Find the Right Huntington Beach Family Doctor

Whether you’re a long-time resident to Huntington Beach, CA, or just moved to the area, you and your family must find the right family doctor to suit your needs. Sure, you can ask around and seek recommendations from your friends, co-workers, and neighbors, but at the end of the day, finding the right Huntington Beach family doctor that works for you, is not a one-size-fits-all search. 

There are several things to consider when selecting your primary care physician – and several things to steer clear of. We’re here to help you find that perfect fit for you and your loved ones.

Four Key Things to Ask Yourself When Choosing a Family Doctor

You can research for hours on end (and you should), but here’s a tighter guideline to help you dig into what’s truly important when selecting your family doctor in Huntington Beach. 

How Often Should I be able to Interact with My Doctor?

When it comes to availability, you want to choose a family doctor who is there for you – and we mean really there for you. A typical primary care physician that works out of a chaotic hospital has thousands of patients – practically nameless (until the doctor reviews a patient’s chart, that is). In a fast-paced world that already feels too busy, you don’t want your doctor to treat you like just another number waiting in line at the DMV. 

A doctor-patient relationship should be more personal – more intimate. And you certainly want your physician to take proper care of your children, too. Instead, we recommend finding a direct primary care (DPC) doctor who works out of smaller family practice. Choosing a DPC physician allows for more one-on-one time, longer office visits where he/she knows you by name, and immediate contact – meaning, you won’t get stuck leaving countless messages for the office receptionist. 

A direct primary care doctor will focus on your needs – not just your chart and the data it shows. 

What’s the Extent of My Doctor’s Training?

While having a nice, involved doctor is beneficial, you also want to ensure they’re properly trained and certified to be handling your medical needs. 

After medical school, most doctors go on to complete three years of residency training to become experts in their field – whether that’s internal medicine, pediatrics, family medicine, etc. A doctor is board certified once they’ve completed residency and additional certification exams (like the boards). 

These years of grueling work make a difference compared to a doctor who only completed one year of residency (referred to as “generalists”). Choose a highly-qualified doctor; you want the best of the best when it comes down to your health. 

What are Healthcare Costs Like? Sneaky Fees?

We’ve all heard about health insurance horror stories or sneaky fees that a doctor never warned their patient about. Don’t be the next victim! 

At a typical primary care office, insurance won’t cover everything. Under those large deductible plans, a physical is about the only thing that gets covered. You end up paying for the additional office visits. Instead, choose from family doctors that are not only going to treat your health needs, but will also stand up for you when it comes to cost. With a membership to a DPC clinic, you can rest easy knowing there aren’t any sneaky fees from untrustworthy doctors or greedy insurance companies. 

Logistics: How Close is the Family Practice to My Home?

Last but not least, distance should be a major factor for you. You might be busy running a home, managing children’s schedules, working, etc. Your family practice doctor should be within reach, making last-minute walk-ins convenient. This way, you manage how you spend your time, and you don’t necessarily have to clear your whole day for a doctor’s visit. 

About Elevated Health

At the end of the day, choosing a doctor is a personal decision. Above anything else, go with your gut. If you feel a potentially positive relationship with a physician, head down that road. 

Here at Elevated Health, our doctors care and show concern for each one of their patients. Our Direct Primary Care model also makes it so patients get individualized time and attention, all at an affordable price. In addition, our doctors are highly trained and will focus on your health without worrying about pesky insurance companies. 

So, don’t agonize over the selection process. Join Elevated Health to meet the family doctor in Huntington Beach that will serve your needs and build a trustworthy relationship! 

Find Your Perfect Family Doctor in Huntington Beach!

About the Author

Matthew Abinante is a board-certified family physician providing direct primary care to patients of all ages. Offering excellent care, diagnosis, and techniques, he continually participates in educational opportunities to best serve his patients. Working in Huntington Beach, he analyzes common aches and pains, proposes innovative treatment plans, and provides specialized services for each individual patient. 

After excelling for years, Matthew received his DO and MPH from Touro University in Vallejo, CA. Matthew completed his residency training at PIH Health Hospital in Downey, CA, where he became a board-certified and trusted family physician who values patient-doctor relationships and clear communication.