Homework counts, especially when it comes to choosing a family doctor. Consider the following tips before selecting a physician to care for your health:
1. Talk to people. Check with friends and other medical professionals such as pharmacists, dentists and nurses. Ask who provides their family’s care and get details on things that are important to you, such as:
- Office – Is the staff courteous? Does the facility seem clean and organized? Is it a rushed or relaxed atmosphere? Are you seen on time? Are they prompt in returning calls? Is parking available? Is it easily accessible by wheelchairs, strollers, etc.?
- Physician Characteristics – Do you prefer a male or female doctor? Do you feel confident about his/her medical guidance? Are you comfortable discussing medical conditions with your doctor? Is he/she a good listener? Does he/she thoroughly discuss medical conditions, treatment options and drug side effects? Does the physician project a warm, caring attitude? Is the doctor willing to consult with other physicians regarding your treatment?
2. Narrow your search. Use our Find a Doctor search feature or view the Provider Directory. Make sure the physician of your choice is part of your health plan’s network if applicable. After developing a list of potential physicians, call their offices and inquire about:
- Location – Is the office conveniently located near your home or work? Are in-network X-ray and lab facilities nearby?
- Appointment availability – How soon can you get an appointment? Will they fit you in if you need to be seen right away? How far in advance should you book appointments?
- Credentials – Ask the office staff or call the American Board of Medical Specialties at 1-866-275-2267 to see if the physician is board certified. Board certification means the physician has passed a comprehensive examination given by other doctors in his or her specialty.
- Hospital – If you need to go to a hospital, can this physician admit you to the facility of your choice? Besides convenience, this ensures your physician has been accepted by an accredited hospital.
- Fees and Insurance – What are the service fees and can the physician process your insurance? Is the provider part of your health plan’s network?
3. Change primary care physician (PCP) online. If you were assigned a PCP upon enrollment, you may change the selection online through My Optima or contact Member Services.
4. Remember: It is always best to look for a doctor when you are well and not distracted by an illness.
About our network
To ensure members receive timely, appropriate care, we constantly monitor the services they receive. Plan physicians must successfully undergo a rigorous screening process called credentialing before an offer is made to join our network of providers. Credentialing criteria include verification of state licensure, hospital privileges, federal and state controlled substance registration, education, office management, utilization, and malpractice/litigation history. These standards are based on the National Committee of Quality Accreditation standards. We recredential our physicians every two years, and part of that process includes verifying quality of care and a medical record review.
Additionally, our physicians:
- Are part of a mixed model network encompassing those who provide care in private practice and those who are in Sentara Medical Group.
- Must meet strict requirements for board certification within a defined time frame.
- Are reviewed by their patients via an annual practice-specific survey for practices which see a high volume of our patients.