Finding a doctor as you get older: Tips for finding the right doctor in your area

Finding a doctor as you get older: How to find the right doctor in your area

Regular visits to the doctor become increasingly important as we get older. However, finding a doctor can often be difficult: long waiting times, limited availability or uncertainty about which one to choose. Find out here how to find the right doctor – quickly, reliably and close to home.

1. Medical Association and Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians

A good place to start when looking for a doctor is the Medical Association or the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians in your region. These often offer practical Searching for doctors online and telephone counselling services.

• Overview of all doctors in your area
• Information on professional qualifications, Consultation hours and additional services
• Reliable recommendations for specialist doctors

This information will help you make an initial selection and find a doctor who meets your requirements.

2. Review sites for doctors

A visit to the doctor is a matter of trust. To find out how a doctor treats patients, it helps to Review sites such as Jameda or Arzt-Auskunft.de. Here you will find:

• Patient reviews of doctors’ surgeries
• Details of consultation hours and waiting times
• Top doctors in your area, based on your search criteria

Tip: Pay attention to the content of the reviews, not just the stars or ratings. Reviews are often few and far between, particularly in smaller towns. Bear in mind that dissatisfied patients are more likely to write reviews than satisfied ones. Keep a critical eye on things and check how realistic the comments sound.

3. Referrals from your GP

Yours GP is often the best person to turn to when looking for a specialist. Their recommendations are based on experience and their medical network. Furthermore, for many specialists, you will need a Bank transfer, which you can obtain directly from your GP.

Here’s how to combine your GP’s advice with further research:

• Find out about recommended doctors by contacting the Medical Association or checking online directories.
• Check patient reviews for added reassurance.

4. Online platforms for regional doctor availability

Sometimes there are supply shortages in rural areas. Use specialist platforms to find alternatives in nearby towns. Here you can also Telemedicine services be helpful in cases where consultation and diagnosis take place online.

When access to healthcare influences your choice of where to live

If medical care in their current neighbourhood is inadequate, many older people consider a Moving to a region with better transport links ... Selling the property may be the right step here to create financial flexibility and improve your quality of life.

Your contact at FLEXMAKLER
Robert Schüßler
Property valuer (EIA and IHK)

Legal notice: This article does not constitute tax or legal advice in individual cases. Please have the facts of your specific case reviewed by a solicitor and/or tax adviser.