Many doctors practice as part of a group. If the doctor isn’t available when the patient tries to make an appointment, find out if the patient will need to see another doctor.

Many practices have nurse practitioners and physician assistants on-staff to provide primary care services. Patients should determine what type of healthcare professional they would like treating them.

It’s also crucial to observe how the front and back office staff interact with patients. They’re the ones patients will be communicating with much of the time, whether it’s answering billing questions, scheduling appointments, or refilling prescriptions.

Patients should also take note of the physical environment of the clinic. Is the waiting room clean and comfortable? Are the patient rooms organized and well-stocked? Is the equipment clean and relatively modern?

Though judging a clinic by its appearance may seem superficial, it could be an indication of how well the healthcare team will care for patients.