How Do You Find a Good Medical Doctor?

Sunshine Kate · ‎03-10-2010

I'm searching for a good general practice doctor. Is it normal to not find someone you like on the first try?

I don't care if it's male or female, someone I can feel comfortable with to discuss my problems.

I prefer an older doctor, but many are retiring. I don't care if they're young, but much experience is preferred, therefore they're usually older.

Is it abnormal to not find one and have to keep changing?

Thoughts? TIA

msgb · ‎08-30-2010

Totally normal.

I have siblings in other areas of the country and they have mentioned this same issue.

patbz · ‎03-10-2010

I got lucky with my primary physician ( who is a hospitalist) first try. When I moved to AZ and decided to transfer all our doctors to AZ I didn't have a clue how to start. Fast forward one year and DH was in the middle of a serious medical condition ( needed to be air evaded from our small city to Phoenix). I was taking a short break in a patient waiting area inside St.Joseph's Hospital and started talking to a nursing instructor. I laid out my criteria ( as to expertise, area of Phoenix I desired, and where he had hospital privileges). The nurse mentioned one doctor ( a friends sister who was an OR nurse at hospital I wanted confirmed this doctor) and 16 years later DH and I both love him.

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

There is such a dire shortage of doctors it's not unusual to not be able to find one at all, let alone that meet patient's requirements. Most of us settle for one that's just okay and depend on specialists for serious conditions.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

Trix · ‎03-16-2010

@Kachina624 wrote:
There is such a dire shortage of doctors it's not unusual to not be able to find one at all, let alone that meet patient's requirements. Most of us settle for one that's just okay and depend on specialists for serious conditions.

@Kachina624

elated · ‎06-09-2010

It is hard to find a good primary care doctor. I moved from Colorado to Kentucky and have yet to find one. I am on my second PCP and find they have very little interest in listening to you. It is very discouraging. My PCP in Colorado was very good. In fact, all my doctors were much better than the ones I have in Kentucky. I do like my dentist better. I will probably change after the first of the year.

monicakm · ‎03-16-2010

We are currently without a primary and I don't have a clue where to start looking. I was talking about this to a cardiac physical therapist and her recommendation was a nurse practitioner. She said that doctors are too busy and too full of themselves to give you the time you need. And if something more serious comes up, you see a specialist in that field. I really don't know if that is Sound Advice or not.

vermint · ‎04-05-2010

I hope I never have to find another PCP--I love the one I've had for the last 15 years or so!

I chose him primarily based on the location of his practice, believe it or not. I am extremely blessed that he turned out to be just the kind of PCP I wanted. Usually I just see him once a year, but if I've needed to see him between times, they alwas fit me in. He listens, is friendly, and never makes me feel rushed. He also believes in trying the simplest option first for any issue, which is a big deal for me.

PamfromCT · ‎05-22-2014

When our family doctor of forever years retired, we were lost.

We began our search, looking for someone with internal medicine credentials not too far from where we live. We found one, and he has treated us well and advised of various specialists as needed. But all these physicians work for big groups, and he could be gone and relocated.

We had found an ENT we liked, and that practice ownership was dissolved. Fortunately, he is at a large hospital group nearby now, Gone are the independent doctors. They are now employees, working for a group. And the medical care you receive is dictated by your insurance. I remember the good old days when your doctor made all the decisions for your care.

ninjawife · ‎11-15-2011

I lucked out. When it was time for me to switch from a pediatrician, my mother got a recommendation for a family practice doctor that had a new practice. She was young but very knowledgable and gave great patient care. I saw her for 30 years until she got disillusioned with the health care system and moved into teaching. Fortunately by that time she had other doctors in practice with her who all moved to a nearby practice and were accepting new patients. I selected one I was familiar with and liked and I have been seeing her ever since.