By Dana Zakshevsky

Relocating to a new city can be a stressful adventure for any family. Feeling comfortable in your new surroundings can be even harder. A safe neighborhood, a good school system and a close proximity to hospitals and medical centers are all important deciding factors in your new home’s location. But there are smaller decisions that can make you feel at ease. For example, placing your family’s health in a primary care physician you trust can make all the difference.

Finding a new primary care physician (or PCP) for your family can be one of the easiest ways to feel at home in your new city. Even though it might seem like a daunting task, with these tips you’ll feel confident with your new doctor in no time.

When looking for a new PCP, there are many great ways to make sure you’re getting the doctor who best suits your needs. Your first step is asking your insurance company for a list or roster of doctors they accept, many of which are listed online. You don’t want to find the perfect doctor only to discover they’re not covered by your insurance. “It’s also very important to always call your insurance company and find out all of your coverage information,” says Johnnie Garcia, practice manager for Piedmont Physicians at Atlantic Station. “An educated consumer is a good consumer; when in doubt—call. Asking doesn’t cost anything.”

Once you have talked with your insurance company, ask your neighbors and coworkers for any referrals and opinions. Kathy Scott from Resurgens Orthopaedics says, “Friends and family are great ways to get reliable referrals.” She also recommends contacting local hospitals and speaking with someone about physician referrals. “You can look online, but I would rather someone I know tell me he/she personally likes them,” Garcia adds. “Word of mouth is probably the best way to hunt for a new doctor.”

As you start looking for your new PCP, it’s wise to assess your family’s medical needs. Do you need a doctor with expertise in a specific condition or area? “It’s best to tailor your physician choice to your needs and treatments,” advises Scott. Dr. Kristyn Greifer, associate medical director of Ambulatory and Hospital Medicine with The Southeast Permanente Medical Group suggests thorough research to understand what you need in your new PCP. “Good information—whether you get it from your doctor, the library or the Internet—is a powerful tool for helping you make wise health decisions.” Some health care providers even offer free online health assessment tools. If you or a family member does have a specific health issue, Dr. Greifer offers a few tips. “Start by asking your current doctor if he or she has information about your problem that you could take home. Or, if your health plan has an advice line, call and ask if they can provide more information.”

Narrow down your list of referrals by considering the following: the doctor’s location (if it’s too far from your new home it’s not a feasible option); if the doctor is board certified; the doctor’s hours (do their hours fit into your schedule and are they open on Saturdays?); does the office have an answering service; does the doctor discuss health issues over the phone or by email; how much experience do they have; what hospitals does the doctor use; and who fills in for the doctor if they’re unavailable? Knowing the doctor’s background is also a smart way to tell if they’re right for you and your needs.

After you have a few doctors that you’re interested in, make appointments to get a feel for each doctor’s style and office procedures. “It all starts with the phone call, even before you talk or meet the doctor—if the person on the phone is courteous or not,” Garcia says. At the office, take notice of your surroundings, as this can be a great way to assess the doctor’s practice. “When you walk into a doctor’s office, you want someone who’s going to be friendly. They should make you feel better even if you aren’t feeling well. If the people don’t look at you and smile when you walk in, it’s not a place you want to be. You want to believe that when you walk in, you’re the most important person to them at that time,” says Scott. Be aware of how long you have to wait for the doctor and observe your surroundings. Are you comfortable in the office? Time is very important to everyone and you shouldn’t feel like your time is being wasted. Garcia also mentions that, “Cleanliness of the office is key. The front office is an indication of how the back is going to be.”

“Talk with your health care professional about being a partner in your health decisions. He or she will most likely support your desire to take an active role in your health care,” advises Greifer. If you have a family history of cancer or other diseases, make sure the doctor knows this. “Your doctor should know your family medical history and, from this, understand your concerns if you’re worried about something,” says Scott.

Greifer agrees: “A strong partnership between you and your doctor is the key to getting great care and reducing costs. A doctor who not only knows your medical history, but understands what’s important to you may be the resource you need most when you face a major health care decision.”

Always remember that your doctor should make you feel calm, reassured and at ease. You should also be extremely confident in their ability to diagnose you and keep you and your family healthy. When all is said and done, Garcia gives the best advice: to simply, “Go by your gut.”