Find a Doctor Near You Who Best Meets Your Family’s Needs

Whether you have relocated to a new town or simply outgrown your family general practitioner (GP), there are many reasons why you might want to find a doctor that best meets your family’s needs. There are times that you may feel that the family GP you visited as a child may not be the best fit for your family, as an adult. You may feel the need to establish a connection with a different doctor who offers a different approach to taking care of your and your family’s medical needs. Alternatively, you might find yourself too far away from your trusted family doctor and need to find a new one.

Choosing a new family doctor is an important decision and will govern the health and welfare of your family for many years. Family-friendly, professional primary healthcare providers at Intercare Medical and Dental practices offer the following guidelines for you to consider in your search to find a doctor.

A Guide to Finding a Doctor Who Best Meets your Family’s Needs

 

Your medical aid might dictate your first electronic search. It is most convenient to find a doctor that accepts your medical insurance as this will save you from having to pay out-of-pocket for consultations and medication. Narrow your initial investigation to doctors’ practices near you that accept your medical insurance. Once you have compiled a comprehensive list of practices conveniently located that accept your health plan, ask colleagues, friends or neighbours if they could recommend anyone on your list. Referrals are always a great place to start.

Then, decide whether your GP should be located closer to your home, work, the kids’ school or somewhere in between. The convenience of the location and transportation to and from the doctor’s office is important. Also, decide on whether you prefer a general practitioner with a general knowledge of medicine or if you require them to have any specialised knowledge on individual ailments like sports injuries if you are prone to them or conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, for example.

If you have been able to produce a shortlist after following the above guidelines, do a quick online search of each doctor or practice. Try to ascertain their years of experience in practice and which institution they have graduated from if that is important to you. Doctors often speak of their qualifications, ongoing updates on their treatment methods and specialities on their websites or media platforms. If you are particular about the qualifications of your chosen doctor, you might want to search through associations they may be affiliated with, like the South African Medical Association, for example. Doctors with good standing within their communities are generally associated with notarised associations such as these.

Finally, you may need to find peace of mind in your search to find a doctor. This peace of mind might be dictated by your own needs and priorities or that of your family. Follow these nine guidelines to ensure that you are comfortable with your decision:

9 Considerations When You Are Looking to Find a Doctor

• Discuss and decide on the location of the doctor’s practice with your family. Is it easily accessible? Will the kids be able to get there using public transport if you are not available to take them, and, if you do take them, is there sufficient parking?
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• Select a language preference. Your GP of choice might be extremely well qualified. However, if you cannot understand what they are saying or you are challenged with understanding their professional opinions and diagnosis of your condition, the visit to your doctor may be a futile exercise.
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• Find a doctor that treats you with respect, listens to your opinions and concerns, encourages you to ask questions, explains your conditions in a way that you understand and has a genuine concern for you and your family’s health and wellbeing.
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• Is there a locum available when your doctor takes time off? Whom would you need to call in case of an emergency, after hours, or if your choice of doctor is not on duty? If the doctor is part of a group, who fills in for them and are you comfortable seeing other members of the practice?
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• If specialised treatment is needed, such as X-rays, laboratory tests, dental work, or psychology sessions, for example, are these treatments and facilities all under the same roof or do you need to travel to separate institutions for specialised care?
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• In the event of something more serious, which hospitals would your doctor refer you to? Are you comfortable being treated at these facilities and are these facilities covered by your medical aid? Do you need to cover up-front costs or initial deposits for admission?
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• Is the office staff courteous and friendly and do they accommodate children without parental supervision? Older children might need to see the doctor while you are at work. Is the staff able to extend professional courtesy to your kids in your absence and do they make them feel welcome?
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• How long do you have to wait for an appointment or do you have to wait for a return call from the practice? This might not seem important for a common cold or flu; however, for more serious concerns or a developing condition that you might not be able to self-diagnose, it is important to know that your GP can see you at fairly short notice or have an assistant or nurse who can call you back urgently.
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• Once conditions have been diagnosed and treatment has been advised, is there easy access to medication? The most convenient solution to this problem is if a pharmacist was on-site and able to fill prescriptions, if necessary.

Experience Healthcare in a Whole New Way

 

Situated in most major cities and their surrounding suburbs, Intercare Medical and Dental practices are conveniently located for all your and your family’s needs. Meeting most primary healthcare requirements all under one roof, Intercare offers convenient and comprehensive care to the whole family.

Extended hours, seven days a week are what we offer for your convenience. If you are looking to find a doctor who cares, is fully qualified, easy to communicate with and conveniently situated, then consider Intercare as your primary healthcare provider. From general practice to mental health management, Intercare is the leader in healthcare.

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