For many people, finding a new doctor can be a difficult task, especially if they have recently moved. While you can always turn to your friends and family for recommendations or to talk about your current practice, finding someone you feel comfortable building a relationship with can be daunting. Here are some things to consider as you begin your search for a new general practitioner.

Call the Insurance Company

For people with active insurance policies, it’s best to contact a service representative to discuss which doctors are covered under your policy. Working with doctors outside of your coverage network often results in higher costs and reduced insurance coverage for prescribed treatments. The insurance provider will have a list of local practices that are covered by each policy and can provide recommendations.

Look at the specialists

While a general practitioner can treat most conditions, they are not always specialists in specific conditions. If a patient has a pre-existing medical diagnosis or was seeing a specialist before moving, she may want to search for a similar practice in the area. Calling your previous doctor for a recommendation is always one of the best places to start.

Consider the hours of availability

Life is busy and finding time to get to a doctor’s appointment is not easy. For people with children or busy work schedules, it’s important to find a doctor with hours that work for you. Some practices offer early morning appointment times or extended office hours for last-minute, non-emergency treatment. However, other practices are only open on certain days of the week or during very limited hours.

Ask about their qualifications

Not all medical schools have the same reputation. Before becoming a regular patient, it is important to ask about the doctor’s qualifications. Find out where they received their medical degree and any additional training. While the prestige of your medical school shouldn’t be the only deciding factor, it can help narrow down your list of potential healthcare professionals.

Research your practice

The Internet is a great way to gauge a doctor’s reputation. Online review sites like Yelp and Facebook can provide insight into patient satisfaction, while the Better Business Bureau often sheds light on any billing complications or legal action taken against the practice. It might be worth considering a doctor if people are leaving positive comments.

Don’t be afraid to visit some practices

Visiting a doctor to assess your bedside attitude is perhaps the easiest way to make a decision. This gives patients a chance to get to know the doctor and find out if they like his personality. It is important to find a practice where the patient feels comfortable enough to talk openly about her medical condition. If a doctor or their support staff makes you uncomfortable or nervous about discussing your symptoms, it’s best to keep looking.