How to Find Local Doctors
Patients have many options when choosing a doctor. According to CNN Health, most people used to find doctors through word-of-mouth. Perhaps a friend recommended her physician, who turned out to be a great fit for you. In addition to word-of-mouth, there are many resources available for locating a good physician. Professional organizations, online reviews and insurance providers provide many resources for finding the right doctor.
Instructions
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Contact the American Medical Association (AMA), which has a searchable database of doctors (see Resources). It lists the physician's credentials, education and training. You can refine the search based on geographic location. Using the search tools is free.
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Check with the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). If you're searching for a specialist, the ABMS can help you find a doctor in your area. When reviewing doctors, you can learn about the degrees the doctor has earned and get contact information.
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Contact your medical insurance provider. It will have a searchable database of doctors on its website. This will also help you find physicians who are covered by your health plan. Most health plans allow you to search by ZIP code and specialty.
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Check out consumer databases for finding doctors, such as Health Grades (see Resources). These companies allow you to search for local doctors. You can also review education, experience and patient reviews. Some consumer databases charge a fee. For example, Health Grades charges $12.95 for the first doctor search and $9.95 for each additional search (as of 2010).
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Tips & Warnings
Finding the right doctor can be a challenge. If the doctor you choose isn't a good fit, don't hesitate to start over. Often, selecting a physician is a process of trial and error.
Once you've located a potential doctor, you can learn more from your state medical board. This organization tracks the doctor's training, certification and any disciplinary actions or malpractice lawsuits.
