve you, with clinics in Englewood, Fort Lee, Norwood, Palisades Park, and Ridgefield.
If you have any questions, or to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians, call our West Orange clinic today at (973) 705-4914 or use our online form to send us a message. We look forward to providing you with the exceptional health care services you deserve.
