How to Choose a Neurologist
When and if the time comes that you need a neurologist, shopping around for the right doctor may seem like the least of your concerns. After all, we don't just see a neurologist on a whim. But whether you have a pinched nerve or a serious neurological disorder, finding the right neurologist for you can be vital to receiving the treatment you need. Taking just a few minutes to ask some questions and learn about the doctor's training and approach to medicine can make all the difference in your health.
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Instructions
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Ask the referring doctor why he is sending you to this neurologist. Sure, he already told you why you need to see a neurologist, but ask why this one in particular. In smaller areas, it may be simply that this is the only neurologist available locally. If that's the case, be sure to ask your doctor if you would benefit from going to a nearby city or traveling to see a different doctor. Ask your doctor what he thinks of the doctor he is sending you to and if he would send his wife, his child or himself. Ask if they are golf buddies, attend the same church or work at the same hospital. None of these things should necessarily disqualify the doctor, but they shouldn't be the primary reason for the referral choice.
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Call your insurance company. Many health insurance companies have lists of preferred providers, which can help you save money on your treatment costs, If you are seeing a neurologist for a serious neurological condition, chances are you will be seeing her for a long time to come. Be sure before you go that the neurologist in question accepts your insurance. It can also be a good idea to ask your insurance company if they have had problems with the doctor before, so you can avoid doctors with known histories of inaccurate billing or fraud.
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Check the American Medical Association website and the website for the state agency that oversees doctor licensing in your state. In Illinois, the Department of Professional Regulation maintains a website that includes all the credentials a doctor possesses, including residencies and fellowships and other specialized training, as well as listing any malpractice suits or disciplinary actions taken against that doctor.
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Research the doctor's credentials. A simple web search can give you basic information about the quality of a medical school or residency program that a doctor participated in. This search can also indicate if the doctor has participated in any major research programs or if he is particular well versed in a certain subject area. For example, some neurologists are particularly devoted to the study of multiple sclerosis or Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS).
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Talk to friends, family and co-workers. Chances are that if a doctor has a bad reputation, someone you know can tell you about it. While idle gossip may not tell you everything you need to know about a doctor, it can be a good indication that you need to do more digging.
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