It’s important to have a trusted primary care physician that you can visit when you experience medical problems. This type of doctor is a generalist that can help diagnose the cause of your symptoms and refer you to a relevant specialist, if necessary.

However, not every primary care physician may be the right fit for you; there are certain factors to keep in mind that may help you to choose your doctor. When choosing your primary care provider, you should:

Determine whether the doctor is “in-network:” Any kind of medical care that is not covered by your insurance plan could be costly. If you’re considering visiting a specific doctor, make sure they are “in-network,” meaning that they are part of your insurance company’s network of medical care providers. If the doctor is “out-of-network,” you will most likely pay a higher out-of-pocket cost for visiting them.

Keep convenience in mind: You may visit your primary care physician regularly for a wide range of medical problems, which means that it is best to choose one that is located a convenient distance from your home.

Consider the doctor’s communication skills: Even if a doctor is covered under your insurance plan and is not located too far from your home, your ability to communicate clearly and interact positively with the doctor is important for making sure that your treatment outcomes will remain positive.

If you need to visit a doctor for any type of non-emergency medical problem you may be experiencing, you can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486 now.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.