Choosing a doctor is a serious decision which should not be rushed. It's important to do your research so as to find the one that's right for you and your individual needs. Here are a few tips which may help you with this challenging process.
Go for a consultation
One of the most effective ways to determine if a particular doctor is right for you is to book a consultation with them. During this meeting, they can answer any questions you may have about their professional background and their approach to patient care. The consultation will also provide you with the chance to assess the doctor's manner and determine how comfortable you feel around them. Whilst you probably have your own list of qualities that you want your doctor to have, some of the most important ones to look for are an ability to empathise, conscientiousness, forthrightness and compassion.
Enquire about billing
Before selecting a doctor, it's a good idea to ask about their billing policy, as this may determine whether or not their practice is the right one for you, particularly if you are on a tight budget.
Regardless of how impressed you are by their professionalism during your initial consultation, there is no point registering with a private billing doctor if you don't think you'll be able to afford to see them when the need arises. Fortunately, if your budget is limited, there are plenty of excellent, reputable bulk billing doctors to choose from and as such, opting for bulk rather than private billing won't preclude you from getting the best possible healthcare.
Think about logistics
It's crucial to factor in logistics when making this decision. Even the kindest and most knowledgeable of doctors will be of no use to you, if their practice is in a hard-to-reach location, or their opening hours are unsuitable.
If you don't own a car, then you should probably only consider doctors whose practices are either within walking distance of your home or workplace, or can be easily accessed via public transport. If you do drive, make sure that the doctor you choose is clear about their practice's parking policies.
A practice's opening hours should also be taken into account; before signing up with a particular doctor, make sure to ask them whether they offer weekend and evening appointments. This is especially important if you work a typical nine to five job and cannot get time off during the day for medical appointments.
