Choosing the Doctor Who is Right For You

When choosing a doctor there's a lot to think about. Experience, specialty, online access, professional interests, health plans and more. So we've put together a list of questions to ask yourself when choosing a doctor.

• Are you choosing a Primary Care Physician?
• Do you want a doctor who is close to home or work?
• Do you want to be able to access your doctor's office online?
• Are you more comfortable with a male or a female doctor?
• Do you have any language requirements?
• Does the doctor accept your health insurance?
• Health Maintenance Guidelines

Are you choosing a Primary Care Physician?

One of the best ways to make sure you're getting excellent health care is to have a primary care physician (PCP) with whom you can build a long-term relationship-someone who knows your medical background and understands what's important to you. Traditionally PCPs fall into three specialties - Family Medicine (treating patients of all ages), Internal Medicine (treating adult patients) or Pediatrics (treating children from birth through adolescence). Women will often choose a Gynecologist or Obstetrician for their primary care needs.

When you have a physician you know and trust, you feel comfortable talking about anything. And, all your basic care—including routine exams, preventive care and treatment for illnesses or injuries— goes more smoothly and easily. Your PCP also knows when it’s best to refer you to a specialist
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Do you want a doctor who is close to home or work?

Traditionally, most doctors' appointments were scheduled during the day, Monday through Friday. Now, more and more doctors have office hours in the early mornings, evenings and weekends. So you should consider where you are during these times. At work? At home? Helping out at your children's school? This will help you find a doctor who is the most convenient for you.
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Do you want to be able to access your doctor's office online?

PAMF doctors offer convenient online services, so patients can use the Web to view test results, renew prescriptions, request appointments and e-mail their doctors.

Find out more about PAMF's My Health Online
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Are you more comfortable with a male or a female doctor?

Discussing health issues and treatments can be a very personal experience. It's important that you are comfortable talking to your doctor about any medical situation that may come up. Deciding whether you prefer a male or female doctor can ensure that you are as comfortable as possible.
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Do you have any language requirements?

Let's face it, treatments and diagnoses can be pretty complex regardless of what language they're in. That's why it's important for you and your doctor to be able to communicate without any language barriers. Choosing a doctor who speaks your native language will help ensure good communication.
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Does the doctor accept your health insurance?

To avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket health care expenses, you will want to find a doctor who accepts your health insurance. While most of the doctors affiliated with the Palo Alto Medical Foundation accept most major health plans, you will want to check to make certain that yours is on the list. We strive to keep this information as complete and current as possible, however it's a good idea to contact your health plan Customer Service Department regarding the specifics of your plan type and coverage.
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Health Maintenance Guidelines

"How often should I visit my doctor?"
"What vaccinations do I need? When do I need them?"

Our Health Guidelines Task Force, comprised of primary care physicians, specialists, and health educators, reviews new information and regularly updates our recommendations regarding who needs which screening tests and when. We review controversies as they come up, examining the medical literature and the quality of the published evidence. We encourage our patients to ask questions and take a partnership approach with their providers to maximize their health and obtain the preventive screening tests that really matter.

Suggestions to Better Health to: 14 Tips for Maintaining Your Health
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