There are many reasons why you might be looking for a new doctor. Maybe you have moved to another city or perhaps your doctor is retiring. If you need a new doctor, the following ideas can help you find one who is right for you.
Your primary care doctor is the doctor you usually see for general health problems. When choosing a new doctor, you will need to decide if you want this doctor to be a family practitioner, an internist, or a pediatrician.
• Family practitioners have extra training to care for all family
members, young or old.
• Internists are doctors for adults. Some internists take additional
training to become specialists. For example, a cardiologist is an
internist who specializes in heart disease.
• Pediatricians are doctors who care for infants and children.
Once you have a sense of what kind of doctor is best for you, ask people you trust, for example, friends, family and coworkers, about doctors they use and like.
You might ask questions such as:
• Do you know a good doctor?
• Would you recommend your doctor and why?
• How long does it take to get an appointment?
• Can you usually see your doctor right away if you need to, like on the
same day if you get sick?
You can also talk with other health professionals you see; for example, your heart doctor or the doctor you see for your lung problems, and ask for recommendations. If your doctor is retiring or leaving the practice, you might ask if he or she has picked a replacement. You can check with your insurance plan for a list of doctors in your area.
After talking with people, checking with local resources, and looking online, you may find a few names keep coming up. These might be the doctors you want to consider. Make a list of several names of doctors to pick from in case your first choice is not taking new patients or does not participate in your health plan.
Another good idea is to contact Hamilton Community Health Network for your personal physician at (810) 406-HCHN (4246).
Keeping you in good health . . . .
Michael Giacalone, Jr., M.D.
Chief Medical Officer
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Chief Medical Officer
