Eight tips when choosing a new medical practitioner

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You’ve just moved across town and need to find a new medical practitioner, such as a doctor, dentist, chiro or physio.

Here are eight tips to help you choose the right provider.

1. Ask your current provider

First, ask your current provider if they know someone near your new area. Getting a good recommendation from an expert can help you make a choice with confidence.

2. Ask family, friends and neighbours

Family, friends and neighbours in the area are also great sources of bias-free recommendations – and they may already know some of your personal requirements.

3. Ask a local medical professional

Ask another medical professional in the area for a recommendation. For example, if you’re looking for a doctor, you could ask the local pharmacist.

4. Accessible

Once you’ve identified a few options, start by considering how accessible they are. How close is their location to your new home? Do their opening hours suit your needs? Are there parking spaces or public transport facilities nearby? And are their fees reasonable or prohibitive?

5. Special needs

Find out if they can support any special needs you may have. Examples include requiring home visits, a specific language spoken, or a preference for a male or female practitioner.

6. Accreditations and experience

Ask about their accreditations and their experience, to ensure they can provide the level of expert care you expect.

7. Reviews

Check out their reviews online and on social media to get a sense of what current (or past) clients say about them. This shouldn’t be your primary driver, but it will aid your decision-making process.

8. Have an initial consultation

Lastly, have an initial consultation to determine if you feel comfortable working with them. Clearly state your needs and requirements, and determine if they can meet them. Evaluate their premises and facilities to ensure they are a good fit overall.

Use smaver smartlist to save you time, money and hassles to get settled in your new home sooner.

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