To help you finalize your decision, call the office manager and set up a short, get-acquainted visit with the doctor(s), sometimes available at no charge. Your time with the doctor will most likely be limited, so have family medical information and questions prepared in advance. Following are some areas you may want to explore during the consultation.

• Ask what hospital(s) the doctor is affiliated with. Are they local hospitals, and do they have a good reputation? Remember, in choosing a doctor, you are also choosing a hospital for your treatment needs.
• If you have a chronic medical condition, or a family history of a particular illness, does the doctor have expertise in this area?
• Ask about the doctor’s philosophy on referrals. A reluctance to refer may be undesirable. A well-trained primary care physician should know when to refer, and be willing to work closely with a specialist.
• How can you get in touch with the doctor in case of an emergency?
• During normal office hours, under what circumstances will your calls be put through to the doctor? And during what hours and under what circumstances can you speak directly with the doctor?
• When the doctor is out of town, who fills in, and where is that doctor’s office located? While doctors generally have regular office hours, they usually arrange for coverage seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
• Ask the receptionist how office visits are booked. Are multiple people booked in the same time slot?
• What is the average time spent in the waiting room?
• How does the office handle requests for prescription refills? Will the doctor or nurse call the pharmacy?
  

While you’re there, observe the office. Does the office seem clean, orderly and well managed? Is the staff friendly, knowledgeable, and professional in manner and dress? These issues may seem trivial, but they can be an indication of how the practice is run. Sometime during your visit, speak with the office manager to gather some  additional information.

Once you’ve made your selection and scheduled your first visit, be sure to provide the appropriate office staff with your health insurance plan information and ID card.