Today is National Doctors Day: Do you have a physician for your healthcare needs?

National Doctors Day is a day of celebration meant to serve as a small reminder to our nation of the integral role that physicians serve in our lives.

In honor of this special day, Mercy wants to ensure that members of our community are connected to compassionate doctors they can trust. However, we know that choosing the right doctor for your needs can be overwhelming. To making the process a little easier, we’re answering your most frequently asked questions about selecting the right doctor.

What should I consider when choosing a doctor?

First and foremost, you should look for a caring, compassionate doctor with whom you feel comfortable and can trust. Your relationship with your doctor should bring you peace of mind about your healthcare. It might be helpful to get recommendations from family and friends who have positive relationships with their doctors. You also can check with your county’s medical society for a list of physicians in your area or check the phone book or Internet for listings. It also is a good idea to check with your insurance company to make sure it covers the doctor you have chosen. Insurance companies often have a select list of doctors who are considered within their network and, therefore, are covered. If you chose to see a doctor who is not a part of the insurance company’s network, your visits may not be covered, meaning you would have to pay for your care out of pocket.

What type of doctor should I see?

Everyone should have a primary care physician, or PCP. This is the doctor you will see for general care, including basic and routine exams and illnesses. Most children will have a pediatrician, or a doctor who specializes in taking care of infants and children, as their PCP. Aging adults may want to consider a PCP who specializes in geriatrics. You also may need to see a specialist. For example, women also should see an obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN), which is a doctor who specializes in female health and delivering babies. It is important to note that some insurance companies require a referral from your PCP before seeing a specialist.

What else should I consider when choosing a doctor?

You may want to select a doctor whose office is conveniently located and easily accessible. You also should make sure the doctor is associated with a health system where you are most comfortable. Doctors’ offices often are busy and may have few appointment openings. Check to see how long it will take to schedule an appointment, whether you could be seen the same day should an urgent need arise, and if they offer a walk-in care option, such as the Mercy Health Physician Ready Care Clinics. It may take time and some trial and error before you find the right doctor, but taking the information above into consideration can help guide you in your decisionmaking process. Plus, Mercy is here to support you and help you find a doctor who is right for you and your family.

Mercy Health Physicians is proud to offer more than 100 caring and compassionate providers in 20 locations throughout Lorain County and surrounding communities. The team includes physicians for every member of your family, plus physicians in a wide range of specialties, in locations that are convenient to you.

Additionally, you get the extra benefit of being part of a comprehensive healthcare system throughout Lorain County including the local hospitals you trust- Mercy Regional Medical Center in Lorain and Mercy Allen Hospital in Oberlin.

To find a physician near you, call 1-877-580-1695 or visit Mercy.com.