Medical Questions » Diet Questions » Question No. 275
| Question: | We have just moved from interstate, where we had a marvellous GP who had looked after the family for the past 23 years. What is the best way to choose a good general practitioner to look after us in our new life here? |
| Answer: | Choosing your family' s general practitioner can be one of the most important decisions you make when moving in to a new area. Your life and health may depend upon him/her. The doctor who suits one person does not necessarily suit another. Doctors are human, and personality clashes can occur. The most important factor is to feel safe and confident with your GP.
When moving to a new area, friends and neighbours can be a good guide. Visit the GPs that they suggest for routine matters, and find out what they are like. Check the doctor' s hours, after-hours arrangements and facilities, and observe his/her attitude to you. If you are happy with one, then tell him/her so, and arrange for your old medical records to be transferred to the new practice.
Another point you may wish to check is membership of rhe Australian Medical Association (most AMA members display an annual membership certificate), which will give a guide to the doctor' s ethical attitudes. Doctors who have completed further study and exams in general practice will be Fellows of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and have the letters FRACGP after their name. Practices which have passed a very strict inspection are accredited by the government and will display a certificate of accreditation.
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