Moving to a new neighborhood requires an adjustment period. In addition to getting your home into a livable state, you must also determine where the schools and grocery stores are and the other businesses you’d like to frequent. You may also need to find a new doctor depending on how far you moved.
Finding a doctor is not easy. With your health on the line, finding a trustworthy physician is important. Cost, wait times, and specialty are other considerations.
With so much to think about, it can be hard to determine which doctor is right for you. This article will outline the steps you can take to ensure you find someone you are happy with.
Find a Doctor Through Your Insurance Company
If you have insurance, you may have to choose a doctor from your provider’s network. While this is limiting, it also helps focus your search.
You can browse the company’s website to find a doctor that’s right for you based on location and specialty. You can follow up by checking online reviews before scheduling an appointment.
Get a Recommendation from Your Former Doctor
Another option is to ask your former doctor if they have any recommendations for doctors in the area you are moving to. They may have contacts or know of well-respected physicians in your new neighborhood. Call them to see if they can shed some light on the matter.
Use the American Medical Association’s, Doctor Finder Tool
The American Medical Association is the largest association of medical doctors and licensed medical students in the country. You can use their Doctor Finder tool to locate physicians in your new neighborhood. The platform will also provide information about hours, accepted insurance providers, educational history, and more.
U.S. News Doctor Finder
The U.S. News provides rankings and information about health providers throughout the country. It also has a Doctor Finder tool available. To use it, enter your zip code and the specialty you are looking for. You can sort through them to find the best doctors suited to your needs.
Ask Friends, Neighbors, and Co-Workers
Word of mouth is a great way to find a doctor. Even if you are new in the neighborhood, there will likely be people nearby to reach out to, including friends, relatives, neighbors, co-workers, and even local businesspeople. You can follow up by checking online reviews of the doctors they recommend.
What to Look for in a Doctor
It’s advisable to narrow your search to a few doctors you think are right for you. You can determine which one you want to see based on the following:
- Online reviews: Most doctors have reviews that give you an idea of what to expect during your appointment. Online reviews should be a driving factor in the decision-making process.
- Customer Service: Your initial contact with the doctor will provide insight into their level of customer service. Did they answer the phone, or did you have to leave a message? How long did it take them to get back to you if you left a message? Did the person you spoke to sound friendly and caring? How soon were they able to fit you in for an appointment? If you were unhappy with your experience, you might want to find another doctor.
- Cost: The person you speak to should give you a good idea of how much your appointment will cost. You’ll want to find a doctor that fits your budget.
UBERDOC Can Help
If you just moved into a new neighborhood and need to find a doctor, UBERDOC is an ideal resource.
UBERDOC is an online platform that connects people with reputable doctors nationwide. All doctors are vetted in advance to ensure they meet our high standards. They represent a variety of specialties.
Once patients find a doctor, they can schedule directly through our online platform. We accept insured and uninsured patients eliminating the need for referrals. Our appointments are affordable, usually just $250. Thanks to our exclusive scheduling system, patients can get in to see a doctor in 1-3 days.
Finding a doctor isn’t easy. UBERDOC is here to help with a convenient platform, top-notch doctors, and affordable appointments. Visit our website to discover what we have to offer.
