How to Find a Doctor in Arkansas

"The burden of chronic diseases, including diabetes, stroke, lung and heart diseases, and cancer, is higher in Arkansas than in the nation generally," according to the Healthy Arkansas program. Preventative measures, like good nutrition, increased physical activity and routine check-ups from a trusted doctor, are key to maintaining optimum health. If you live in Arkansas and are searching for quality, comprehensive health care, use the following tips to select a family practice doctor.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Contact the Arkansas Medical Society at [phone] or visit their Web site for a list of family physicians in your area. You can also search listings on the American Academy of Family Physicians Web site.
2. Solicit recommendations from friends, neighbors and co-workers. Find out what they like about their physicians and the offices.
3. Find out about the physician's background by calling the Arkansas State Medical Board at [phone] to set up an appointment to view the doctor's license. You may also send a written request to their office for detailed verification and information on whether the doctor has had any complaints filed against him. Write to the Arkansas State Medical Board, 2100 Riverfront Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202.
4. Call the physician's office to schedule a consultation so that you can meet and talk with the doctor. This meeting may be free (ask ahead of time), but be mindful of the physician's time.
5. Observe the office during your visit. The physician's office should be clean, orderly and convenient to your home or office. The staff should be friendly and professional as well as considerate of your comfort and your time.
6. Determine whether the physician's personality and approach to health care is right for your family. You should feel comfortable communicating with the doctor and feel that she takes a genuine interest in your well-being.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider interviewing several physicians prior to making a selection.
• Verify that the doctor's office accepts your insurance plan.
• Arkansas residents seeking low-cost or free health care may contact a number of quality health clinics, including White River Rural Health Center at [phone]; Jefferson Comprehensive Care Center at [phone]; or Cabun Rural Health Services at [phone]. Residents may contact these offices to find out if there is a clinic in their immediate vicinity.