Whether you’ve recently moved, changed insurances, or had a bad experience — there are many reasons you might be searching for a new doctor. It’s important (and not always easy) to find the one that’s right for you. Your primary care physician plays a crucial role in managing your healthcare, which means you’ll want to select someone you trust when it comes to your health-related questions and concerns. Here are five things to keep in mind when looking for a doctor.
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The Right Expertise
There are several different types of doctors that will be identified as primary care physicians — typically Family Practice, Internal Medicine or General Practice.
- Family Practice physicians treat patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. They are generalists who treat a wide variety of conditions, and often can also treat ailments you’d normally see a specialist for, like sports injuries or some women’s health needs.
- Internal Medicine physicians typically treat adults and specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and management of disease and chronic conditions.
- General Practice physicians are similar to family practice physicians in that they can treat patients of any gender or age. This category is one area where you might also find osteopaths, which are physicians that practice a type of alternative medicine with special focus on the musculoskeletal system, and are distinguished by the D.O. after their name instead of the M.D.
You’ll want to prioritize finding a doctor that has expertise in the treatment you need. In the case of Omnia Health, our unique approach offers the best of both worlds. Functional medicine integrates traditional Western Medicine with the newest and best evidence-based data, creating an effective process that incorporates lifestyle factors (nutrition, exercise, stress management, etc.) in an individualized plan.
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The Right Personality
It’s not just about experience. The right doctor will make you feel comfortable expressing your concerns without dismissing them. Ideally, they should be professional, personable and compassionate. Most doctors will offer an initial consultation or meeting at no charge. This is the perfect opportunity to get a feel for whether or not this doctor is a good match personality-wise.
Have a list of questions you want to ask and take note of their responses along with their demeanor. If you feel as though you’re being rushed or receiving insincere answers, it would be wise to move onto the next candidate.
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The Right Approach
Western Medicine comes with a basic set of standards that serve as a foundation but from there, doctors have their own way of doing things. Some doctors may prefer prescriptions while others lean more towards homeopathic remedies. Some may rely on specialist referrals while others choose to delve deeper into the issue at hand themselves.
What sets Omnia Health apart from the sea of healthcare professionals is our thoroughness and attention to detail. We prioritize your concerns while working to find the “why” behind any health issues you are experiencing. With in-depth testing and hours of conversation, we are able to better understand your health.
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The Right Reviews
Before committing to any doctor, it’s important to do some research. Reach out to family members and friends whose opinions you value and ask them for any healthcare professional recommendations. A simple google search will give you access to online reviews that can shed light on what people have experienced with any doctor you are considering. Keep in mind that everyone has different priorities and personalities that influence their opinions. Ultimately, you will have to decide for yourself whether or not the doctor is a good fit for you after meeting in person.
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The Right Motivation
Within the healthcare industry, there are many reasons why an individual decides to practice medicine. Some are motivated by the money or the title while others are driven by the idea of making a positive impact on the lives of others. There are also many instances where it is a combination of both. That being said, it is important to find a doctor who is passionate about caring for people. That authentic compassion will serve as the driving force behind their patient interactions, diagnosis and course of action.
The Right Functional Medicine Doctor For You
Dr. Jacqui Pariset founded her functional medicine practice, Omnia Health, after working as a primary care doctor for over 10 years in a traditional, conventional family medicine office. Frustrated with the current system’s quality of treatment – 15-minute patient visits and writing prescriptions – Dr. Jacqui became certified in functional medicine. This leading-edge approach to medicine enables her (and the entire Omnia Health team) to provide an in-depth, well-rounded approach to medicine that reaps results. Dr. Jacqui truly believes every one of her patients deserves and has the ability to achieve optimal health.
You deserve to feel good about your quality of healthcare.
At Omnia Health, your well being is our number one priority. Don’t just take our word for it. Schedule a consultation today and experience healthcare the way it’s meant to be.
