Visiting a doctor for the first time can be overwhelming. Will this doctor listen to your concerns? Will this doctor spend the appropriate time to answer your questions clearly and with patience? Will this doctor have the bedside manner that you expect? Do they have the medical experience needed to manage and treat your particular diagnosis? These are all valid concerns that go through one's thoughts when thinking about their medical care. How do you know if you are at the right doctor for you?

Before going to your first visit to a doctor it's important to realize that proper medical care is paramount and it's O.k to go 'doctor shopping' before making a decision as important as which doctor will be managing your medical care. Go through the process responsibly and don't let others pressure you into making a rushed decision.

Research 

The first step you should take is 'research'. An important part of researching a doctor in Israel is asking your friends and family. Find friends or relatives that have the same kupat cholim as you and find out which doctors they use and if and why they are satisfied with these doctors. If minimal travel is important to you as well, you may want to find out where they are located and find out how convenient it is to get to the doctor's office. You can also check if the doctor has a telemedicine option, eliminating the need to travel to the physical office. 

Check doctors availability 

Additionally, some doctors are busier than others. There are doctors that have limited availability and some that have a lot more working hours. If you need a doctor that is more available, that is an important point to consider.

Ask a friend!

Another good way to network and ask questions about a potential health care provider for you is to ask a medical professional that you know socially. If you have a specific medical condition that needs attention, you can ask if that doctor has experience with that condition.

It is ok to make an appointment with a doctor to see if he or she is the right fit for you. You should be able to get a general idea of the doctor's bedside manner from an initial visit. You can see how much time they give you to ask your questions and how patiently they answer your questions. Some questions you can ask directly to the doctor are:

• 1) What is your availability like?
• 2) Is there a way to reach you during non-working hours?
• 3) What is your certification?
• 4) What is your experience with this specific medical condition?

Choosing a doctor can seem daunting but coming with the right questions and doing a bit of research prior to your appointment, you can hopefully find the best doctor for your needs.