Angie's LIST Guide to
Family medicine

If you're on a medical insurance plan, you should check your insurance providers list of doctors in your network. Read through the listing of GPs in the provider directory available from your health insurance company. Carefully research the doctors you are considering. Verify their qualifications, education, continuing education, insurance carriers they use and hospital affiliations by consulting Angie's List, where you can also see reviews and rankings from other members in that doctor's care.

If you have a chronic condition, you may want to look up advocacy associations to receive referrals for primary care doctors knowledgeable in working with patients with your condition. Several state associations can help you to research a doctor.  

When you've narrowed down your list, visit the doctor's office. You should feel confident that you can get in touch with your doctor when necessary and that office staff are helpful. Make sure that the doctor's hours fit with your schedule. You may also wish to ask if there are alternative ways to contact your doctor if you have a question, such as via email.

Be sure to observe the doctor's personality and find out his or her approach to diagnosis and treatment. Some doctors have a more professional communication style while others are more laid-back.  Some doctors also tend to be more thorough in testing, focus on prevention or offer more aggressive treatments. Look for a doctor who you are comfortable with. Finally, make sure that the doctor you choose values your opinion and allows you to work as a team to ensure you get the best health care possible. Family medicine is an important field in the health care system.

• Family physicians meet with an average of 89 patients in the office each week.