If you’re looking for a new doctor, who isn’t? Trying to find a new GP can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. The vast majority of doctors live in a small number of urban locations, while the rest exist in isolated pockets of the countryside. It’s not exactly ideal if you need medical attention, but it’s par for the course in the medical world.
Fortunately, your hunt for a new doctor doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might think. Instead, you can find a doctor who fits perfectly with your needs, and actually might become your new favourite GP.
We chatted to Dr Sarah Robertson, a leading family doctor and spokesperson for the British Medical Association, about how to find the right doctor for you.
Consider All Relevant Factors
Before you make a decision about finding a new doctor, it’s important to take into account every relevant factor. First and foremost, consider how well your existing doctor fits with you. Does your doctor listen to your concerns? Does she have the right attitude? Does she provide the right kind of care? Think about everything you can about your current doctor, and make a list of pros and cons. If you have an exceptionally good relationship with your current doctor, it could be a deciding factor. But ultimately, it’s what’s best for your situation that’ll guide you.
Another important consideration is your lifestyle. Do you have specific dietary needs? Do you need to be seen regularly for blood tests or physicals? Are you comfortable with your current level of fitness or would you like to be healthier? Think about what’s important to you and make a list of your top priorities. If you have children, are they well-looked after or do you want to explore family boarding until they’re old enough to attend school? All of these questions factor into whether or not you’ll be satisfied with the service you receive from a doctor. The more you know about your own personal lifestyle, the better able you’ll be to find the right doctor for you. You can also ask friends or family members for their opinions, or search online review sites for information about your chosen doctor.
Use The Right Search Engines
If you’re looking for a new doctor, it’s important to use the right search engines. Using popular search engines such as Google and Bing to search for “[insert city or town] doctor” can help you find a list of local practices. Once you’ve found a list of candidates, read their profiles or reviews online to find out more about them. If possible, visit their practice or hospital to get an idea of how they treat patients and the ambience there. You can contact the hospital or practice directly, or browse their website to see if there are any upcoming surgeries or appointments you might like to attend. Knowing more about your chosen doctor will help you form a good opinion of them before you make a decision. If you have concerns or need additional information, ask a friend or family member who knows about your situation to get an opinion. They can provide valuable information about the doctor’s competence and character, which can prevent you from making a bad choice. It’s also important to read reviews online about your chosen doctor. This will give you an idea of whether or not others are happy with their services, and if so, why. Reading reviews and listening to other patients can help you form an opinion of whether or not a particular doctor will be suitable for you.
Contact The British Medical Association For More Information
The next step is to contact the British Medical Association. Speak to a medical representative about how to get involved in the practice, or find out where your nearest local practice is. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact them directly. The British Medical Association is an organisation that provides advice and information on medical matters, and they may well have useful information for you. The more you know, the easier your decision-making will be when choosing a doctor. Ultimately, it’s your responsibility to choose a doctor that’s right for you. But knowing more about your options can help you make the right choice for yourself.