Choosing the right family medicine practice isn’t something to rush. You’ll turn to this provider for everything from routine check-ups and screenings to chronic condition management and urgent concerns.
It’s someone who will get to know your health history, listen to your questions, and support you through life’s changes — so it’s important to find a team you can trust.
In this blog, we’ll discuss essential questions to ask when searching for a trusted family practice. From understanding their services and approach to care to how they handle communication, referrals, and insurance, these insights will help you make a confident, informed choice for yourself and your loved ones.
1) What services does the family medicine practice offer?
A trusted family medicine practice should offer a wide range of care for every stage of life, so you’re not constantly bouncing between clinics for different needs.
Look for a practice that offers the basics, such as annual wellness exams, vaccinations, and routine screenings. These form the foundation of preventive care and help you stay healthy each year.
But a strong family practice goes further. Ask if they also provide chronic condition management, women’s health services, and pediatric care for children and teens.
Some practices also offer mental health support, minor urgent care, injury treatment, or telehealth visits, all adding convenience and continuity to care.
The more comprehensive their services are, the easier it is to receive coordinated care in one place from providers who know your complete health history. That kind of support leads to better outcomes, fewer referrals, and stronger long-term relationships with your healthcare team.
2) Is the practice accepting new patients and your insurance plan?
Start by calling the office or checking their website to confirm they’re open to new patients. Some providers have limited availability, long waitlists, or restrictions based on age or health conditions, so it’s always worth confirming up front.
Next, ask if they’re in-network with your insurance. Many preventive services are only fully covered when provided by in-network doctors; going out-of-network can lead to surprise bills. Even if you have coverage, different plans cover different providers, so it’s smart to double-check with both the practice and your insurance company.
If you don’t have insurance or are on a high-deductible plan, ask about self-pay rates, payment plans, or sliding-scale options. A trusted practice will be upfront about costs and willing to help you understand your options.
3) What is the provider’s approach to patient care?
Every doctor has a different style when it comes to patient care. Some are more direct, while others take a gentler, more collaborative approach. That’s why it’s important to ask about a provider’s philosophy of care — because feeling heard, respected, and understood makes all the difference in your healthcare experience.
Start by asking how the provider handles decision-making. Do they take time to explain options and involve you in the process? Are they open to your questions, preferences, and concerns? A good family physician should make you feel like a partner in your own health, not like you’re being rushed through a checklist.
4) How does the office communicate with patients?
Clear, reliable communication is a big part of a great healthcare experience. That’s why it’s important to ask how the practice stays in touch with patients between visits. Whether you have a quick question, need test results, or want to schedule an appointment, you should know what to expect.
Start by asking if the office uses a patient portal. Many practices now offer secure online systems where you can message your provider, view lab results, request refills, and keep track of upcoming appointments. Portals make it easy to stay connected without picking up the phone.
Also, find out how the practice handles urgent or time-sensitive questions. Do they return calls the same day? Is there a nurse line you can reach after hours? Knowing how and when you’ll get a response helps you feel supported and reduces anxiety when something unexpected comes up.
Ask about non-urgent communication too. Can you message your doctor about symptoms or follow-up questions? Do they respond personally, or will a nurse or assistant reply on their behalf?
Good communication builds trust and often makes care more efficient. A practice that responds promptly, communicates clearly, and respects your time values your health beyond the exam room.
5) Who will I see at my appointments?
One of the most important questions to ask when choosing a family practice is: Who will actually be caring for you during your visits? Some practices are built around a single physician, while others have a team of doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who rotate patient care.
Ask whether you’ll be assigned to one family medicine provider or if you’ll see different team members depending on the day and type of appointment. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — some people love the consistency of seeing the same doctor every time, while others are fine with a team-based model as long as the care is well coordinated.
Continuity matters, especially when managing chronic conditions, reviewing past concerns, or building trust. If you prefer seeing the same person who knows your medical history and communication style, make sure the practice can accommodate that.
6) How do they handle referrals and coordination with specialists?
Even the best family practice won’t handle every medical need, and that’s okay. What matters is how smoothly they coordinate care when you need to see a specialist. Whether it’s a cardiologist, dermatologist, OB/GYN, or physical therapist, your family doctor should act as a reliable guide and advocate.
Ask how the practice manages referrals. Do they help you find a specialist in-network? Will they schedule the appointment for you or simply send over the referral? Some practices offer more hands-on help than others, and it’s helpful to know what level of support you’ll receive.
You should also ask how communication between providers is handled. Do they share test results, visit notes, and follow-up plans? A strong practice will stay involved in your care, even when another provider is treating a specific condition.
Well-coordinated care means you don’t have to repeat your story whenever you see someone new. It ensures that no detail gets missed and that your treatment stays on track. A trusted practice is the hub of your healthcare, connecting the dots and aligning your entire care team.
Choose Bonneville Family Practice today
When it comes to your health, you deserve care that’s thoughtful, reliable, and rooted in trust. At Bonneville Family Practice, we’re committed to being that steady support for you and your family.
Whether you need a routine check-up, help managing a chronic condition, or guidance through life’s changes, our compassionate team is here to listen, treat, and care for you like family.
If you’re searching for a family medicine practice that puts your well-being first, we’d love to welcome you to our practice. Call Bonneville Family Practice today to schedule an appointment and experience the kind of care that keeps you feeling seen, supported, and truly cared for.