Finding an Adult-Care Doctor

Tips for finding a provider

Our team will guide patients through the process of finding an adult care doctor. Here is a list of things for patients and families to consider.

• Ask for a suggestion from your current doctor, plus recommendations from friends, neighbors and co-workers.

• Decide if you need a primary care doctor who can manage your overall health care and request consultations with specialists for you, if needed. Or do you need a specialist in a particular area?

• Check to make sure your insurance plan will cover visits to the doctor you are considering.

• Think about where the doctor’s office is located. Is it easy for you to get to, especially if you need to use public transportation?

• Schedule a first visit just to meet the doctor and talk. You may have to pay for the time, but it’s worth it.

• Ask the doctor about his/her experience taking care of someone with your condition.

• What hospital does the doctor use and are you comfortable going there?

• Is routine lab work or X-rays done in the office, or do you have to go somewhere else?

• How long do you need to wait for a routine appointment? 

• Can you get an appointment the same day if you are sick?

• Does the office charge a fee if you miss an appointment?

• Is the office staff friendly and efficient?

• Does the office have a system for reminding you of your appointment? 

• Who covers for the doctor when he/she is away?

• If you call with a concern, who returns the call and how quickly?

• What technology is used? Is there a patient portal for lab results and questions – or is information relayed by phone or e-mail?

• How compatible is the doctor’s personality with yours?

• Take your treatment summary and list of medications to the first appointment. This will help you talk about or medical history and any current problems you have.