Finding the right doctor is an important part of taking care of your health. A good provider can help you stay on track with preventive care, manage ongoing conditions and guide you when new health concerns come up.
Sometimes, you may need to choose a new doctor because you moved, your doctor retired, your insurance changed or your health needs have shifted. Other times, you may simply feel like your current doctor is no longer the best fit.
Choosing a doctor can feel overwhelming, but it gets easier when you know what to look for.
Start with the type of care you need
Before choosing a doctor, think about what kind of care you need most.
For routine checkups, preventive care and help managing common health conditions, you may want a primary care provider. Primary care providers often include family medicine doctors, internal medicine doctors, pediatricians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
You may want to look for:
- A family medicine provider if you want care for people of all ages
- An internal medicine provider if you are an adult and want care focused on adult health
- A pediatrician if you need care for a baby, child or teen
- A geriatrician if you are an older adult with more complex health needs
- A specialist if you have a specific condition, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, digestive issues or joint pain
If you are not sure where to start, a primary care provider is often a good first step. They can help with preventive care and refer you to a specialist if needed.
Check your insurance coverage
Insurance is one of the first things to review when choosing a doctor. If you have health insurance, check whether the provider is in your plan’s network.
Seeing an in-network provider may help lower your out-of-pocket costs. You may also want to ask about:
- Copays
- Deductibles
- Referral requirements
- Coverage for specialists
- Coverage for video visits
- Lab, imaging or hospital networks connected to your plan
Your insurance company’s website can be a good place to start. You can also call the provider’s office to confirm they accept your plan.
Consider location and access
A doctor may be highly recommended, but the location still needs to work for your life.
Think about:
- How far the office is from your home, work or school
- Whether parking is easy
- Whether public transportation is nearby
- Whether the office hours fit your schedule
- How soon new patients can get an appointment
- Whether same-day or next-day appointments are available
- Whether the office offers video visits or online scheduling
Convenience matters. If it is hard to get to appointments, you may be more likely to delay care.
Ask about video visits and online tools
Many providers offer video visits for certain types of appointments. This can be helpful for follow-up visits, medication checks, minor concerns or questions that do not require an in-person exam.
You may also want to ask whether the provider offers:
- Online scheduling
- Secure messaging
- Online test results
- Prescription refill requests
- Visit summaries
- Virtual follow-up options
Digital tools can make it easier to manage your care between appointments.
Think about communication style
A good doctor should help you feel heard, respected and informed. You do not need a provider who agrees with everything you say, but you do need someone who listens and explains things clearly.
As you look at provider profiles or meet with a new doctor, consider:
- Do they explain medical information in a way you understand?
- Do they answer questions without making you feel rushed?
- Do they include you in decisions about your care?
- Do they respect your concerns and goals?
- Do they offer clear next steps?
- Do they make you feel comfortable bringing up sensitive topics?
Communication is one of the most important parts of the doctor-patient relationship.
Consider your comfort and personal preferences
It is OK to have preferences when choosing a doctor. You may feel more comfortable with a provider of a certain gender, age or background, especially when discussing personal health concerns.
You may also want a doctor who understands your culture, faith, family structure or health beliefs. For example, you may want to talk with your provider about fasting, diet, modesty, reproductive health or end-of-life care.
Language can also be important. If you are more comfortable speaking a language other than English, look for a provider who speaks that language or ask whether interpreter services are available.
Your comfort matters because it can affect how openly you talk about your health.
Review training and experience
A provider’s education, training and experience can help you understand their background.
You may want to review:
- Medical school or professional training
- Residency or fellowship training
- Board certification
- Specialty areas
- Conditions they commonly treat
- Hospital affiliations
- Years in practice
- Clinical interests listed on their profile
For many patients, board certification can be a helpful sign that a physician has completed additional training and testing in a specialty area.
Read ratings and reviews carefully
Online reviews can give you a sense of other patients’ experiences. They may mention wait times, communication, office staff, bedside manner or follow-up.
Reviews can be helpful, but they should not be the only factor in your decision. A few negative reviews do not always tell the full story. Look for patterns instead.
For example, repeated comments about clear communication may be a positive sign. Repeated concerns about access, follow-up or feeling rushed may be worth considering.
Check hospital affiliations
If you need hospital care, it may matter where your doctor practices or where they can refer you.
You may want to ask:
- Which hospital is the provider affiliated with?
- Is that hospital close to your home?
- Is the hospital in your insurance network?
- Can your provider coordinate care with specialists in the same health system?
This can be especially important if you have a chronic condition, are pregnant, need surgery or are seeing multiple specialists.
Prepare for your first visit
Once you choose a doctor, your first visit can help you decide whether they are the right fit.
Bring:
- Your insurance card and ID
- A list of current medications and supplements
- Your medical history
- Any recent test results, if available
- A list of allergies
- Your family health history
- Questions or concerns you want to discuss
After the visit, ask yourself:
- Did I feel listened to?
- Did I understand the plan?
- Did I know what to do next?
- Did I feel comfortable asking questions?
- Was the office easy to work with?
If the answer is mostly yes, you may have found a good fit. If not, it is OK to keep looking.
When should you consider switching doctors?
You may want to look for a new doctor if:
- You do not feel heard or respected
- You often leave visits confused
- It is very hard to schedule appointments
- Your provider no longer accepts your insurance
- Your health needs have changed
- You moved or need a more convenient location
- You need a provider with different experience or specialty training
Switching doctors does not mean you did anything wrong. Your health care needs can change over time, and your provider should be a good match for where you are now.
The bottom line
Choosing a doctor is a personal decision. Insurance, location and availability matter, but so do communication, trust and comfort.
The right provider can help you manage your health, understand your options and feel more confident in your care. Take time to think about what matters most to you and choose a doctor who fits your needs.
Need help finding the right provider? Banner Health offers primary care, specialty care and support for every stage of health. Find a Banner Health doctor or provider near you.
Frequently asked questions about choosing a doctor
What is the best way to choose a doctor?
Start by deciding what type of care you need. Then check your insurance network, location, availability, provider experience, communication style and patient reviews. The best doctor for you is someone who meets your health needs and makes you feel comfortable asking questions.
Should I choose a family medicine doctor or an internal medicine doctor?
Family medicine doctors often care for people of all ages, including children and adults. Internal medicine doctors focus on adults. Both can provide primary care, preventive care and help managing chronic conditions.
How do I know if a doctor is in my insurance network?
Check your insurance company’s website or call the number on your insurance card. You can also call the doctor’s office to confirm they accept your plan. It is a good idea to confirm before scheduling your first visit.
Is it OK to change doctors?
Yes. It is OK to change doctors if your needs, insurance, location or comfort level changes. You should feel confident that your provider listens, explains your care clearly and helps you take the next step.
