Vigorbuddy.com | 7 Factors to Consider When Choosing Medical Clinics | In 2018, over 50% of adults living in the US suffered from at least one chronic health condition. And over 27% had multiple chronic health conditions.
If there is anything to be gained from the pandemic, it’s that more and more people are taking their health seriously and choosing medical clinics for their care needs.
But it’s easy to get stuck. Choosing medical clinics is a tough job. There are so many questions like where do you begin? What do you look for?
Remember, whenever you have a medical issue, it can seem like the options for clinics are endless. The trick is knowing what to look for. So keep reading this guide to learn about seven things you should consider when choosing a medical clinic!
1. Consider a Functional Medicine Clinic
More and more people are taking a more personal and holistic approach to their healthcare and turning towards functional medicine.
Functional medicine keeps you at the center of its approach. Doctors who practice functional medicine work to find the root cause of your illness, whether it’s stress, nutrition, or allergens.
A functional medicine doctor will as you about
- How long your symptoms have been going on
- Your sleeping patterns
- Your personal relationships
- Your emotional wellbeing
- Your nutrition
Functional medicine clinics treat anybody from children to elderly adults. You’ll get more attentive and personalized care too. So look for a professional, functional medicine clinic in your area.
2. References and Reviews
Next, hit Google and start doing your research. A clinic’s references, reviews, and reputation speak the loudest.
See what people are saying about their experiences. A genuinely excellent clinic will shine online as well.
Check out the clinic’s website, too, for reviews and comments. See how quickly public comments are addressed.
And finally, ask your friends and colleagues who they know. Many people have friends or family that practice medicine and can end up being a wealth of information.
3. Compare the Costs
Don’t be afraid of doing a little shopping and comparing clinic costs. Find out what fees they charge for all the medical services they offer.
Even if you’re insured, you’re still paying a portion of these costs most of the time, so you need to know what they are upfront. The medical clinic you choose must be mindful of patient costs.
And while you’re at it, ask your potential medical clinic what insurance plans they accept and if they are set up to bill your insurance company directly. Finally, find out what payment methods they accept and ask about their billing and payment policies.
4. Look for Certified Medical Clinics
When you’re looking for a medical clinic, you need to make sure it’s certified and has the proper licensing to perform medical procedures.
Certified medical clinics also should have physicians that are certified too, so don’t skip this part. When a doctor is certified, they will have their medical degree, complete residency training, and be licensed in the state where they practice.
And make sure to ask if the physicians at the medical clinic make specialist referrals often and if they have a go-to specialist list on hand. It would also be best to find out who provides coverage for the physicians when they’re away and how that impacts your care.
The American Medical Association has a website that allows you to search for a doctor based on your medical needs and location. When you use this site, you’ll also see their essential professional and licensing information.
5. The Location
When you’re looking to live a healthier life, you need a medical clinic that’s easy to get to and doesn’t causes added stress.
Also, don’t forget to consider the distance a medical clinic is to a major hospital or the pharmacy you use. If the pharmacy you use is not convenient to the medical clinic you choose, you’re less likely to go overall.
You also want a medical clinic you can get to quickly for urgent situations that come up. So, location is indeed everything when you’re choosing a medical clinic.
6. The Facilities and Equipment
An excellent medical clinic should have all the facilities and equipment you need to get the medical care you deserve. Do they have an onsite laboratory, current laboratory equipment, and up-to-date safety protocols?
It would be best if you also got an idea of their overall facility. Make sure it’s safe, well maintained, handicapped accessible, and clean.
Check if the medical clinic has an up-to-date software system, a patient portal, and a way to automate patient records and appointments. The last thing you want is a medical clinic that is not interested in keeping up with technological advancements.
7. Communication and Friendliness
A friendly doctor that is willing to take the time to communicate is worth their weight in gold. Nowadays, doctors have a limited amount of time they can spend with their patients.
But it’s not just about the quantity of time; it’s the quality of time that matters. So don’t be afraid to ask your potential medical clinic detailed questions about how appointments typically go.
Inquire about their communication practices. Find out who calls you if you have an abnormal test result and need to follow up. And how long that process takes.
Finally, make sure any physician at the medical clinic is willing to talk with you about your medications, nutrition, preventive health measures and answer any questions.
Choosing Medical Clinics
You can never be too careful when it comes to choosing medical clinics. Your health is the most important thing, and you need to consider your options carefully.
Taking the time to choose the right medical clinic to meet your medical needs is a massive step in controlling your health.
If you enjoyed this guide, check out our blog for more medical, health, and nutrition tips today!
