How to find a NEW doctor
The main hurdle in finding a doctor; whether it's a family doctor, an internist, a surgeon or other type of expert is to find one that you TRUST WITH YOUR LIFE!
1
First, call your health insurance plan or managed care plan and get a list of doctors who are approved providers. (Note: If you choose a doctor who's not on your plan's list, you'll normally have to pay more.)
2
Ask essential questions of yourself. Do you want a family doctor or a specialist? Do you want a doctor who practices on their own, or would you rather be part of a bigger group practice, where doctors typically share tasks or fill in for each other during vacations and days off?
3
Is gender a concern? Do you want a male or female doctor? If you're choosing a doctor for the entire family, will your spouse or kids prefer a male or female doctor? I you have adolescents, what will their preference be?
4
Ask family members, neighbors, friends, associates and other people you trust for recommendations. Who do they suggest? Who would they NOT suggest?
5
Check the doctor's qualifications. Is she or he a specialist? Check with the American Board of Medical Specialists to see if the doctor is certified in the specialty they claims.
6
Make a call and a visit to the doctor's office. How friendly is the receptionist or individual who answers the phone? How considerate are they to your questions or concerns? Are they hasty or willing to listen? Is the office hygienic and well staffed? Are sick patients (especially children) kept separately in the waiting area?
7
Set up a consultation with the doctor - a time to meet each other and evaluate whether you feel you can work with this doctor. Ask important questions about the big topics - principles, education, methods of treatment, thoroughness about keeping updated with the latest medical advances, openness to alternative medicine, etc. - any topics that are significant to you. And don't forget to ask the seemingly small matters, too. What are the doctor's office hours? Weekend procedures? How are emergencies managed? Does the doctor return telephone calls on a daily basis?
8
Ask about other fundamental components of your health care team. At which hospital does the doctor have rights? Who fill in when the doctor is on holiday?
9
Once you've done your research, take time to think about how you feel about your interviews with the doctors you've met, because this is where you'll discover your choice. Were your satisfied with the interaction? Did you feel comfortable with the doctor's credentials but turned off by their personality? Did they explain things in words you could identify with, or was communication difficult? Did the doctor offer several methods to treating an issue in a style that would help you choose what to do? Was the doctor supportive of your thoughts and attitudes about health care, and did they consider you as a key partner in your health care? Did the doctor make you feel comfortable about seeking a second opinion from another physician? If you felt contented with the doctor's capabilities and ability to interact as a person, you'll be much closer to a decision.
http://www.ehow.com/how_4584749_new-doctor.html
The main hurdle in finding a doctor; whether it's a family doctor, an internist, a surgeon or other type of expert is to find one that you TRUST WITH YOUR LIFE!
1
First, call your health insurance plan or managed care plan and get a list of doctors who are approved providers. (Note: If you choose a doctor who's not on your plan's list, you'll normally have to pay more.)
2
Ask essential questions of yourself. Do you want a family doctor or a specialist? Do you want a doctor who practices on their own, or would you rather be part of a bigger group practice, where doctors typically share tasks or fill in for each other during vacations and days off?
3
Is gender a concern? Do you want a male or female doctor? If you're choosing a doctor for the entire family, will your spouse or kids prefer a male or female doctor? I you have adolescents, what will their preference be?
4
Ask family members, neighbors, friends, associates and other people you trust for recommendations. Who do they suggest? Who would they NOT suggest?
5
Check the doctor's qualifications. Is she or he a specialist? Check with the American Board of Medical Specialists to see if the doctor is certified in the specialty they claims.
6
Make a call and a visit to the doctor's office. How friendly is the receptionist or individual who answers the phone? How considerate are they to your questions or concerns? Are they hasty or willing to listen? Is the office hygienic and well staffed? Are sick patients (especially children) kept separately in the waiting area?
7
Set up a consultation with the doctor - a time to meet each other and evaluate whether you feel you can work with this doctor. Ask important questions about the big topics - principles, education, methods of treatment, thoroughness about keeping updated with the latest medical advances, openness to alternative medicine, etc. - any topics that are significant to you. And don't forget to ask the seemingly small matters, too. What are the doctor's office hours? Weekend procedures? How are emergencies managed? Does the doctor return telephone calls on a daily basis?
8
Ask about other fundamental components of your health care team. At which hospital does the doctor have rights? Who fill in when the doctor is on holiday?
9
Once you've done your research, take time to think about how you feel about your interviews with the doctors you've met, because this is where you'll discover your choice. Were your satisfied with the interaction? Did you feel comfortable with the doctor's credentials but turned off by their personality? Did they explain things in words you could identify with, or was communication difficult? Did the doctor offer several methods to treating an issue in a style that would help you choose what to do? Was the doctor supportive of your thoughts and attitudes about health care, and did they consider you as a key partner in your health care? Did the doctor make you feel comfortable about seeking a second opinion from another physician? If you felt contented with the doctor's capabilities and ability to interact as a person, you'll be much closer to a decision.
http://www.ehow.com/how_4584749_new-doctor.html
