To find a physician whose education, training, location and medical interests match your needs, call 1-800 SCRIPPS (1-800-727-4777). Our friendly, experienced staff offer referrals to physicians throughout San Diego County.

Some helpful tips

It’s important to find a doctor who meets your health care needs. You’ll find that Scripps physicians are well-versed in their fields, well-educated and up to date on current treatment and care practices.

But you also need to feel comfortable with your doctor’s style of care, and be able to communicate well with him or her.

To find the right fit, it may help to consider the following:

What type of physician do I need? Do I have special health concerns?
If you have an HMO plan, you must first choose your primary care physician, who will refer you for specialty care as needed. Family practitioners, internists, and pediatricians are all considered primary care physicians. These doctors treat general medical conditions and may have additional training in an area such as geriatrics or digestive problems. If children are covered under your plan, you may want to choose a pediatrician to provide their care.

If you have a special health concern, consider looking for a physician with in-depth training in that area. Some physicians have additional expertise in women’s health issues, heart disease, sports medicine or other areas.

What factors are most important when selecting a physician?
The most important factor in selecting a physician is his or her background—clinical training, experience, board certification plus interests and expertise in specialized areas—depending on the care you need. The age and sex of your physician may also be important to you.

If you prefer speaking to your doctor in a language other than English, indicate this to a referral staff member. Or, select that language, if available, from the drop-down menu in the “Language spoken” search field.

Do I want a large group practice or a small office?
Choose the setting where you feel most comfortable, whether it is a large medical practice that offers a variety of doctors, a smaller practice or a solo practitioner’s office. Larger offices may present more options should your doctor be unavailable when needed. Smaller offices may provide more personal attention, but not always.

Where is the office located?
The location and office hours should be convenient and accessible, perhaps near home or work.

If I need hospital care, where will I go?
Make sure your physician can care for you at the hospital of your choice, and that he or she would be willing to admit you to that hospital if necessary. Your options are also determined, in part, by your health plan. Before you sign up with a particular plan, check to make sure it gives you access to Scripps hospitals.

Make sure you’re satisfied with your choice

Remember, it is important to be open and honest with your doctor, and to trust him or her with your concerns. If you are not satisfied with the physician you select, notify your health plan that you want to change your doctor. Many plans will allow you to switch.