Finding a healthcare provider who truly understands you is like dating. It’s important to remember a few things as you search for Dr. Right, a doctor with whom you may spend the rest of your life.

Start by listing the qualities you want your doctor Adelaide Hills, to have. Some of the most important include:

1. Experience

Finding the right primary care doctor can feel a bit like dating. It’s important to find someone you trust who has expertise with your health needs and is “in-network” with your insurance.

Asking for recommendations from friends or family is a good place to start. However, it’s important to remember that just because their experience was great doesn’t necessarily mean it will be the same for you. You may have different health needs or personalities that mesh well with doctors.

Checking a physician’s education and qualifications, office policies, board certifications and malpractice or disciplinary history can be done quickly online through tools such as Healthgrades. Also, pay attention to the office staff. A friendly and knowledgeable team can help ease the transition to a new doctor.

2. Reputation

Finding a good doctor can feel like dating: you’re looking for someone who understands your needs, has a great bedside manner and is comfortable with your medical history. So, you start by asking for recommendations from friends and family.

You also want to ensure the doctor is in-network and you can see them without paying extra for the visit, so check online. You can also ask if they speak your language or have evening office hours.

Once you’ve narrowed down your list, consider what matters most to you. For example, do you prefer a male or female doctor? Do you need a doctor with a particular speciality or affiliation with a hospital? Once you have a shortlist, contact the doctors’ offices and ask about their education and experience.

3. Compassion

While empathy is a necessary skill, compassion also means taking action. A compassionate doctor Adelaide Hills will listen actively and genuinely care about patients, making them more likely to provide patient-centered medical care. This approach leads to fewer unnecessary tests, referrals, and visits, lowering medical bills.

Medical schools look for applicants who genuinely want to help their fellow man. Likewise, patients should be wary of physicians who don’t have compassion. It’s easy to fake compassion on a medical school application or an interview, but it will eventually surface in your doctor’s bedside manner.

4. Communication

Whether you’re searching for your first primary care physician or a specialist, finding someone with whom you can communicate well is essential. That might mean asking questions if you don’t understand something, talking about concerns even when the doctor doesn’t raise them, or returning calls and emails promptly.

In addition to listening well, doctors must also be able to explain things clearly. It’s a good idea to repeat what they say to make sure you understand and to ask them to clarify anything unclear.

It’s also a good idea to get recommendations from friends and family and to check out online reviews for doctors in your area. But remember that the best way to choose a doctor is still by meeting them in person.

5. Flexibility

Finding the right doctor Adelaide Hills can be challenging, whether you’re new to a city or changing insurance providers. However, making the effort is important – your health depends on it.

Start by listing what’s essential to you as a doctor. Some things to consider include if you’d prefer a male or female physician, whether they have evening office hours, and if they are part of a group practice where you can see another physician if the doctor is unavailable.

Many physicians have built flexibility into their careers by working locum tenens assignments. It can help them treat patients in various settings, which may provide them with a different perspective and keep burnout at bay. They also get to experience various types of healthcare systems and practices.