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Selecting an ideal primary care physician is an individual decision that will have long-term health results. You can start your search by asking for recommendations from friends, family members, and healthcare providers like pharmacists and physical therapists. You should consider how far a physician is and how much you will travel to meet your needs. Other than this, several factors should be considered before you pick the right Primary care provider.

How to Choose a Primary Care Physician

primary health care provider

Their Experience

Experience is also key when searching for the right doctor—make sure they possess in-depth knowledge of your specific medical needs. If you suffer from chronic disease, look for primary care providers who specialize in it or work closely with specialists who do.

Also, consider checking their credentials and experience, such as which medical school they attended and how long they have been practicing medicine. As part of their training, it's also important to consider whether a doctor holds either an M.D. or D.O. degree; both types are well-trained and highly skilled physicians; an M.D. tends to be more common here in America than its counterpart.

Once you have a list of potential doctors, look for their credentials. You should look for someone who has certification, which the American Board of Medical Specialties maintains. as this shows that they have specialized in their field of practice and passed rigorous examinations. Also, check whether they are in-network with your insurance company, which can greatly reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Look for a Convenient Location

A main healthcare provider is someone you will see on a regular basis, so it’s important to find one that is located conveniently for you. Having a doctor close to your home or work may save you time and money in the long run. Additionally, it’s a good idea to find out what type of office hours the doctor has so that you can make appointments that fit with your schedule.

Lastly, you should also consider the primary care provider's office hours and the convenience of getting in for appointments. You don’t want to have to drive too far or go out of your way for medical services, especially if you have family members with different schedules. A good PCP should be available to meet your needs and have convenient clinic locations. Also, look for a physician who can quickly respond to emails and phone calls.

primary care doctor for self-care

Read Online Reviews

Before selecting primary care physicians, it's crucial that you carefully consider their credentials and online reviews.Doing this allows you to gain insight into their knowledge, competence, experience in treating your specific condition(s), communication style, and listening habits—do they listen and take patient concerns seriously? How do they treat patients? How's their office staff? How's their customer service staff?

Prioritize what qualities you desire in a physician and make a list. Do you prefer male or female doctors? Is evening office hours important, or is affiliation with certain hospitals/medical centers important? You can use different review sites like Google My Business, TrustPilot, or Yelp to find doctors who have received high ratings from patients and narrow your search further.

Primary care physicians

Their Communication

Finding a primary care physician (PCP) isn't always easy, but finding one can greatly benefit your health by increasing the odds of receiving annual checkups and screenings such as mammograms or colonoscopies. A good PCP can also provide valuable guidance through chronic illnesses or complex medication regimens.

You should select someone who understands your medical history and healthcare needs, can communicate efficiently with you, and understand your family medicine.

The doctor-patient relationship is a partnership, so you should choose one that communicates effectively with you. During your first encounters, you want to be able to express any concerns you have and understand their medical expertise.

A reliable provider will explain your symptoms, involve you in your treatment plan, and keep you informed about the progress of your condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Family Medicine physician is often considered the best for primary care. They specialize in comprehensive healthcare for individuals of all ages, addressing a wide range of medical needs. This type of doctor can provide continuity of care, manage chronic conditions, and offer preventive services for the entire family.

Primary care practitioners provide comprehensive and continuous healthcare, addressing a wide range of medical needs. They offer preventive care, routine check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings. They manage and treat common illnesses and injuries, provide health education, and coordinate referrals to specialists. Primary care ensures ongoing, personalized care for overall well-being.

Share details about your medical history, current symptoms, medications, and any lifestyle factors affecting your health. Be open about your concerns, questions, and changes in your well-being. Clear communication helps your doctor make informed decisions about your care.

Conclusion

Choosing the right primary care physician is a critical decision that significantly impacts your long-term health. At DragonFly Medical and Behavioural Health, we understand the importance of this decision and are committed to offering comprehensive healthcare services tailored to your individual needs. We provide clinical services, group support, and telehealth services. Make a proactive choice for your health and well-being. Choose DragonFly Medical and Behavioural Health as your trusted healthcare partner. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

Clinic Office Information

We are OPEN and taking new patients while also providing Telehealth Services to patients who are able to use this system Click Here for more information on our Telehealth Services

Our Fees

Our current fees, which are due in full at time of service are:

$90 for 1 week

$160 for 2 weeks

$310 for 4 weeks

Dragonfly Medical and Behavioral Health is able to accept the following forms of payment:

  • Money Order
  • Cashier's Check
  • Debit Card
  • Credit Card
  • Please, no personal checks

A service charge is added to all credit card or debit card or prepaid card transactions in person and over the phone.

Insurance: please click here for insurance information

Providers

Dr. Matthew Caffrey, MD, M.P.H

Substance Abuse

Dr. Alicia Caffrey, PhD, M.S

Psychologist and Clinical Director

Dr. Tom Reach, MD

Medical Provider

Dr. Adam Love, PsyD

Psychologist