What Should You Look for in a Primary Care Physician?

Your primary care physician serves as the first line of defense when it comes to protecting your health. Unless your family relocates fairly frequently, you can expect to build a strong patient/doctor relationship with your provider, who will gain a comprehensive understanding of your medical history over time.

Physicians who know about their patients’ lifestyle habits, medication records, and treatment preferences can typically provide much better care than those who do not. No two doctors are the same, though, and considering the prevalence of medical malpractice, it is essential to find the right provider for your particular needs.

According to Medical News Today, there are nearly 20,000 malpractice suits filed against physicians annually; however, since not everyone who receives substandard care in a medical setting files a lawsuit, this figure likely represents a mere fraction of the malpractice that occurs every year.

If you think you were the victim of medical malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. To determine if you have grounds for a claim, turn to The Bowling Christiansen Law Firm.

We have the knowledge, resources, tenacity, and experience to find success in court. Call (504) 586-5200 to schedule a consultation with a medical malpractice lawyer in New Orleans.

What Should You Look for in a Primary Care Physician?

If you recently moved or are not satisfied with your current physician, there are a few qualities to look for in potential primary care providers. Factors worth considering include:

• Accessibility;
• Experience;
• Personal referrals and reviews;
• Resources; and
• Bedside manner.

Accessibility

A doctor who returns patients’ phone calls and takes the time to address their concerns, no matter how small, is typically a doctor you can trust. The best physicians are easy to reach and will contact patients even after their course of treatment has ended to ensure they are doing well.

Experience

A physician who has experience treating patients around your age will already be familiar with the kinds of screenings and tests you may need, as well as the greatest health risks that you face. This could reduce the risk of suffering a missed or delayed diagnosis significantly because your provider will know what kinds of signs and symptoms call for immediate medical intervention.

Personal Referrals and Reviews

The internet has made it easier than ever to gauge the quality of care a physician provides. If multiple individuals had a bad experience with one particular doctor, for example, it may be wise to look elsewhere. When everyone has only glowing remarks, on the other hand, it may be worth making an appointment.

Resources

A reputable provider should have hospital access or at least a network of specialists who can perform various tests and procedures. If you turn to a practice that lacks essential resources, you may be more likely to receive substandard care.

Bedside Manner

At the end of the day, you need to feel comfortable discussing even the most intimate details of your life with your physician. Look for someone who is caring and compassionate and knows how to put you at ease from the start.

If you think you were the victim of medical malpractice before finding the right doctor, turn to The Bowling Christiansen Law Firm. Our legal team is here to help people put their lives back together.

Contact us online or call (504) 586-5200 to schedule a case evaluation with a medical malpractice attorney in New Orleans. You can learn more about malpractice claims in Louisiana by visiting the USAttorneys website.

The Bowling Christiansen Law Firm

1615 Poydras Street, Suite 1050

New Orleans, LA 70112

(504) 586-5200