Have you ever walked out of a doctors office and felt that the doctor had ripped you off? Have you ever felt that you needed a second opinion, no matter what your doctor told you? What is your method of choosing a doctor?
There has been times where I have moved to such a distance that I could no longer see the same doctor who I have trusted for years. There was one time when the doctor informed me that he was retiring and that his younger associate would be taking his place. After a couple visits, my wife and I had decided it was time to find another.
- Asking Family and Friends – Asking family and friends if there is a doctor they could recommend is usually a good way to get candidates for some one who you would be putting your life in their hands.
- Doctor Directory is one good place to start. This is especially true if you are new to the area.
- Education – Don’t be shy about asking for where he or she went to school, or where did their internship, and residency. Researching the reputation of a medical school and internship program will tell a lot about the doctor’s attitudes.
- Insurance Provider - All medical insurance provider do have a list of doctor that are “In Network”. This means how fast medical clams can be processed. This also affects out much you will have to pay out of pocket.
- Location – I hate driving across town just to get to my doctors office. Location for some people is a big consideration. Access to public transportation and ample parking can make the trip to the doctor easier.
- Wait Time – The time you have to wait from calling the doctor’s office to the time you see him or her is a big one in my book. Does the doctor provide for urgent care needs that don’t necessarily require a hospital visit.
- The doctor’s staff - If the office staff are friendly and courteous, I do feel like they do care about my health.
- Covering for the doctor - Doctors are people too. They cannot be in tow places at the same time. They do need to take a vacation. That vacation time could be the exact same time you get sick and need to see a doctor. The covering doctor needs to have quick access to your medical records.
- Refer to specialist – Considering the complexity of the modern medicine. No one doctor can treat everything with any degree of success. A doctor my have a list of specialist who he can call on or refer you to when the situation warrants.
- The hospital the doctor uses – Are you comfortable with the possibility of being treated at one of these institutions should the need arise?
I have put together 10 things that need to be considered when choosing a doctor. If you don’t find a good fit. It could cost you money, time and stress just to keep your body healthy.
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