Looking for a new primary care physician in Overland Park, KS can seem like an overwhelming task. Whether you’ve recently moved to Overland Park, changed insurance or have specific health challenges to address, finding a doctor who aligns with your needs is both important and daunting. After all, with all the doctors out there, how do you find one that you’re confident can meet your health needs?
Stress no more. We’ve put together this comprehensive overview to help you get started in finding a primary care physician that will be available, supportive, professional and local to the Overland Park area for convenient access. But first, we’ll take a look at primary care physicians as a whole so you can narrow down what type of doctor will work best for you and your family.
What Do Primary Care Physicians Provide?
A primary care physician is meant to be your first and main point of contact whenever a health issue arises. Whether it’s a chronic condition like asthma or an acute illness like the flu, your primary physician is there to help prevent, diagnose and treat a wide variety of health issues.
Your primary care physician should be someone that you trust to give expert advice and care, and who has your best interests in mind, so selecting a doctor is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Next we’ll look at some of the factors to keep in mind when making this decision.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Provider
There are a few ways you can narrow down your search for a doctor without even setting foot in an office. To start, ask yourself these questions to help weed out any physicians who don’t fit your criteria.
Does the physician meet your needs? This is a critical component of the physician search process. It’s key to find someone you feel comfortable having honest conversations with, someone with expertise in the areas that meet your health needs and someone who truly listens and understands.
Does the physician have a solid track record? Just like you wouldn’t hire a babysitter without good references, you don’t want to put your health (or your family’s health) in the hands of a doctor who doesn’t have the certifications or quality of care that you need. First make sure a physician is board-certified, then look for patient reviews to see what kinds of experiences others have had with the physician.
Is the physician someone you’re comfortable sharing personal health issues with? While this may not be something that you can know just from a cursory internet search, it’s important that a primary care physician is someone you can open up to even about very private medical situations. Many women prefer female doctors for this very reason. In your first visit to a doctor, consider this question as you go through your medical history. If you feel uncomfortable sharing information with the doctor you’re seeing, take the time to shop around until you find someone that puts you at ease.
How to Find a Primary Care Physician in Overland Park, KS
Now that we’ve gone through the basics of primary care, let’s look at some specific strategies for finding a primary care physician in the Overland Park area.
Get recommendations from someone who lives in the area. Have a neighbor, friend, or relative that lives in Overland Park, Kansas? See if they have any physicians in the area that they would recommend. Sometimes word of mouth is the best advertising, especially if you’re getting input from someone you know and trust.
Make a few cold calls. If internet research is getting you nowhere, it may be time to get personal. Call the offices of each physician you’re vetting to get a feel for the staff’s professionalism and willingness to listen and assist you. This can give you a good indication of the culture and attitude of the office, and in turn, the physicians themselves.
Types of Primary Care Physicians in Overland Park
There are a number of different types of primary care physicians, so it’s important to choose one that works with your specific needs and lifestyle. Let’s take a look at the various types of primary care physicians in Overland Park.
Family care physicians: These doctors are exactly what they sound like – they specialize in care for the entire family, from infants to adults. A family care physician is an excellent choice if you have a household with multiple people of varying ages.
Pediatricians: A pediatrician works specifically with infants, children and young adults, so they’re familiar with developmental stages and health issues that are largely found in young people.
Direct primary care providers: You may be less familiar with the term “direct primary care,” or DPC. A DPC provider is simply a primary care physician who is your go-to health resource and who attends to your needs personally on an as-needed basis. That means there are no middlemen between you and your doctor, and you pay a flat monthly fee for unlimited doctors visits, direct care, and even phone consults. This is the ideal option for people with ongoing medical conditions, busy lifestyles that are not conducive to limited doctor’s office hours, or just individuals who are seeking a better, more personal level of care.
ProPartners Direct Primary Care
ProPartners Healthcare is a direct primary care group located in Overland Park, Kansas and dedicated to providing outstanding, personal care for better health and quality of life. Want to find a doctor who’s attentive, empathetic and can offer a personal level of care? Contact us today!