Family Doctors: Finding the Right One For Your Family

Every family needs a good doctor, but it can also be difficult to find one. Most doctors have an established base of patients and it can be difficult to find one with space to take new patients. It's also a challenge to find a Canadian GP that you are comfortable with.



A family physician is able to treat the entire family, from parents to kids. However, not every doctor is suited to this. Some still have old fashioned ideals about women or aren't good with kids. Sometimes it can take a bit to search out the right person for your family.



How do you go about finding the best family GP? Word of mouth is a great way to get someone trustworthy. When someone else recommends a doctor, it is very probable that they are doing so because they are happy with the results and with the physician's bedside manner. Getting someone to recommend a doc to you doesn't guarantee that he or she is right for your family, but it is a very good start.



There are a few things to look for in a doctor. First of all, it's best to encounter someone who is equally good with adults and children, even if there aren't any in the family yet. This ensures that the family can grow and not have to change GPs. Not all GPs are good with kids, so take the time to do some research.



A great doctor will also have space in his or her schedule to admit new patients. This is becoming increasingly harder for practitioners as there are so many patients. Most people don't like to wait several weeks or months for an appointment, so it's best to look for someone who can set up appointments within two to three weeks. Emergencies should be accommodated, as well.



One thing that can help with the frequent unavailability of a physician is to look into a clinic setting where several practitioners work and patients are moved between them, according to who is available on any given day. While this offers less chance to get to know just one person, it does ensure that there will always be someone attending. It might be a good idea to meet everyone who works at the clinic first and check out their credentials to see if the clinic is a good fit for your family.



Some people prefer to see a younger doctor, knowing that it is less likely he or she will retire anytime soon. That's not a guarantee though and many people are quite the opposite, preferring an older, more experienced GP. The choice depends on personal preference in the end.



Finding great doctors isn't always easy. Once the perfect one is found, however, it's worth it. Having someone the entire family can see, who is personable and knowledgeable and who is able to see patients relatively quickly, is invaluable. It is worth the time it takes to find the best person to see, since hopefully it will be a very long term relationship.

About the Author

When an individual is ill and in need of a remedy they should go and consult a physician. There are many different types of doctors or specialists who each focus in a specific field of medical practice such as paediatrics, or family practice.

6 Things Young Adults Should Know About Managing Their Health Care

Despite perceptions that young adults consider themselves young and invincible, the majority of Americans aged 18 to 26 are taking an active role in maintaining their health.

Two out of three young adults have a usual source of health care, and most are seeing a physician at least once a year for wellness exams and other preventive services, according to a nationwide poll conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

"Young adults seem to understand the correlation between having an ongoing relationship with a primary care physician and creating a healthy future," says Dr. Roland Goertz, president of the AAFP. "But unfortunately, when it comes to managing their health, they, like many others, often lack the experience or desire to navigate the complex health care system."

The health care reform law now enables young adults, up to age 26, to be covered under their parent or guardian's insurance plan.

"As more provisions of health care reform become effective, such as when restrictions related to pre-existing conditions are lifted, even more young adults will have access to health care," Goertz says. "Family physicians stand ready to provide the care they need, when and where they need it."

As more young people take advantage of this benefit, the AAFP offers the following tips to help them make the most of their health care interactions.

•    Establish a relationship with a family physician who will know you and your health history. Family physicians provide comprehensive care to people of all ages — ranging from preventive services to the diagnosis and treatment of acute illness and chronic conditions. They also treat depression and other mental health conditions. Most importantly, family physicians make it convenient for patients to get the care they need. Seventy-three percent offer same-day appointments nearly half offer early morning and evening appointments, and more than one in four communicate with patients via email.

•    Be open and honest with your doctor. Taking an active role in your health care can help you get the best care possible. Be sure to disclose any current and past health care issues or concerns. It's important to share any information you have, even if you're embarrassed.

•    Ask questions. Don't be afraid to speak up if you have questions or concerns. It's important to let your doctor know if you don't understand something. If you have questions before your appointment, write them down and ask them during the exam. Be sure to write down the most important questions first to make sure they get answered.

•    Play an active role in your medical decision making. Research shows that patients who are more involved with their care tend to get better results. You have a say in your medical treatment. Patients and doctors who share decision making are more likely to identify treatment plans they can both agree on.

•    Make sure your personal doctor is in charge of your care. This is especially important if you have many health problems or are in a hospital.

•    Understand your medical bills and keep medical paperwork organized. Learn to read and understand medical bills and explanations of benefits to know what's covered, what's not covered and why. Consolidate your medical care, health history and medical records, and organize your medical paperwork so you can review it easily if questions arise. Keep your medical receipts if you have a health savings account; you may be need to show them for tax purposes.

For more information about family physicians and tips for managing your health care, visitwww.familydoctor.org/smartpatientguide.

 

About the Author

newsusa