Keeping healthy is an ongoing process. Because of the high cost of healthcare, most people need to take great care in finding affordable and accessible ways to stay in good health. While general practitioners (GPs) aren’t exactly a new concept, they are something that many Singaporeans are just now beginning to understand.
And with the constant stream of news on how important it is for us to keep our general health in check, we’ve noticed just how often most people here still don’t have easy access to a GP.
With that said, if you don’t yet have a GP or perhaps you’re looking for one that accepts your insurance plan, here are some ways on how you can find one near you.
Why Finding A GP in Singapore Is Vital for You
Keeping your doctor is another important step towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It’s easy to say but difficult to find. Many Singaporeans leave their doctor for the last minute and others have difficulties connecting with a new GP after their old one leaves practice.
With such trust issues, how do you find a new GP? Is it possible to stay with your current one? Do you need to change general practitioners as often as you switch mobile phone providers every year?
The decision to change GPs should not be taken lightly and should only be done if satisfied with your current one. If you are currently going through this dilemma and need advice on where to find a GP in Singapore- read on…
Find a GP in Singapore
Finding a GP in Singapore can be quite a challenge, especially if you don’t know where to look. You may have to try a few different clinics or visit GPs in person as you won’t be able to find them via your insurance company’s website.
You can start by asking your friends and family for recommendations. If you don’t know anyone who is a regular at a particular clinic, you can also check out a clinic’s website to see if they have any information on their services and doctors.
Why You Should Find a New Doctor Now
If your current GP is leaving Singapore, retiring, or changing practice, changing doctors is a good idea. You don’t want to be forced to change doctors once you’ve found a GP that you’re happy with.
If you’re young and healthy, it’s better to keep the same doctor for as long as possible. They can monitor your health, give you advice and are familiar with your condition or allergies.
You don’t want to have to explain everything from scratch to a new doctor. If you visit your doctor often, it’s a good idea to keep continuity in your care. You may be able to find a new doctor that’s just as good as your old one. And if you ever want to change GPs, you’ll already have a relationship with someone.
What to Look For in a Good GP
Before you run out to find a new GP, it’s helpful to know what to look for. Some people may say you should find a GP who is close to home; others might say you should find a GP specializing in the health issue you are dealing with at the moment.
There are no right or wrong criteria, but it’s helpful to know what you value in a GP – be it convenience, expertise or a good bedside manner. Once you know what you value most, you can start searching for a new doctor. Here are a few things you can consider when looking for a new doctor.
Location – Is it close to home or work?
Specialization – What is their specialty?
Online Reviews – Are there any online reviews of this doctor?
Time Spent with Patients – What is the average wait for patients? What is the average wait for patients?
Pre-Appointment Communication – What is the policy for pre-appointment communications? What is the policy for pre-appointment communications?
Insurance – What insurance plans does the doctor accept? – What insurance plans does the doctor accept?
Staff and Facilities – What is your impression of the clinic and facilities? – What is your impression of the clinic and facilities?
Bedside Manner – What is your impression of the doctor?
How to Find A Good GP In Singapore?
Once you’ve figured out what you value in a doctor, it’s time to find a new GP. It can be tricky to find a good doctor, but here are a few ways to do it:
Ask Family and Friends – The best place to start is by asking people you trust. If you have a friend or family member who is happy with their doctor, ask for their advice.
Ask Your Company – Most companies have a list of providers for their employees. Finding a doctor this way helps you make sure that you’re getting a doctor covered by your insurance plan. You can also check out the Singapore Health website for a list of recommended doctors in Singapore.
Visit Clinics – If you don’t have any recommendations from family or friends, visit a few clinics and doctors in person. You can also check out clinics and doctors online to see what services they offer and read reviews from other clients. Make sure to read the reviews of the individual doctor you’re thinking of seeing, not the clinic as a whole.
Finding a Doctor You Are Happy With
Finding a doctor you are happy with is more challenging than finding a taxi in Singapore during rush hour. But it’s important to find a doctor that works well with your schedule, understands your needs and is open to your suggestions. Once you’ve found a few doctors that meet your criteria, consider the following before making a decision: Consistency
– Do you have a consistent schedule? Finding a doctor that fits your schedule and availability is essential. This makes your visits more convenient and less stressful as they can plan around your schedule.
– Do you have a consistent schedule? Finding a doctor that fits your schedule and availability is essential. This makes your visits more convenient and less stressful as they can plan around your schedule. Patient Communication
– How does the doctor communicate with you? Some doctors prefer written communication while others prefer phone calls.
– How does the doctor communicate with you? Some doctors prefer written communication while others prefer phone calls. Availability of Appointments
– How easy is it to book an appointment with your doctor? Some doctors have long wait times while others are more accommodating.
– How easy is it to book an appointment with your doctor? Some doctors have long wait times while others are more accommodating. Trust
– Do you trust your doctor? Trust is a key component in any doctor-patient relationship.
– Do you trust your doctor? Trust is a key component in any doctor-patient relationship. Payment Methods – What do they accept as payment? Cash, credit cards, or health insurance? – What do they accept as payment? Cash, credit cards, or health insurance? Quality of Care
– How do you feel about the doctor’s level of expertise and quality of care? You can usually gather this from the information on their website, reviews and online rating platforms.
– How do you feel about the doctor’s level of expertise and quality of care? You can usually gather this from the information on their website, reviews and online rating platforms. Patient Experience
– What is your experience as a new patient at their clinic? Are the staff friendly and inviting? Is it easy to navigate the clinic and find what you’re looking for?
– What is your experience as a new patient at their clinic? Are the staff friendly and inviting? Is it easy to navigate the clinic and find what you’re looking for? Reputation
– What is the overall reputation of the doctor’s practice? How long has the practice been around? Do they have a good track record?
Conclusion
Finding a doctor you are happy with is challenging, but it’s important to choose someone who meets your needs and is easy to communicate with.
You may want to consider visiting a few clinics and talking to doctors to determine who would be best for you. Once you’ve found the right doctor, make sure you are taking advantage of the appointment and getting the most out of it. You can do this by coming prepared with questions about your health or wellness plans and remaining open to new ideas and suggestions.
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