Choosing a family doctor is one of the most important decisions you can make for your health. A family doctor is a primary care physician who can treat patients of all ages and is your first point of contact for all your healthcare needs. As such, when you match with the right doctor they will help you on your health journey for many years to come.
However, it is possible to get a doctor who does not suit your needs. Whether it is a simple matter of location or a more complicated issue of personality, having the wrong primary care physician can often lead to patients avoiding the doctor altogether.
Here we will look at how you can make an informed decision about choosing the right family doctor for you. Will also define what a family doctor does and why it is important to have one.
What is a Family Doctor?
As the name implies, a family doctor has the knowledge and experience to treat the whole family from infants up to older adults. While other doctors will specialize in a particular discipline, family doctors have experience in a broad range of areas.
This wealth of medical knowledge makes this type of primary care physician ideal for caring for everything from the common cold to infections and injuries. They can also order blood tests, refer you to mental health professionals, and prescribe drugs and treatments for most health concerns.
However, while a family doctor can provide care and insight into most common health concerns, they will not be able to treat or diagnose more complex or rare issues. When your primary care physician cannot treat or diagnose you they will refer you to a specialist.
Why Should You Have a Family Doctor?
There are many reasons to have a family doctor but most importantly is that you will have an established relationship with a doctor when a health issue arises. Those who do not have a primary care physician when they are sick often find themselves scrambling to find a doctor or going to urgent care.
This established relationship is not only convenient, it can get you better care. A doctor who has treated you before will have a better idea of your medical history and the treatments that are more likely to work for you.
Additionally, a family doctor will also be able to recommend you to specialists as needed. A referral is often necessary and even when it is not, having a recommendation from a trusted doctor is advantageous compared to finding a specialist on your own. They are also integral to helping you manage chronic illnesses.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Family Doctor
Location
When searching for a primary care physician, it is always best to choose one that is located within a reasonable distance from your home or work. While it might initially seem acceptable to widen the search to find a physician who is the best fit, you must consider how likely you are to travel that far for regular appointments. This factor is particularly important if you need more frequent appointments to manage chronic conditions.
Who Will Be Treated
Are you searching for a primary care physician just for yourself or one who can treat your whole family? One of the best advantages of a family doctor is that many will see patients from young children all the way up to senior adults. This can be especially advantageous if you have children as you may be able to schedule appointments for yourself and children at the same time when necessary.
If you plan to take multiple family members to the same doctor, look for one who specifically treats patients of all ages. While all family doctors will have training to see a wide age range of patients, some may have additional specialization in child or elder care.
Patient Ratings
Patient ratings are often a good place to start when deciding if a doctor is right for you. Do a simple internet search for your potential doctor and look for reviews, potential complaints against them, and any other information you can find.
However, keep in mind that not all patient reviews will be relevant to your needs. For example, a patient may give a doctor a negative review because they moved their practice to a location further away. While this was not a good experience for that patient, this current location could be right for you. Therefore, make sure you read the reason for negative and positive reviews as opposed to only looking at an overall score.
Is the Doctor a Good Fit for You
While ratings from other patients are a helpful starting point, they cannot tell you how you will personally get along with a new doctor. When possible, you should seek to have a consultation with a new doctor and avoid committing to any doctor you may not feel comfortable with.
One very basic way of choosing who might be best for you, is to consider the doctor’s gender and age. While all family doctors will have the same broad medical knowledge, some may be a better fit for you if they are the same gender or similar in age. Oftentimes, patients find it is easier discussing private matters with a doctor who is the same gender and who is, therefore, more likely to have similar, personal experiences.
Find a Family Doctor in Toronto
Ready to find the right primary care physician for you? BCML is here to help. Our clinic offers experienced and compassionate primary care physicians along with dental care, physiotherapy, pharmacy, diagnostics and more. Conveniently located in the heart of Toronto, BCML’s wide range of medical services makes it easy to stay on top of all your healthcare needs. Walk-in services are also available. To learn more or to book an appointment, contact us at 416-929-1900.