What Matters the Most in the Team You Select
Finding the right doctor’s office can feel like a big decision. Your primary care provider is often the first line of defense when it comes to staying healthy, managing chronic conditions, and coordinating specialized care. Whether you're choosing a doctor for yourself or your entire family, you want someone who’s not only qualified but also listens, cares, and builds a relationship with you over time.
Let’s walk through a guide to choosing the right primary care provider. Let’s look at the whole team including why having a nurse practitioner (NP) on the team can be a major advantage for your family’s care.
What Services to Look for in a Family Doctor’s Office
A good family practice should offer comprehensive care for every stage of life—from infancy through adulthood. Look for services like:
- Preventive care and annual wellness visits
- Immunizations
- Chronic disease management (like diabetes or high blood pressure)
- Women’s and men’s health screenings
- Pediatric care
- Minor urgent care services (sore throats, rashes, etc.)
Having a wide range of services in one place saves time and ensures consistent care.
Good Communication and Bedside Manner
A great provider isn’t just medically skilled—they’re also easy to talk to. You should feel heard and understood. Do they take time to explain things? Do they involve you in decision-making? Do they return messages or test results promptly? Feeling comfortable with your provider encourages you to be proactive in your health.
Accessibility and Convenience
Having a doctor in your town is practical. This makes visits easier to schedule in your busy day. It’s also important to find doctors who will schedule same-day or next-day appointments for sick visits. If your preferred doctor isn’t available, are you also able to book with another medical provider including a nurse practitioner (NP)? These little details can make a big difference when you’re sick or managing a busy schedule.
Positive Reviews and Referrals
Ask your friends and family about their experience with different medical offices. Check online reviews too. Personal referrals often provide the most honest feedback about the quality of care, wait times, and overall experience.
Why Nurse Practitioners (NPs) Are a Vital Part of the Team
Many family practices now include NPs. NPs are advanced practice registered nurses who hold a master’s or doctoral degree and are trained to:
- Diagnose conditions
- Order and interpret tests
- Prescribe medications
- Develop treatment plans
- Provide routine preventive care
They often bring a holistic, patient-centered approach to care and spend extra time educating patients and answering questions.
If your doctor’s office has NPs, you will experience:
- Shorter wait times for appointments
- More time per visit, leading to better communication
- A team-based approach with physicians for more collaborative care
- Specialized focus in areas like pediatrics, women’s health, or geriatrics
NPs often become a trusted, consistent face in the practice, forming long-term relationships with patients and families.
Picking the right doctor’s office is about more than checking a box on your insurance plan. You want a partner in your health journey—someone you trust, who knows your history, and is committed to your well-being. When you find that combination, you’ll know your health is in good hands.
It is always important to have confidence in a medical team who supports you. If you are working toward better health, our team at Healthstar Physicians Premier Medical wants to be on your team. Our medical team specializes in obesity medicine, osteopathic medicine, family medicine, and podiatry. We are taking new patients at our Premier West location in Newport. And we accept most forms of insurance. To make an appointment at either Newport location, please contact us.
