Ask HN: Heuristics for Deciding on a GP (Doctor) | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Heuristics for Deciding on a GP (Doctor)

7 pointsan_aparallel10 comments

Hi HN,

Long time reader, recent commenter, and first time poster :)

There are a tonne of accomplished, highly educated brains on this board, which leads me to ask something which has of late been gnawing at me.

Outside of a personal recommendation, what heuristics are helpful in finding good general practitioner.

I understand personal recommendations are good for ensuring a doctor has compassion, however are there extra certifications, memberships, certain signs to look out for which could potentially show a doctor gets just beyond the surface, goes further than what I am saying to them.

I'm talking doctors who look into your genetics, lifestyle, psychology as a whole, versus looking at symptoms. Perhaps my question opposes the tenets of the medical profession? Perhaps it doesnt, but some insights would be appreciated!

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1) is he available under my insurance plan?

2) irrespective of his certificates or qualifications, does he listen when I'm trying to describe my problem or is he just looking down and poking at his laptop or tablet checking boxes? (I realize they're crushed by bureaucracy as much as anyone else, but if they're not at least glancing in my direction every now and then, why am I even there? I could just use email or even one of those "telephone" things and get the same service)

3) does he actually do doctor things, or does he view himself as a "primary care physician" whose only purpose is to be the gatekeeper between you and the real doctor he might refer you to in order to get something done?

I've had way too many doctors pass #1 and then fail both #2 and #3.

#2 - this crushed by bureaucracy point - main reason i'm looking for someone new. I feel every time i go to see my doc, that i'm in a production line of people...and the doctor kind of acts like it too...stamps around his office, and coldly calls everyones names...it just doesnt seem like "healthcare" to me. The older i get the more it seems you have to pay if you want: care + doctor

My GP has extra qualifications hanging on the wall for things like minor surgery, ear syringing, that kind of thing. Others near me would mention things like asthma treatment on the website. Beyond that kind of stuff you're not really dealing with General Practice anymore.

Genetics and psychology in particular seem way too specialised for a GP to be able to offer in any serious way. It's their job (for better or for worse) to refer you to the specialists once you need/want something outside of what a GP generally offers.

Find out his age. 1. The younger he is the more likely his knowledge is going to be up to date. 2. The older he is the more experience he has had. While I don't know the optimal trade-off point one might think say 10 to 20 years of experience might be optimal while either fresh out of residency or close to retirement would not be.

sigh i've seen a younger doctor once who cleaned my ears (with machine). They dropped the nozzle which was to enter my ear, and just continued on their jolly way to clean my ears. I had to stop a doctor to ask them to clean what they just dropped, and wash their hands :/

this is a good piece of advise though thanks for commenting.

I'm talking doctors who look into your genetics, lifestyle, psychology as a whole, versus looking at symptoms.

A GP who says "Quit smoking, drink less, lose weight, eat better, and exercise more," fits that profile.

Whether a patient follows that advice is another matter...

Good luck.

I'm looking for homeopathy on their websites. If they did any extra certification or such I decline as non credible. Happy to accept any consultation that ends with "let's wait, nothing we can do right now" versus prescribing me something cool sounding but ultimately 100% sugar.

im confused, homeopathy has been shown to be hocus pocus has it not?

That's their point, they're looking for a GP that does not do homeopathy (though very confusingly said).

thank you for clarifying :)

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