Having regular checkups with a primary care physician (PCP) can improve your overall health and help you successfully maintain it. There are many primary care providers to choose from, but they all have individual qualities that you will want to evaluate before making an appointment.
Choosing a primary care provider you are incompatible with can lead you to neglect your health and not keeping up with your appointments. It may sound strange, but you do want to have a certain degree of chemistry with your family doctor – you don’t want to feel like you’re speaking different languages.
It’s best not to wait until you get sick before you choose a primary care doctor. Plus, some insurance plans require that you choose a primary care provider before you can see any specialists because the doctor will provide referrals to medical specialists as necessary.
How to Find the Right Primary Doctor for You
Here are a few tips on how to choose a primary care doctor who will work for you:
Check the List of Primary Care Providers in Your Network
Your health insurance plan has a list of primary care providers who are within the network and accept your coverage. This will help to narrow down your search criteria. Doctors who are accepting new patients are usually listed on a health insurance website, and from there you can begin your research by checking each physician’s website and getting a feel of who they are and what they’re like.
Consider Your Specific Health Needs
Primary care providers are internal medicine physicians (internists, serving adults only), family medicine physicians, general practitioners, and pediatricians (for children). Internists have a deep understanding of chronic health conditions that tend to affect adults, whereas family medicine physicians and general practitioners provide care to patients of all ages. Pediatricians have in-depth knowledge of health conditions and development issues that can affect babies and children.
Gynecologists have a vast and specific knowledge of women’s health issues, especially concerning reproductive health; most urologists serve men in a very similar way. Both of these types of medical specialists are accustomed to being their patients’ sole medical provider, so they are usually well-versed in many general health issues.
Consider the Convenience
The right primary care provider for you will have a location that is convenient for you to visit, such as one that is close to your home or workplace. Another important consideration is the doctor’s hours: Does the clinic have extended hours? Is it open on Saturdays? If possible, you’d want to choose a clinic with extended or weekend hours so that you don’t have to take time off from work to see your physician.
Same-Day Primary Care in Midlands, SC
If you are looking for a seasoned primary care provider, our physicians at SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation are here for you. We deliver the highest-quality family healthcare – including generalists, specialists, therapists, and diagnostic services – and you’re sure to find a doctor you can trust and who meshes well with your personality.
For your convenience, we accept same-day appointments. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, call SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation today at (803) 749-1111 or request an appointment now via our online form. We look forward to serving you!
