More people are Googling "community health centers near me" and booking doctor's appointment accordingly. While common it is, is it really the right way to find a good doctor?
Likely not! After all, it's not difficult to manipulate Google search results. And this is why people are asked to be more cautious in the process. Because although it might not be a big deal if you're looking for a professional for normal health checkup, it definitely demands more research if the issue is something serious like depression or STI.
Now, of course, you don't necessarily need to spend hours finding the best community health center in North Carolina.
However, you should definitely take some extra measures in making sure you end up with the right doctors and staffs. Here are 5 tips:
- Do more than just Google- Again, what you see first on search engines might not necessarily be right. So, do more than just Google "community health centers near me". Go beyond the first page of Google.
- Read the reviews carefully- While not all of them will be authentic, reviews and ratings can give you a fair picture of the quality of service/treatment a clinic offers.
- Take recommendations- Ask your friends, family, and colleagues. Take their recommendation. Visit their doctor if they suggest. You can easily trust these people.
- Know what you want- Do you need a general physician or a cardiologist? Do you need a therapist or psychiatrist? Understand your needs and then be certain of the kind of doctor (specialization) better suit you.
- Be certain of the cost- Of course, this is very important. Know how much the doctor visit and overall treatment will cost you. There are many community health centers in North Carolina that, per the Affordable Care Act, offer their services at low cost. Look for them.