How to Pick the Right Doctor

This last year I have been on the lookout for a new doctor for both my husband and I and for my kids.  We hardly go to the doctor, but the pediatrician I had wasn’t my favorite, and I haven’t ever chosen a family doctor for me.  We have been on the look out for a while and just recently found someone we really like!  I’m excited to have Darci Maxwell here today sharing great advice on how to pick the right doctor.  

How to Pick the Right Doctor
By: Darci Maxwell

There are many reasons why you would need a new doctor: a recent move (by you or your doctor), you need a specialist, or you became disappointed in your doctor for one reason or another. To start looking for a new doctor, ask for recommendations from friends, neighbors and coworkers. Check with your insurance company to see if you can get a list of all the doctors that are in-network. You can search online and get reviews through HealthGrades.com, Vitals.com, or RateMDs.com. You can even check Yelp for reviews, although, you can’t always guarantee that those reviews are legitimate. Once you have narrowed your search, it is important to ask yourself and your doctor the following questions to make sure that he or she will fit your needs.

Questions to ask before you visit the health care practice:

Will the doctor be covered under your insurance? If not, how much will you be paying out of pocket for a visit?

Are you looking for a specialist, a general practice doctor, a family practice doctor, or internal medicine doctor?

Can you easily access the practice, and if necessary, could you use public transportation to get to or from the office?

Is the doctor board certified? (Did they earned their degree from a qualified medical school, complete three to seven years of accredited residency, licensed by the state medical board, did they pass exams through the ABMS, and are they participating in continuing education?)

Do they have positive online reviews, or do you know someone who visits the doctor who can give you an analysis?

Is the doctor even accepting new patients?

Questions to ask during your visit:

Are the staff friendly and helpful?

Do you feel comfortable in the office?

How long do people stay in the waiting room before they are admitted to see the doctor?

How far out do you have to book an appointment?

Can you book an appointment on a weekends or evenings?

Can you come in the same day if you have an emergency?

Can you have online access to your health records?

Can staff members or the doctor speak your native language?

Does the doctor have access to the newest technology?

Are X-rays and lab studies performed on site, or will you have to go to another location?

Has the practice ever had a HIPAA violation? (Check out this blog for the 9 common HIPAA violations).

Who takes over the practice if the physician is out of town? Is the physician part of a group practice? If so, do you trust the competency of the other physicians?

What hospital is the physician affiliated with, and what are the ratings of that hospital?

Do you feel like the doctor will take your opinions into consideration?

Are the doctor’s decisions influenced by any pharmaceutical companies? Does he or she allow representatives pitch their drugs, and become influenced by the sales person?

Does the doctor have experience treating your specific medical conditions?

Will the doctor involve you in major decisions involving your health, or just tell you what you need to do?

Is the doctor effective in explaining the diagnosis and procedures in a way that you can understand?

Can you contact the doctor via email or by phone if you have questions regarding your treatment? How quick will the doctor respond to questions?

A Few Things to Remember…

Shop Before You Need To
If you wait until you need a new physician, you will make a decision with stress that may not be the best decision for you. You may not have the time you need to conduct your research on the different doctors in the area and choose one based on less important factors like location or how cool their name sounds, rather than their competency. For example, if you are planning to begin having children in the next few years, find a doctor now that you know and trust, rather than when you are pregnant.

You Can Always Change Your Mind
If you decide on a doctor, but then if you feel like they did not live up to your expectations, it is ok to find another doctor. You do not have an obligation to stay with a physician if they do not meet your needs. Find a doctor who is right for you.