Doctors play an important role in our lives. In fact, some people have the same family doctor throughout their lives, and this may even be the same person that delivered them when they were born. Of course, modern medical practices often make it easier now to book with any doctor at any time, and many patients are comfortable seeing various professionals when they require medical attention.
To find a doctor with whom one can walk a road, however, is invaluable. Becoming familiar with one physician means that you and your entire family can build up a rapport with this professional, and this assists your GP when it comes to developing a better overall idea of your family’s health. If you are looking to find a doctor that you can trust with not only your health but the health of your loved ones, too, then keep reading as we discuss some of the questions you can ask yourself during your search.
How Easy Is It to Book an Appointment?
This question may seem as though it is a non-issue, but some patients truly do struggle to make an appointment with their general practitioner. This may be due to busy telephone lines, or even a lack of proper organisation on the part of the reception staff. At the Intercare Group, it is essential to us that patients feel as though they are able to book an appointment with their preferred medical professional with ease. We have therefore introduced a seamless online booking system that only takes a few minutes to navigate. Simply select your branch, your doctor, and your time slot, and we will send through the confirmation of your appointment in no time at all. These appointments can also be cancelled online with ease.
Will My Medical Aid Cover this Doctor?
Not all doctors’ offices, practices, and medical centres will be covered by your specific medical aid. Before settling on a doctor, be sure to take a look at your plan and see whether it includes specific network doctors or if you are free to find a doctor you like. Even if your medical aid does not cover a specific doctor, however, it may be worth it to pay out-of-pocket if you find a physician you feel understands you better than most do.
How Easy Will Travelling Be?
It may be easy to travel to a medical centre or doctor’s office when you are well, but it is imperative that you consider what travelling will look like when you or a family member is ill. In the event that you do not have your own transport available, how easily would you be able to visit your doctor using public transport or getting a lift? These are important questions to consider because accessibility is a major reason many South Africans simply avoid seeking medical attention. Here at Intercare, we strive to make our services as accessible as possible and have branched out across various provinces in South Africa to ensure that patients have easy access to our medical centres.
Am I Only Comfortable Communicating with Certain Types of Doctors?
Some patients have a preference when it comes to doctors, and there is nothing wrong with this. It is highly recommended, however, that patients do not avoid seeking medical attention just because they cannot find a GP that fits their list of specific requirements, but patients are entitled to seek a doctor with whom they are comfortable. For some, this might mean finding a physician who speaks their language, while other patients are more comfortable with a professional of a certain gender. Some families prefer to partner with a GP who specialises in paediatric or geriatric care – it all depends upon who you are and your needs as a household.
Does This Doctor Listen Well?
It can be frustrating when one does not feel heard in a medical setting. Too often, patients walk away from their appointments feeling disappointed or as though their general practitioner disregarded much of what they had to say. If your current doctor makes you feel unheard or as though they do not pay enough attention to what you say, then it is time to find someone new. At the Intercare Group, our team of professionals prioritise compassionate care and listening, and it is essential to us that every patient feels seen and that their health concerns are taken seriously.
Is the Practice Neat and Clean?
In this day and age, there is no reason why a patient should have to tolerate a doctor’s practice or medical centre that is not tidy and hygienic. If you step foot into a medical environment and you feel that not enough steps have been taken to keep the setting hygienic, then it is better to leave. Not only are filthy surroundings unprofessional, but they are a health hazard, too. Microorganisms thrive in medical environments that are not regularly cleaned and sanitised, and it is better to find a clean environment for the sake of your own health and those about whom you care. Within our medical centres, we follow strict hygiene protocols to ensure that our waiting areas, doctors’ rooms, and all surfaces are all regularly cleaned and disinfected.
Do the Reception Staff Show Friendliness and Compassion?
Surly and uninterested reception staff make a difference in one’s overall experience of a doctor’s visit. It can also mean the difference between efficient service and waiting for help for unnecessarily extended periods of time. When seeking a new family physician, pay close attention to how the staff at the centre treat you. At Intercare, we are proud to say, our staff are trained to offer friendly and compassionate service, and we give each patient the freedom to let us know if they experience any issues in this department.
What If I Require Urgent Medical Attention?
Some urgent conditions are not serious enough to warrant a trip to the emergency room at a hospital but do require swift medical attention. Unfortunately, normal doctors’ practices cannot always simply fit someone into an already full schedule. Therefore, at Intercare, we offer walk-in services where no prior appointment is required, patients are free to arrive and fill out a form while waiting to see a professional.
Find a Doctor Near You Right Now
If you would like to find a doctor and make an instant booking right now, all you have to do is use our “Find and Book” service here and select the most suitable doctor near you.