Hi HN,
Long time reader, recent commenter, and first time poster :)
There are a tonne of accomplished, highly educated brains on this board, which leads me to ask something which has of late been gnawing at me.
Outside of a personal recommendation, what heuristics are helpful in finding good general practitioner.
I understand personal recommendations are good for ensuring a doctor has compassion, however are there extra certifications, memberships, certain signs to look out for which could potentially show a doctor gets just beyond the surface, goes further than what I am saying to them.
I'm talking doctors who look into your genetics, lifestyle, psychology as a whole, versus looking at symptoms. Perhaps my question opposes the tenets of the medical profession? Perhaps it doesnt, but some insights would be appreciated!
2) irrespective of his certificates or qualifications, does he listen when I'm trying to describe my problem or is he just looking down and poking at his laptop or tablet checking boxes? (I realize they're crushed by bureaucracy as much as anyone else, but if they're not at least glancing in my direction every now and then, why am I even there? I could just use email or even one of those "telephone" things and get the same service)
3) does he actually do doctor things, or does he view himself as a "primary care physician" whose only purpose is to be the gatekeeper between you and the real doctor he might refer you to in order to get something done?
I've had way too many doctors pass #1 and then fail both #2 and #3.