What should I look for in a primary care physician?

Expert advice from someone who values listening? A compassionate professional who cares for all of you – body, mind and spirit? Or simply a good doctor who’s convenient to home, work or school?

At St.Vincent Physician Network our physicians offer you all of this and so much more.

Before choosing one of our primary care physicians (PCPs), we encourage you to prepare a list that outlines what you are looking for in a PCP. It is important that a health care provider listens to you, encourages you to ask questions and is easy to talk to. Communication is the key factor in a positive relationship with your doctor.

Once you have determined what characteristics are most important, we invite you to schedule a “get-acquainted visit.”

Observations to make during the “get-acquainted visit”

• Is the office conveniently located for quick trips?
• Are the office hours convenient?
• Is the waiting room clean?
• Is the waiting room crowded?
• Does the doctor listen to your concerns? If so, is he or she approachable and helpful or do you feel uncomfortable and intimidated?
• Try talking to patients in the waiting room about their experiences with the office and the doctor. Do they wait long for appointments? Does the doctor return calls quickly?

Questions to ask the doctor

• What insurance does the doctor accept and who submits the paperwork?
• When is the doctor available by phone? Who will answer my questions if I call the office?
• Does the doctor take his or her own emergency calls after hours and a night? If not, who does?
• Who will I see when the doctor is not on call or away?