Now that you are ready to select a personal physician

• Is it a solo or group practice? There are advantages and disadvantages to both. At a group practice you may see different physicians and have an easier time scheduling appointments. A solo practitioner will treat you on every visit but might have another physician see you on weekends or in an emergency.

• Is the office convenient to your home or workplace? Since Main Line HealthCare doctors are located up and down the Main Line and in the far western suburbs, finding one near your home or workplace shouldn't be a problem.

• Is it close to public transportation? If you commute daily and don't have access to a car, an office that is reachable by bus or train might be your best bet.

• Does the office have evening or weekend hours? If you find it difficult to make it to your doctor during the day because of work or other commitments, then evening hours should be a prerequisite. Many of our offices have evening hours at least one night a week.

• In which insurance plans does the physician participate? Making sure the doctor participates in your insurance plan will help to avoid any confusion.

• Which services are covered by your insurance? Be sure you understand your insurance coverage. What coverage is provided for preventive care? For physical exams? For vaccines? What co-pays or deductibles apply?

• With which hospitals is the doctor affiliated? If you are referred to a specialist or are in need of any hospital-based procedures, you need to know where your physician will send you. All Main Line Health primary care physicians are affiliated with some of the very best hospitals in the Main Line area: Lankenau, Paoli Memorial, Bryn Mawr and Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital. This means you have access to highly regarded specialists, modern facilities, cutting-edge technology and a full range of outpatient and home care services.

Once you've narrowed down the field, you should set up an appointment to sit down and talk one-on-one to the physician for an initial evaluation. Don't wait until someone in the family is sick; do it right away. Bring your written questions and feel free to ask them. What it comes down to, finally, is whether you and the doctor have the right chemistry. You want someone in whom you can trust and confide and someone who has the patience and the time to explain a complicated situation simply and clearly, to make it understandable.

Choosing a doctor is a very important decision. Take your time and find the one that's right for you. To learn more about any physician in the Main Line Health System, visit our Physician Directory or dial 1-866-CALL-MLH. That's 1-866-225-5654.