Your medical doctor is your primary healthcare provider. They handle new symptoms, perform annual physicals, and keep you up to date on preventive services. They also offer treatment for a variety of conditions and diseases, including chronic health problems such as diabetes or heart disease. Your primary care doctor may refer you to specialists for more complex healthcare needs.
It’s important to find a doctor you can communicate with effectively. If your primary care doctor does not speak your language, or you struggle to understand them, it may be difficult for you to get the care you need. To find physicians who speak your language, go to “All Filters” on the search results page and select the languages you prefer. You can also narrow your search to find doctors who offer video appointments, which allow you to meet with them online instead of in-person.
Finding a medical specialist is easy on WebMD Care. Each physician is listed with their overall patient rating on all search and profile pages, based on actual ratings from real patients like you. Look for the Patient’s Perspective boxes and callouts that tell you what other patients liked about the doctor. You can also filter your search to view only top-rated physicians, and you can also see which hospitals they have affiliations with – this will help you find doctors who are likely to be in network with your insurance plan.
As part of their commitment to their communities, many physicians participate in community health programs and offer free or low-cost care to those in need. They also contribute to the healthcare system by providing routine screenings that can reduce the demand for more specialized care, and they can help their patients adopt healthy lifestyle habits that can prevent disease and disability in the future.