Whether you are in India or Australia, it’s not easy to find a good General Practitioner (GP), or the Family Doctor, who is skilled, attentive & understands your background, but it is very essential that you do so.
Here’s how to find the right professionals for yourself and your family!
Who is the GP?
Well, he is typically the first person to contact in case you have any worries related to either your or your kids’ health. He may refer you to the specialists or for tests in case the requirements arises for the same.
The GP also happens to be the doctor to see for the routine check-ups, even in case you and your family may not be suffering from any health complications and are perfectly fine. Your GP may assist you with important matters, such as first childhood checks, immunization, mental health, diet, and wellbeing guidance, among others.
Why Locating the Right Professional is Vital?
It’s crucial to locate a GP with whom you feel rather relaxed, somebody you have faith in, and somebody who really understands your specific family’s requirements. While some families already have a relationship with a GP they have come to know and trust, for others, the same could take some time for this association to mature and progress particularly in case they have recently got in touch with someone.
Is 1 GP for Whole Family Enough?
Yes, having just 1 GP for the entire family may do the job for you! The GPs have the necessary training & skills in treating individuals cutting across the different age boundaries.
Still, at times, it would do you no harm if you have one GP for yourself and a new one for your kids especially as they become older.
You may also figure that 1 GP might not fulfill all your requirements; for instance, some people could wish to contact a GP of the similar sex or cultural background, or could prefer a specific family doctor for some medical issues and a different GP for others.
Irrespective of your specific choice, it is crucial to have a long-term association with your family doctor to take good care of your family’s present & future health.
How to Locate a Nice Medical Practitioner?
Keep these tips in mind to stumble across the right GP!
Find out if the GP is easy to get to? Is it possible for you to walk there? Can you easily park your vehicle there? Is there public transportation close? Do they have ramps for prams & wheelchairs?
What about the working hours? Are you and your family okay with that?
Does the professional charge a lot?
Is making an appointment required? If yes, how do you do it?
Is it possible to contact your preferred GP at any given time? In some bigger facilities, you may get to meet the same GP every time. Hence, check with the reception personnel and find out when your favored GP is obtainable.
Are there additional services at or close-to the GP practice?
You may ask those manning the practice’s reception some of these questions. Since numerous GP clinics run their websites, you could get a lot of handy details online.
How the GP Practice Feels
Given the fact that the ‘feel’ or the environment of the practice is crucial too, look out for:
Receptionists who are friendly
Pictures/Play Cards on the wall that put forward that the team respects families from every social, religious and cultural background.
Child-devoted books/journals, toys etc., in an unsoiled waiting room.
A great deal of patient information
Breastfeeding services
An authorization symbol – It denotes that the practice has fulfilled a set of nationally accepted criteria for the quality of healthcare & patient safety.
How to figure if a GP is perfect for you?
It could take some time to figure a GP and discover if he is the right professional for you & your kid.
The GP who is right for you and your kid will utilize consultations to:
Talk with your KID, even if your KID is just a baby.
Assist you feel self-assured you can look after your kid who is unwell, at home.
Understand your child’s growth and be thoughtful to your child’s requirements.
Understand how demanding things may be at home.
Assist you find methods to administer your health that work for you & your family.
Spot the nice things you’re performing as a parent.
You’ll figure you’ve located the right GP for you and your family when you:
Can ask the professional any questions without any hesitations you have involving your health.
Understand that the Family Doctor has fully heard & understood you, even while your privacy has not been compromised in any way.
Think you have a part in making decisions about your health.
Have the conviction that your GP has the necessary skills & abilities to manage your health matters.
Have additional self-confidence post visiting the GP.
Have no qualms about going back in case you’re still anxious or don’t feel improved post the consultation.
Where to Begin Hunting for a GP?
The best place to begin is by getting in touch with other parents and seeking their views on the subject. Conversations at child care, preschool or school may also be valuable.
You may also contact midwives and family health nurses to get an idea on the issue. These people usually know all about finding the right GP and where. You may also get in touch with your local chemist or any new health expert you see.
