It is best to choose a primary health care provider before you or your family needs one. Do some research, ask questions, and take your time in choosing a provider that is right for you.
Based on what is important to you, ask family, friends and co-workers for references. Be sure to consider things such as communication style and whether you need a physician experienced in treating a particular chronic condition such as diabetes. If you need help finding a primary care provider, please don't hesitate to contact us at 757-595-6363 and we will be happy to help you.
Selecting your doctor
When you have narrowed the list of potential primary care providers, you may want to contact the physician's office and ask questions including:
- Will they accept your insurance? Will they handle health insurance paperwork for you?
- What are the office hours? Make sure office hours are convenient and there is a plan for after-hours care.
- Does the practice use an electronic medical record system? This is very important. Riverside Medical Group physicians use electronic medical records so the chance of error in reading a report or diagnostic result is minimized. In addition, Riverside specialists and emergency physicians have access to your medical record should you need treatment from them. Electronic medical records save time and provide access to your medical history in one place.
- Which continuing care facilities are used? You’ll want to know what hospitals, surgical facilities or diagnostic facilities the providers use and what is available to you. Make sure the locations are convenient for you and your family members.
- Is your physician board-certified or board-eligible?
- You may want to find out more about your doctor: Call your state licensing board or go online to learn about any registered complaints or disciplinary actions taken against any provider you are considering.