How to Choose a Provider
Choosing a provider can be a big decision. Everyone wants a doctor they can trust and speak openly with, but there’s far more to consider than just that. You will also want a physician that’s close to home, in your insurance network and one who is well respected by current and former patients. With 9,000 affiliated physicians integrated to provide care at more than 700 patient care locations, there’s a provider to meet every need.
Our Provider Finder is a great source of information about doctors in our network. The physicians at our facilities are reputable, skilled professionals who contribute to our vision of advancing the overall health of the communities we serve.
Below are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a new physician.
Primary Care: Internist, Family Doctor or Pediatrician?
An internist, or internal medicine doctor, is a physician who focuses on primary care services for adults, which includes prevention, diagnosis and treatment for various conditions. Family doctors (doctors who practice “Family Medicine”) are similar, except they treat patients of all ages and generally have a broader focus.
Deciding which professional is the best fit for you is a personal decision. If you live alone or have a small family, an internist may work best for your medical needs. For larger families, having one point of contact for everyone can work better, especially if your family has a history of shared medical conditions.
Primary care doctors for children are called pediatricians. Pediatricians treat infants, children, adolescents and young adults, usually until the age of 21.
Specialists
When you need to see a specialist, your primary care physician can provide a referral, or you can choose your own. You should research specialists carefully to ensure you connect with one that meets your particular needs. You may consider widening your search radius outside of your local area to visit an expert who specializes in the discipline you need.
Finding a Physician in Your Network
At RWJBarnabas Health, our providers work with and accept numerous insurance providers, but you will need to contact your health insurance company to know for sure whether the provider you choose is included in your network.
Patient Satisfaction and Referrals
Choosing a new physician can feel much easier when you know others have had positive experiences with their care. If you have friends or family in the area, ask them about their experience with local physicians. You may also want to find patient reviews for doctors who have experience treating a particular medical condition.
Your First Visit Is Not a Commitment
While reviews and recommendations can be helpful, there is no substitute for meeting a physician yourself and determining whether they are the right fit for your needs. An initial meeting in no way obligates you to continue using that physician. Most providers realize that patients will be researching doctors to find the best fit.
Important Things to Consider When Choosing a Doctor
Below are some things to think about when evaluating whether a new doctor is a good fit for you:
- How long does it take to get to their office?
- Are there long wait times?
- Do you feel comfortable revealing personal medical details to the physician?
- Is the clinic staff friendly and helpful?
- What kind of hours does the doctor keep?
Start Your Search for a Provider Today
Visit RWJBarnabas Health’s
Provider Finder to find providers by specialty, geographic location, conditions they treat,
or the kind of insurance they take.
For help choosing the right physician for you, call
888-724-7123.
To schedule an appointment with a cancer specialist, please call 844-CANCERNJ (844-226-2376)
Our providers look forward to meeting with you!
