A general practitioner (GP) is a medical physician who focuses on your overall health. They work with patients of all ages and can diagnose, treat, and prevent a wide range of acute and chronic illnesses to keep you in the best health possible. If you are considering a GP for your ongoing care, use the following tips to ensure you get the high quality health provisions you deserve.
Why Choose a General Practitioner?
A GP, also known as a primary care physician (PCP), can be an excellent choice for all your healthcare requirements. They carry out a range of services, such as routine physicals, immunizations, sick visits, chronic illness care, and providing health education. They can also coordinate and manage specialist care when necessary. Because their duties are not confined to a specific area of medicine, they are highly-skilled at working with patients who may have multiple health issues, making them a great option for all your short and long-term health needs.
Choosing A General Practitioner
Research carried out by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality in 2010 estimated that there were approximately 209,000 practicing PCPs in the U.S, making choosing one a potentially daunting process. To help ensure you choose a general practitioner that is right for you, consider the following criteria:
- Ask around. To help you find an experienced and highly-skilled GP, look for recommendations from trusted sources, such as a friend, relative, neighbor, or work colleague. If you are moving to a new city, ask for recommendations from your current PCP or any other healthcare professionals you are involved with, as they may be able to help you find a good GP in your new area.
- Do your research. If you are researching online, ensure you use trustworthy websites to help you, such as the American Medical Association (AMA) or MedlinePlus website, which provide access to a directory of certified doctors in your area.
- Explore the GP’s websites. Once you have selected potential GPs who are geographically accessible to you, take the time to investigate their websites and overall online presence. Check whether they provide any additional services at their facility that may benefit you or your family, particularly if you have specific health needs, or you have young children. Some GPs work within a multi-specialty practice and may provide access to additional onsite care such as cardiology, podiatry, or women’s health services.
- Consider what is important to you. This may include the location of the GP, whether they are accessible by public transport, or whether they provide provisions such as telehealth, same-day appointments, or extended opening times. Your circumstances and health needs will help determine which GP facility works best for you.
- Check your insurance plan to see if there are any restrictions and if there is a preapproved list of PCPs. It pays to see exactly what is included in your plan and to check if your selected GP is covered by your insurance to avoid any unexpected expenses.
- Research patient testimonials and online reviews to learn what existing patients are saying about a GP. They can be a useful way to assess the quality of a healthcare provider and their overall service and standard of care. Restrict your search to GP facilities that have positive patient reviews. Patient testimonials can often be found in places such as business directories, Google, the practice website, and on social media networks, such as Facebook.
- Use other resources. Patient satisfaction surveys can provide useful information about scheduling, availability, and the GP’s manners. Also, if you are planning to access healthcare through your insurance, your insurer may be able to provide information about the quality ratings of a specific provider within your network.
- Verify the GP is board-certified and has the necessary accreditations and experience to provide you with high quality care. GPs have a broad range of knowledge and receive regular training to ensure they are up-to-date with the latest medical advancements, treatments, and other relevant health matters.
- Arrange a consultation with the GP to ensure you feel comfortable with them and that they are able to address your needs effectively. Your GP is responsible for overseeing your overall health and should take the time to listen to you and support you. If you are unsure or feel uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to look elsewhere. Your GP is often the first person you turn to when you are at your most vulnerable, so ensuring you choose someone you can trust and feel comfortable with is important.
Multi-Specialty Practice Near Me in Northern New Jersey
If you are looking for comprehensive healthcare, visit Hudson MD Group. We provide cost-effective primary and specialty medical care for patients of all ages and have care centers conveniently situated throughout northern New Jersey to ensure you get the high quality healthcare you deserve.
Your health is our top priority and our providers endeavor to provide the very best medical attention and treatments for all your healthcare needs. To find out more, call us at (973) 705-4914 or contact us at the location nearest to you. Alternatively, you can send us a message.
