Better Care Medical

What kind of doctor should I see for all-around medical care?

I need to select a primary physician, one for all-around medical care. I have a very large selection to choose from as most doctors in my area accept my insurance. My main issues are: *Type 2 Diabetes, *Restless Leg Syndrome, *Depression / Bi-Polar. I see an Endocrinologist for my Diabetes and a Psychiatrist for depression / bi-polar, but neither of them will treat / address other medical issues. I would like to find a physician for general medical treatment for *sick / *cold / *flu / *injury / *x-rays / *lab work, etc. BUT someone also well-versed in Diabetes, Restless Leg Sybdrome and Depression / bi-polar just so they may better understand my background and be familiar with and able to understand my treatment of those conditions. SOOOOOOO........ General Practice, Family Practice, Internal Medicine, M.D., D.O., which area should I look into to select a physician?

Public Comments

1. An internal medicine Dr. would be what you are looking for. Good Luck and Best wishes!
2. I would look into a general practitioner. I know what you mean though. I see my general practitioner for my anxiety/depression, sacrociliitis(arthritis of the sacrum), allergies, and any other medical concern I have. Good luck. P.S. Usually, a family practice doctor is a general practice doctor that will treat children as well as adults. The general practitioner is usually for 18+.
3. The type of doctor is not as important as the STYLE of the doctor. Family Practice physicians will treat children as well as adults. Internal Medicine doctors should be able to treat all of the illnesses that you listed above. Here is the key: Call and interview the doctor before deciding which one to choose. If the doctor will not give you a free consultation then go to the next one on the list. You have to know your style as well as the physicians. I have known many excellent physicians who have horrible bedside manner or people skills. I chose a physician who was willing to work with my specialist, who was nearly always on time, who would let me send her an email, etc...I chose this doctor because I knew my style. All licensed physicians have passed the same board examinations. What separates them is their style and emphasis on service. I would try to find one who really cares about the "customer" and not just the technical aspect of your symptoms. I think you will get better care that way. Try calling the office to get an appointment. See how long it takes to get in for a "sick" appointment. A good practice will keep 2-4 appointment slots per day open for emergency appointments. Once you pick a doctor realize that the office manager or receptionist really runs the office. Get to know her name and something personal about her. Then when you call or need an appointment you are more likely to get preferential treatment. I know it is sad but true. The office staff are people too. A little respect and appreciation will go a very long way. Good luck to you.