|
|
| Finding
A Primary Care Physician |
|
Primary
Care Physician (PCP) is the one who performs the periodical
checkups and other examinations. If enrolled in a managed
care plan, the PCP is the only person authorized to refer
you to a specialist, if required.
Steps in finding a Primary Care
Physician
|
|
|
- Study
your health plan
If your company covers your medical insurance, you could take
the booklet outlining your medical coverage from the HR personnel.
If you have purchased a health insurance on your own, ask the
insurance agent or the company for the literature of your insurance
plan.
- Analyze
your choice
Understand thoroughly whether you prefer a doctor having staff
that understands your cultural background or to have a doctor
of your own gender. You may also consider the doctors' experience
and educational qualifications.
- Locate
the list of approved doctors
In the literature of your health plan, you would find a list
of "in-network" doctors in your area. If you require
detailed information of a particular doctor you could call the
insurance company and they could answer your queries.
Look
for references:
If you find a particular doctor to be good on paper, call
the doctor's office and ask for professional references and
other proof of the doctors' competence. Take an honest opinion
of the doctor's work from friends, acquaintances or neighbors.
Evaluate the doctor:
Most managed care plans have a few doctors in every field.
You can choose them best among them. If you are unable to
find a doctor of your choice, ask your insurance company if
they have an "extended network" through which you
can choose another doctor for a higher fee. You may also be
able to upgrade an HMO to a PPO, which allows a greater flexibility
in choice.
|
|
|
