How to find the right doctor for you

Whether you’re new to choosing a health plan or simply changing plans, finding a doctor you like and trust is one of the most important steps in your decision. You may have questions about where to start. What kind of doctor do I need? Where should I look? And how can I find someone who will listen to me and respect my needs?

Answering those questions might seem like a lot. But this guide explains everything from the different types of primary care doctors and the importance of board certification to why you should read doctor bios. With these tips, you can feel confident in finding a doctor you can trust to help you manage your health.

 

Why do I need a primary care doctor?

Creating a relationship with a personal doctor you see regularly is important for long-term wellness. Sometimes called primary care physicians, these doctors provide routine care, including checkups and screenings, while they get to know your medical history, lifestyle, and health goals. They can help you create a personal care plan and refer you to specialists when needed.

 

Types of primary care doctors

Since you or your family members will see a primary care doctor most of the time, you need to know which kind of primary care doctor might be the best fit.

Internal medicine

Whether you’re in your early 20s or your late 60s, many adults benefit from having an internist. An internist is a doctor who cares for adults. They’re trained to look after the internal organs and systems of the body (internal medicine), but they can specialize in a specific area of medicine.

Family medicine

If you’re running your household, it might be easier to have one doctor for everyone under your roof. Family medicine physicians, also called family practice physicians, are doctors who care for every member of a family.

Pediatrics

Pediatricians care for children from birth until they become adults. They may treat developmental disorders, hormonal issues, or other adolescent conditions. If you’re the parent or caregiver of a child who has an ongoing condition, your pediatrician may be able to guide you.

Geriatrics

A geriatrician is a primary care doctor who cares for older adults, usually those who are 65 and older. Geriatricians often know more about the conditions that affect older people and have more experience in helping older patients stay healthy. If you’re in that age range or are caring for someone who is, consider looking for a geriatrician in your area.

 

How do I find primary care doctors?

Get recommendations from people you know

Sometimes, word of mouth goes a long way. Ask your friends, family members, neighbors, or co-workers if they have a doctor they like. Consider making a list of recommended doctors, researching them, and comparing your notes. If you have to find a new doctor because yours is retiring or moving, ask your current doctor to recommend a new one.

Search online and read patient reviews

In addition to personal doctor recommendations, you can search for doctors online and read patient reviews to help inform your choice. Does the reviewer feel like the doctor listened to their concerns? Were they happy with the care they received? Reading several reviews might give you a better idea of the quality of care a doctor provides.
 

Are there any requirements I should look for?

Check for board certification

When choosing a doctor, you want to make sure they’re board certified. Board-certified doctors meet higher educational standards than doctors who are only licensed by the state. They’ve also received supervised training. Experts in their specialty, board-certified doctors have the knowledge and skills to provide safe, effective care.

To find out if a doctor is board certified, visit the American Board of Medical Specialties’ Certification Matters database or the American Board of Internal Medicine website. To find out if a family doctor is board certified, visit the American Board of Family Medicine online directory or the American Board of Pediatrics website.

Find out if the doctor takes your insurance

Make sure the doctor you’d like to see takes your health insurance or is part of your health plan’s network. Your health plan’s network is the list of doctors that accept your insurance or work within your network. Some health plans may let you choose a doctor outside of your network, but you’ll usually pay more for care.

 

How do I find a doctor who meets my needs?

Choosing the right doctor for you goes beyond personal recommendations, board certification, and good online reviews. Once you find a doctor who checks most of those boxes, learn more about who they are and if they’ll meet your needs. One of the best ways to do that is by reading a doctor’s online bio. If you’re not sure what some of your needs might be, consider these questions:

How accessible is the doctor?

When you or a family member choose a doctor, it’s important to think about where, when, and how you can see them. Is their office close to where you live? Do they offer virtual visits? Can you see them on the weekends? You want to make sure that you can get care that works for your schedule.

Can you easily communicate with the doctor?

If there’s a language that you, your family members, or the person you’re caring for prefers to speak, you might want to choose a doctor who speaks that language.

Can you email the doctor? Do they offer an online patient portal where you can see your electronic health records? When it comes to your care, you want to make sure that you can easily communicate your health concerns and review your health records.

Does the doctor have experience with your specific health concerns?

Are you living with diabetes, asthma, or another chronic condition? Do you have a mental health need that you’d like help managing? If so, you might want to find a doctor who specializes in treating your condition. They’ll usually know the latest and most effective treatment.

Choosing a new doctor doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Kaiser Permanente, we make that search easier for you. You can review doctor profiles in our online database and filter your search by location, specialty, language, and more. And when you’re a Kaiser Permanente member, you can switch doctors anytime. It’s your health, and we believe that you should be able to choose a doctor whose care works for you.