Tips for Selecting a Doctor
Some simple research can make selecting a doctor easier. Here are a few areas to consider or to raise with the doctors on your list:
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Training: What is the doctor's training? How many years has he or she been in practice? Two potentially valuable resources in answering these questions are the American Medical Association's (AMA) "Directory of Physicians in the U.S." and the American Board of Medical Specialties' (ABMS) "Official Directory of Board Certified Medical Specialists."
For each doctor listed, both directories supply medical school attended, year of graduation, location and length of residency, licensing information, board certifications, hospital affiliations and memberships in professional organizations. The "AMA Directory" attempts to include all doctors in the United States. The "ABMS Directory" lists only those who are board-certified.
Another valuable question: What types of patients does the doctor usually see?
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Experience: What is the doctor's experience in treating your condition? The number of years since completion of medical school or residency may also be a consideration. How would the doctor describe the satisfaction level of his or her patients?
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Location: How frequently will you need to schedule follow-up visits? Where will the follow-up visits take place?
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Hospital affiliation: If hospitalization is needed, what is the doctor's primary affiliation? Is it a university or medical-school hospital? Is the doctor a full-time or part-time staff member? Is he or she on the teaching staff of a medical school? At what hospitals does the doctor have admitting privileges? Will the doctor visit or examine you when you're hospitalized?
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Comfort level: How comfortable are you with the doctor? Does the doctor take time to ask and answer questions thoroughly? Does the doctor appear interested and concerned?
The doctor's manner is an important consideration. Does he or she take notes? Does he or she take a full history at the first visit? Does the office appear to have the necessary supplies and equipment?
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Office environment: Does the office feel cheerful and comfortable? Is it clean and neat? How soon are appointments available? Are staff members friendly? Are appointments on time? Are calls to the office returned promptly?
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Practice details Does the doctor's practice accept your insurance plan? What are the arrangements for after-hours or emergency care? What are the policies on prescription refills? Does the doctor accept Medicare/Medicaid patients? Are office hours convenient? Is the doctor willing to discuss fees and insurance coverage? Who fills in when the doctor is on vacation?
The organization of the doctor's practice is also worth considering. Is it a multispecialty group or a single doctor's practice? Does the doctor have partners or a loose association with other doctors?