Direct Primary Care: Finding A Doctor Who's Right For You

Are you looking for a doctor who suits your personal health needs? Finding the right doctor isn't easy. When you put your life in someone else's hands, you need to feel confident that this doctor has enough smarts, qualifications, and skills to give you the care you deserve. And besides, you could be starting one of the most important professional relationships you ever have. 

Smart questions and a little skepticism can help you find the doctor best suited for you personal needs. Here are tips to help your search:

Start Your Search oOnline

Typing queries into Google such as "direct primary care" plus your city will deliver practices in your immediate area. Review the website for each practice. Since this is a newer model of medicine, most sites tend to offer plenty of educational material. 

Keep track of practices that seem like a good fit for your needs. Review the list of doctors and note the ones you're interested in. You should double check for:

1. Board certification: This is an essential credential. Certification ensures that the doctor has completed the appropriate education, residency, and licensing. Visit certificationmatters.org to check to see if the doctor you want is board certified.
2. Hospital affiliation: The doctor you choose should be affiliated with hospitals in your area and/or your hospital of choice.
3. Disciplinary actions/malpractice lawsuits: Consumer Reports has an excellent tool for checking up on the doctor in question.

Interview Candidates In Person

Yes, it sounds formal and perhaps even a bit stuffy. But taking the time to interview several doctors is the best way to get a sense of the doctor's personality.

Remember, direct primary care involves building a true relationship between patient and doctor. Like any other relationship, chemistry is important. In fact, when it comes to direct primary care, chemistry is just as important as the doctor's credentials. Why? Well, you'll be working with the same doctor week after week, month after month, year after year. That's one of the major benefits of direct primary care — you no longer have to ride the doctor merry-go-round. If the doctor's personality rubs you the wrong way, for whatever reason, then it's probably best to find someone else. Choose someone you like and with whom you can be completely honest. Trust is paramount to a successful relationship.

The good news is that almost all direct primary care doctors will be happy to provide a no-obligation consultation. Because their patient load has been reduced dramatically, they have time in their schedules for a thorough sit-down interview (figure anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour).

When you meet with candidates, consider asking the following questions:

• What's your approach to direct primary care? Choose someone who sounds enthused about this medical model due to the many benefits it provides patients.
• Do you have a staff? What are their roles? A happy, friendly staff is always a good sign.
• How do your patients contact you after hours? Direct primary care doctors who truly embrace the model are always happy to provide their email and cell phone numbers.
• Do you ever make house calls? Many, although not all, direct primary care doctors make occasional house calls. If this is something you need (e.g. perhaps you have an immobile family member), then speak up.
• What are your fees? Fees should be straightforward and easy to understand.
• What services are included in this fee? What are the services that aren't covered?This will vary a bit from practice to practice, which is why YOU need to make sure you understand what you're signing up for. Ask about things like blood work, X-rays, medications, and so forth.
• How do your current patients handle services that aren't covered? The doctor should not be dismissive. A good sign is if he or she can share how other patients are successfully navigating this issue.
• What's the payment schedule? Annual? Monthly? Some practices might offer a discount if you pay annually, so it's worth asking.

Listen To Your Gut 

It will seldom steer you wrong. If you've made a connection with a doctor, you've done your due diligence regarding his or her background, and you're satisfied with his or her answers regarding your questions, congratulations! You've found yourself a doctor who's a great fit for you.

Not sure if direct primary care is the right fit for you yet? Get our free checklist to find out!