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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Choosing a doctor takes some investigation

This is the time of year known as “open enrollment,” when many people can choose what health plan they want for the coming year. If you decide to change plans (or perhaps your employer has made that decision for you), it may mean you will need to choose a new primary care provider. This can feel like a daunting prospect. It does require investigation on your part, but the time that you spend now researching health care providers will pay off in the years to come.

Basic qualities like listening skills, expertise when making diagnoses and timely follow-up are things everyone should look for in a primary care provider.

Consider what others qualities are important to you. Do you like detailed explanations or prefer a broader picture? Do you value a provider who spends a lot of time but may run late, or one who is more to the point but tends to be on time? Do you want a provider who includes alternative medicine therapies in his or her practice? Do you see a lot of specialists? If so, a primary care provider who is skilled at coordinating care with specialists is important. A good fit will help ensure you and your providers communicate with each other to get you the best care possible.

After considering the qualities you are looking for, get a list of in-network providers offered by your health plan.

Narrow down the list by determining what kind of provider is needed. A family practice physician like me can care for you and your children. Or you may want a pediatrician for your kids. If you have a lot of chronic and complex issues, you may want an internist. If you are older, a geriatric physician may be best for you.

Then check to see which of these providers is taking new patients. I recommend calling to see how long it might take to get an appointment. Some providers may have long wait times for appointments with new patients.

Next, ask around for recommendations. If you are changing health care systems, but staying in the same town, ask your current provider. If you have any specialists, ask them for recommendations too. Nurses are another great resource.

Find out where their offices are, where you might need to go for lab work or other tests and at which hospitals they have privileges. Consider how often you may be making visits and how these locations fit with your home, work and school locations and schedules. Having your provider near home makes it much easier to get care when you are sick or the weather is bad. Make a “get to know you” appointment even if you are not sick or in need of something right away. That way you are established in a practice and when you are feeling poorly, you will not be asked all of those annoying first visit questions.

Many medical groups and hospitals have profiles online where you can read about their health care providers. Websites like healthgrades.com and vitals.com can help you read up on and compare providers. Be thoughtful when considering online reviews; whether it is for a restaurant or a doctor, we are all more likely to post a negative review than a positive one.

Make sure the providers you are considering are board certified. Family physicians should be board certified in family medicine; internists in internal medicine, etc.

After your first visit, consider whether the provider you have chosen seemed to be a good fit. It is OK to decide “no” and to keep looking until you find a provider you are comfortable with and have confidence in.

Dr. Bob Riggs is a family medicine physician practicing at Group Health’s Riverfront Medical Center.