People who know my healthcare experience often ask me about finding a new primary care physician. Here are my rules of thumb:

• Find a doctor in a large group practice. You are more likely to have continuity of care if for some reason your doctor is no longer in practice. Large group practices will have nurse practitioners and physician assistants who may be able to provide much of your care.
• If you are in your late 50s or early 60s, look for a much younger practitioner. Many doctors will no longer take new Medicare patients. You do not want your doctor to retire when you are vulnerable to rejection because of Medicare.
• Get to know a pharmacist. It is very common to see patients with a potpourri of drugs, many of which conflict with each other. Personally, I will not use mail order services. I make sure my pharmacist is on top of what I am taking. They are a great resource for a little advice at times when it may be difficult to consult with your doctor.

Ed Howe blogs regularly at Action for Better Healthcare.