Primary care physicians (or PCPs) are usually the first doctors contacted by patients. A primary care physician helps their patients with preventive care, including routine physical tests, screenings, and immunizations. A PCP also diagnoses and helps their patients manage common chronic conditions and ailments such as diabetes and hypertension.
You need to be very careful when choosing a primary care doctor in Sonoma. Look for a professional you can fully trust and feel comfortable with.
Here are some tips to help you find the right primary care doctor for your needs.
Ask for Recommendations
Ask your family and friends to recommend PCPs. You may feel more comfortable seeing a doctor recommended by someone you can trust. Check online reviews and ratings.
Look for a Provider Whose Expertise Matches Your Needs
Check whether your preferred PCP’s specialty matches your needs. Look for a doctor who is qualified to meet your specialized needs. For instance, you have type-2 diabetes, look for a doctor with extensive experience managing your condition.
If you have kids and are looking for a family doctor, consider family practice doctors with extensive experience of treating the entire family.
Think About Convenience
Look for a doctor close to your home or work. This will help ensure that the professional is there when you need them within a short period. Inquire whether the clinics you are considering have parking on-site for patients.
Look for a clinic that has an online system that can be used for requesting prescription refills and scheduling appointments. The clinic must have a system that enables patients and doctors to communicate with each other via emails and access health records online in place.
Look for a Doctor who is in-network
Look for a provider who accepts your insurance plan. You will pay much less to see a doctor who is in-network than an out-of-network provider. To find whether a doctor is in-network, call your insurance company or the doctor’s office. Before seeing a doctor, get answers to any questions you may have about their billing practices. Searching for home care? Our At Home care Richland services assist your loved one in leading a happy and fulfilling life at home.
Do a Quality Check
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, call your insurance company to check whether they have any information regarding your preferred primary care doctors’ quality ratings in your network.
Check whether your doctor is Board certified. To earn board certification, a doctor has to meet the licensing requirements of their state and pass comprehensive exams in internal medicine.
Dr. Guy is one of the most respected primary care doctors in Sonoma. He has extensive experience of creating personalized treatment and wellness plans for his patients. To consult him, call (707) 938-1255.
