New insurance, new doctor! Make sure you have the right doctor for your needs.
Open enrollment has come to an end. Now that you have your health coverage, make sure that you have the right physician. Not all doctors are the same. You may be looking for a specific background or you may be looking for the perfect bedside manner. Whatever your preference, be your own health advocate. Make sure your doctor is right for your lifestyle and use this guide to help you choose the right physician.
Start by determining your health needs. Different doctors see patients for different reasons. You generally see your specialists less frequently, but your primary physician youâ'll tend to see on a more frequent basis. However, there are different types of primary physicians. While theyâ're all very similar, there are a few differences. Do your homework and make sure to determine which type of practitioner is best for your needs.
- Internists. These doctors are more focused on adult physiology and anatomy. While they certainly can be your primary physician, theyâ're better suited for adult patients. They tend to specialize in prevention and they can help you manage chronic illness.
- Family practice physicians. These doctors have a broader spectrum of training than internists. Because they trained with general surgeons, OBGYNs, and family practitioners, theyâ're able to see patients of any age and have a wider breadth knowledge of other specialties.
- General practitioners. These doctors are very similar to family practitioners and can treat patients of all ages, but they tend to be more familiar with alternative methods of practicing medicine. Many general practitioners tend to be osteopathic doctors, distinguished by the D.O. title.
Make sure your
health insurance fits your needs, too. For help finding the right policies,
contact the professionals at
Cook, Disharoon & Greathouse, Inc. Located in Oakland, California, we serve all your personal and commercial insurance needs.
