Shore Memorial Hospital's free Physician Referral Service can help you find a primary care physician for your entire family. There is no more personal - or important - choice in healthcare today than choosing a primary care physician. Your doctor is literally the gatekeeper of your health. He or she serves as your personal physician, provides preventive and diagnostic services, offers information on living a healthy lifestyle, manages and coordinates your care, and connects you to specialty and follow-up care when needed.

Americans see primary care doctors more often than any other physician. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, six out of every 10 doctor visits (an estimated 560 million visits) were to primary care specialists in 2002.

Given everything that a primary care doctor does, it's best to seriously consider choosing the right doctor. While it's a good idea to get a firsthand referral from a trusted source, friends and family don't always have the detailed background information to help you make the most informed choice. Peter Jungblut, M.D., vice president of Medical Affairs at Shore Memorial Hospital, suggests asking the following questions when searching for a doctor:

• What kind of doctor is needed? Consider both you and your family's needs. Internists and family physicians are the most common primary care doctors for adults. Many women see an obstetrician/ gynecologist for primary care. Pediatricians and family practitioners care for children. It's also common for a nurse practitioner or physician assistant to work collaboratively with your physician in providing the care you need.

• What's important to you? Don't be afraid to ask questions such as: Is the doctor boardcertified in his specialty or subspecialty? Where did the doctor complete her residency? Does the physician focus on preventive medicine for cancer, cardiovascular disease and general well-being? Is the doctor open to questions and discussion? Does the physician or healthcare provider take a "patient-centered" approach to care?

"It's also important to find out beforehand if the doctor has experience treating a specific disease or condition. For example, if you have a child with asthma or a spouse with diabetes, you'll want a physician who has an interest, experience and training in those areas or who can refer you to a specialist should you require more advanced care," says Dr. Jungblut.

• Who can help me find a doctor? Shore Memorial's Physician Referral Service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help you find a doctor who best meets your healthcare needs. The service provides information about physicians affiliated with Shore Memorial Hospital including insurances accepted, office locations and hours, and educational background. To find a doctor, call (609) 653-4600, or visit www.shoredoctors.com.

"We understand it can be daunting to find a new physician especially if people are new to the area. Fortunately, Shore Memorial has many dedicated, caring physicians who are boardcertified and are accepting new patients. The hospital's new Physician Referral Service helps narrow down the search for a physician, whether it's a pediatrician for their children or an orthopedic surgeon for someone who needs a knee replacement," says Dr. Jungblut.

• Is it the right "fit"? Before making any appointments, always confirm with the physician's office that your insurance is accepted. Once this is confirmed, ask to visit the office or meet the doctor in person. Investigate if the office is located close to work or home, has a welcoming atmosphere, and office hours that work for you. Then, trust your instincts. If it's not exactly what you're looking for, keep looking until you find a doctor who's the right fit.

For more information about Shore Memorial's free Physician Referral Service, call 653-4600 or visit www.shoredoctors.com.