The next time you’re in the market for a new primary care doctor, start your search at hioscar.com (opens in new tab) or the Oscar app. We recently updated our doctor profiles (opens in new tab), giving them a fresh new look and compatibility section, so you can find someone you’ll want to stick with. Here are some additional factors to consider during your search.
1. Pick someone with a convenient location.
Travel time can really add up, especially when you’re feeling sick. When selecting a primary care doctor, consider all of the places you may find yourself on a typical weekday: home, work, school, or even other doctor’s offices. Pick a doctor that’s close to one of these places to cut down on travel time.
If you want to be informed about your health, you have to understand your doctor’s diagnoses and recommendations. Make sure to look for a doctor who speaks your mother-tongue. Oscar’s network includes many doctors who speak multiple languages (like Spanish and Chinese), which can be a plus if you have a family member who speaks a different language than you helping with your care. Our search tool lists the languages your doctor speaks, making it easier to find a doc you can talk to.
3. Evaluate personal preferences.
Certain factors like age or gender can make you more comfortable on the exam table. If you have strong demographic preferences that might influence how your visit goes, use them to filter your search results.
4. Check your doctor’s qualifications.
Check out each doctor’s years of experience, certifications, specialties, education, and stats on their profile to be sure that they align with your expectations.
5. Integrate your care.
If you’re getting care for a preexisting condition or have an upcoming procedure on the books, look for doctors that practice within (or refer patients to) the same hospital network or group. Using doctors that are affiliated with the same hospital network can streamline communication between doctors offices, expedite coordinating care, and save you money.
6. Look at office hours.
Before you book your first appointment, look online or call the doctor’s office to confirm their office hours. You’ll want to choose a doctor whose schedule works with yours. Most doctors offices hold 9-5 weekday schedules, but some have availability on weekends to accommodate the 9-5 crowd. Some of the doctors in Oscar’s network have exclusive Oscar hours set aside so members spend more time with their doc and less time waiting for an appointment.
7. Check in with yourself.
The only way you can know for sure if a primary care doctor is right for you is to assess their bedside manner. Once you’re in the exam room, ask them questions and get to know their staff. Remember that your experience with them begins from the moment you book your first appointment. If the vibe is off, you may want to continue the search.
Finding the right doctor takes work, but you’re not alone. If you need help locating a great primary care doctor, give your Concierge team a call (1-855-672-2755), and they can help you find your perfect match. If you need quick advice from a doctor after hours, you can always schedule a virtual visit with a Doctor on Call through hioscar.com (opens in new tab) or the app.
