How to Find the Right Doctor for You and Your Family
A family doctor is also known as a general practitioner (GP). A GP is a medical doctor who has completed medical training and is qualified to provide treatment for acute and chronic illnesses and offer preventive interventions. They care for you and your family's general health regardless of age or sex. That includes everything from physical, mental, and emotional health.
What to Expect When Seeing a Family Practitioner
GPs are usually found in a general practitioner clinic. These doctors know their patients well and can provide comprehensive, continuous care. When you visit a general practitioner, they'll ask about your medical history and current health concerns. They'll also perform a physical examination. Based on this information, they can provide a diagnosis and work with you to create a suitable treatment plan.
Path to Improved Well Being
A general practitioner is an excellent resource for you and your family's health needs. Even if you don't have a specific health concern, it's a good idea to see a GP for general check-ups. These doctors can provide you with the information and resources you need to maintain good health for years.
Typically, family doctors are trained to provide treatment in all areas, including:
· Infant to elderly care
· Mental and behavioural health
· Chronic diseases like diabetes, asthma, and heart disease
· Preventative care and screenings
· Ear, nose, and throat care
· Eye care
· Bone and joint care
· Emergency medical care
· Basic testing, such as X-rays and blood tests
· Minor surgical procedures
· And more...
What to Look for When Choosing a Doctor
Various factors go into choosing the right clinic for you and your loved ones, such as hospital affiliation, insurance, and board certification. You also need to decide what aspects are most important to you. For example,
· Do you mind if your practitioner is a man or a woman?
· Do you prefer a doctor who has an individual practice or is part of a large group?
· Do you have any specific needs like transportation assistance or disability accommodations?
· Are there onsite laboratories or other diagnostic services available?
Let's look at other factors you may want to consider when choosing a GP clinic in Singapore.
#1. Location and Office Hours
You first need to consider whether the clinic is conveniently located for you. For instance, it may not be practical to travel to the West for your appointments if you live in the East. Consider searching online for 'doctors office near me' to get the best results for locations of GP offices in your area.
Think about the office hours of the clinic, too. If you work during the day, you may need to find a clinic open in the evening or on weekends.
#2. Insurance
Call your insurance company to find out which clinics in your area are covered by your insurance plan. You may also want to find out if you need a referral from your primary care doctor to see a general practitioner.
#3. Board Certification
Board certification is not required for general practitioners in Singapore, but it may be something you want to consider. Board certification means that a doctor has completed extra training in a specific area of medicine. You can check the Singapore Medical Council website to find a board-certified general practitioner.
#4. Technology used
Does your clinic use the latest technology? For example, some clinics have a patient portal-- a secure website that you can use to communicate with your doctor, schedule appointments, and refill prescriptions. In addition, your medical history, test results, and health records are also stored in the patient portal. That makes it easier and faster for your doctor to access your records, which can be helpful if you need urgent care.
#5. Level of Experience
Your family doctor should be educated and trained to manage and treat various health conditions. For example, if you have a chronic health condition such as high blood pressure and diabetes, you may want to find a general practitioner with experience treating that condition. If you are in need of a disability support worker for your family, Selectability offers NDIS support coordination to make sure you get the care that’s needed
You can usually find information about a general practitioner's education and training on their website or the Singapore Medical Council.
#5. Patient Reviews
One way to learn about a clinic is to read patient reviews. You can find these online or ask friends and family for recommendations.
When looking at patient reviews, remember that not every patient will have the same experience. And, sometimes, people may be more likely to write a review if they had a bad experience. So, read a few reviews to get a well-rounded view of the general practitioner clinic.
When to See a Family Doctor
It's a good idea to establish a relationship with a general practitioner before you need one. That way, you'll already know each other and feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics, such as your sexual health.
You should also visit your general practitioner for screenings and vaccinations. These can help prevent serious health problems like heart disease, cancer, and stroke.
Your general practitioner can also help you manage chronic health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. Moreover, your general practitioner can provide treatment or refer you to a specialist if you have a sudden illness or injury.
