How to Choose a Doctor

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By Sarah Wilson CCRP
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Doctor

At some point, everybody needs a doctor. You may need a specialized doctor such as a gynecologist or psychiatrist. You definitely need a primary care physician or family doctor as we typically call them and it is very important that when ever the need arise, that you have someone you trust with your life. Here is how you should choose a doctor to care for you and your family.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Internet access
Computer

Step 1

If you have insurance, go to your insurance carrier’s website. Find your covered health plan. Look at the doctors in your area and choose at least four you think would be acceptable based on location, convenience, or what ever characteristics that is important to you.
Step 2

Check qualifications - verify licenses and certifications.

Check credentials by searching the doctor’s name on the following websites: The American Board of Medical Specialties, Administrators in Medicine, The American College of Surgeons, and National Council State Board of Nursing. Typically, your local state’s medical board has the information you need.
Step 3

Check quality of work.

Look for complaints and disciplinary actions that might have been alleged against the doctor. Check for malpractice lawsuits and see if there are a series of them or one or two many years ago. Go to MD Nationwide, click on your state, and see if disciplinary actions exist. Go to RateMDs.com and see what ratings the patients have given and what their comments are about the doctor.
Step 4

Google the doctor’s name.

Google your potential doctor. You might be amazed at what pops up! If there is a complaint about the doctor or the office staff, it will probably show up.
Step 5

Judge for yourself.

I’m a staunch believer that you cannot believe everything you read on the internet or hear in the news. Call the office and set up a consultation visit. Ask significant questions such as 1) which hospital the doctor is affiliated with, 2) what are the office hours, 3) how does the doctor feel about calls after office hours (e.g. emergencies in your opinion), 4) how well does the doctor speak and comprehend your native language, 5) who covers for the doctor when he or she is unavailable, 6) how long do you have to wait after making an appointment, and 7) will you have to pay if you need to cancel a visit at the last minute.
Step 6

Assess the consultation visit.

Now that you’ve met the doctors and took notes, what does your ‘gut’ tell you? We all have intuition, some just have theirs more developed than others. Review your notes from your consults and then ask and answer 1) how long did you wait to see the doctor, 2) was the doctor rushed or distracted while you were talking, 3) did the doctor give you an opportunity to ask all your questions, 4) did putting you at ease or ensuring your satisfaction seem important to the doctor, did you feel comfortable, and 5) how did the office staff act towards you.
Step 7

Very few people take the time to interview their doctors before going to them. Don’t you go through an interview before you get a job? Do you know the doctor is your employee, a very important employee and probably the most significant employee you will ever have? You are entrusting this person with your LIFE. Why wouldn’t you want the best employee possible?

Comments

GeoffreyMe said

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on 10/4/2008 very thorough and helpful. finding a doctor (or a dentist or a landlord or a taxi driver even--okay maybe not a taxi driver hehe) doesn't seem quite so daunting anymore. well done.