Finding the best internal medicine doctors near me is not an easy task – and it shouldn’t be! An internal medicine doctor does more than just chat over your health concerns. He diagnoses and treats you, and nurtures you back to health. It goes without saying that when you entrust your wellbeing in somebody’s hands, you can rest assured that the doctor you pick has the right skills and qualification to render you the care you deserve. Therefore, it is in your best interest to carefully choose your internal medicine doctor, the same way you would interview and pick an accountant or lawyer.
Evaluating a Doctor – Things to Consider
An internal medicine doctor is more than just a doctor. Over time, the doctor you choose to be your primary physician will learn the many nuances of your health, your personality, your reaction to various drugs, and your treatment preferences. This intimate knowledge will lead you to foster a strong relationship with your doctor, and can make a huge difference to your overall health and general wellbeing. Listed below are a few tips to take into consideration while looking for a primary care physician for your health needs.
Ask Around: The very first step to finding a doctor you can trust and rely upon, is to talk to friends and family about their doctors. A recommendation from someone within your close circle is a great way to zero in on a skilled and experienced physician. Be sure to check if the doctor they recommend renders personalized care, and is accepting enrolment. Often doctors are in a hurry to see patients, and seldom give their patients the time and attention they deserve. You will also do good in checking the field the doctor specializes in. While some doctors may take patients of all age groups, some others may specialize in caring for patients over a certain age.
Map it Out: You are bound to visit an internal medicine doctor a couple of times in the year for all your day-to-day health needs. Therefore, it’s helpful and convenient if the doctor is located in close vicinity to your home. After all, you don’t want to travel long hours to see your doctor, especially when you are not feeling good. If you are enrolled in a health care plan, such as the Medicare Advantage – be sure to check if it also offers transportation benefits. You will also benefit in picking a doctor who provides same day or next day appointments. Some doctors also provide unrestricted access to them 24/7.
Place a Cold Call: Contrary to what you may believe, you can learn a lot by just placing a call to your potential doctor’s office. This will give you a first impression of the practice and its staff. The way the staff handles your call, will be a stepping stone in the right direction. If you find the staff is rude or in a hurry to close the call, you are better off looking for another doctor. You should also check fine details regarding the doctors and his services, which can include home visits, and unrestricted access to the doctor. This can be particularly helpful when you are too unwell to drive yourself to his clinic. Many doctors also provide concierge primary care which allows you to pay an annual membership to see the doctor.
The above are a few pointers to bear in mind when looking for the “best internal medicine doctors near me”. Do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with the doctor you plan to visit, and voice out any concerns and questions that you may have. An experienced internal medicine doctor will gladly answer all your questions. Dr. Guy and his highly personable and professional staff have been providing great and expedient service to Sonoma County since 1999. If you are on the lookout for a reliable, skilled, and experienced internal medicine doctor, contact Dr.Guy Deloreficeto schedule an appointment. Call (707) 938-1255 or email us today, and get the highest quality and service in medicine!
