What Makes a Good Primary Care Physician?

If you’re looking at choosing a primary care physician for you and your family, it can be challenging to know where to get started. Of course, you want to select the right individual who will provide the best care, but what exactly makes a great GP? As well as being able to identify and diagnose potential illnesses you want to be able to form a relaxed relationship. There’s nothing worse than going to a doctor and feeling uncomfortable when discussing your symptoms.

Below we are going to discuss some of the different attributes that make a great primary care physician so that you can come to a decision. Want to learn more? Then let’s get started!

Communication

One of the most critical skills that your GP needs to have is the ability to communicate clearly. Not only do they have to educate you on healthy and safe practices, but they need to explain your diagnosis in words that are easy to understand. A good physician will also be able to change their forms of communication depending on the patient. They should be comfortable with children, young adults, and the elderly. People will need different explanations in order to feel safe and cared for.

Listening Skills

Alongside being able to talk openly, GP’s also need to have advanced listening skills. For example, during your check-ups, you may need to describe your symptoms. If they misinterpret or mishear what you say, it could impact your future care. If you feel that you are constantly interrupted or that you have to explain things more than once, they may not be the right person for you. You don’t want a severe sign to go unnoticed.

Respect

A respectful physician is open-minded and doesn’t judge their patients. They aim to provide an excellent standard of care to people from different socio-economic backgrounds, cultures, and religions. When looking for a suitable facility and doctor, you want to make sure that they respect your wishes without judgment. To start your search, check out primary care Utah to see their range of services.

Care and Empathy

Qualifications and reputation are critical, but at the end of the day, you also want a doctor that is going to actually care about you. Of course, being professional is essential, but you want to feel valued, especially if you are dealing with some hard results. A good physician will be able to handle the situation carefully, offering you advice, solutions, and a hand when you need it. It’s probably one of the most vital skills they should have.

Organization

In the medical industry, one tiny mistake can have serious consequences. For example, a missing piece of paper could lead to misdiagnosis and even prescription errors. Therefore, it makes sense that GP’s need to have excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills. Alongside documenting everything clearly and recording results, they need to be able to follow up on testing. This ensures that nothing is getting lost throughout the entire process. Time really can be of the essence.

Motivation

As well as diagnosing and treating symptoms, physicians also have to be able to motivate their patients to live healthy lifestyles. This might include discussing things about exercise, healthy eating, and other changes to improve your quality of life. While they aren’t going to call you up and check what you are eating each day, they can use their knowledge to educate you on the potential consequences, especially when it comes to things such as obesity and smoking.

Curiosity

Another trait that is important when dealing with patients is curiosity. Doctors that are curious are more likely to come to an accurate diagnosis, as they are willing to seek out additional resources to find the problem. We aren’t talking about curiosity in the sense that they will experiment on you, but instead, use their interests to delve deeper into your symptoms. That way, you are getting the best treatment possible.

Education

Since medicine and healthcare are constantly evolving, a good doctor will also take opportunities to advance and continue learning. Staying up to date on the latest enhancements and achievements improves their knowledge and medical skills. They will also be able to pass on information to both patients and other professionals in the same facility. Desire to learn really does indicate that they are willing to give their all into helping you.

Patience

While many doctors are on tight schedules, they still need to have patience when dealing with others. You need to be able to explain your situation clearly, without feeling rushed or hurried. You also want to be confident that they don’t skip over your issue to deal with something else. Yes, there will be things that require priority, but you should still feel that you are heard.

Commitment 

Finally, another critical trait that all GP’s should have is commitment. From the minute that you have walked into their office, they should be willing and dedicated to providing you with exceptional service. While there could be times when you may be referred to other doctors that specialize in different areas, they should still want to be a part of your journey. After all, they can be almost considered like family.

Final Words

And that’s it! While there are many other skills and attributes that make a great primary care physician, these are the ones you should look out for if you are in the selection process. The more boxes that they tick, the better. However, it would be best if you didn’t forget that there are other things that you will need to keep in mind. Some of which include:

– Location and facilities

– Provided services

– How they bill

– Qualifications and accreditations

Once you have gone through all of the above, you’ll be able to find the right professional for you. But don’t be scared to seek out someone else if you still don’t feel comfortable. You always need to trust your gut.

Good luck!