Finding the right healthcare provider is simultaneously a difficult task and an important one. Several factors enter the equation when making this decision in order to ensure you choose the right professional for you. Knowing which questions to ask and how to begin your search are good starting points, but there are several things to bear in mind when looking for a specialist you can trust. Here’s our guide on how to find one.
Research, research, research. Ask close friends and family if they recommend their own doctors and search online for reviews to read about doctors in your area. Try to find a list of doctors in your area to call and make sure they are accepting new patients. If they are, make an appointment to talk through your needs and what you are looking for in a doctor. Below are a host of variables that will enable you to make an informed decision.
Male or female
Would you feel more comfortable with a male or female doctor? Perhaps it doesn’t matter to you, but a professional of the same sex might make some people feel more comfortable when discussing their body, knowing they’ve experienced similar things physically.
Location
Somewhere close to home? Somewhere close to work? Somewhere close to the gym? Visiting the doctor should be convenient for you and save you time travelling out of your way. Visiting a health professional far away from home can add unnecessary stress.
Opening hours
Opening hours can differ from practice to practice. Ask about opening hours, including after-hours care, home visits and longer appointments.
Cost
Ask about costs, including how much your treatments would cost and how you will be billed for your treatment. Participating health providers will enable you to pay with HealthNow to split the cost of health expenses and get the care you need, when you need it.
Specialties
Some health practices specialise in just one thing, such as psychology or physiotherapy, but other practices group together specialists that work in different areas of health and medicine. It might be more convenient for you if different health professionals work in the same place.
Language
English isn’t your first language? You might find it easier to see a specialist who speaks your native language. Some healthcare professionals might also understand your cultural needs better than others.
Types of treatment
Some treatments might suit you better than others, so it helps to do as much research as you can. This includes ways of working. For example, if you need psychological treatment, you might prefer to work one-on-one with a health professional, or you might prefer to be part of a group. These finer details can help influence your decision and make a big difference in the future.
After your first visit, you might like to ask yourself the following questions: Did I feel comfortable? Did I feel like they listened to me? Do I see them being my specialist for the long term? With all this in mind, you should now be well equipped to find your ideal healthcare provider. Once you have, why not sign-up with us? Get HealthNow, pay later.
