Choosing a new doctor can be a
challenge, especially if you have moved to a new community. Asking for
recommendations from co-workers, neighbors, and friends is a good way to start,
but you will have to decide which doctor is best suited to your needs and
situation.
Your insurance plan may
restrict your choices to a group of plan-approved doctors or offer financial
incentives to use plan-affiliated doctors. Always check the terms of your
insurance coverage to find out whether the plan will cover visits to the doctor
you are considering. If he or she does not participate in your health plan, how
much will you pay out-of-pocket for visits to them? Does the health plan
require a referral from a primary care doctor before you can see a specialist?
If you have changed jobs and must decide among different health plans offered
by your employer, you may want to make your choice of doctor first and then
choose the health plan that covers visits to this doctor.
You will also need to decide
what type of doctor you are looking for. Most plans require you to choose a
primary care doctor (a doctor who will manage your overall care and refer you
to specialists when needed). In addition, if you have a chronic or disabling condition,
you will likely need a specialist who understands your particular health needs.
Most doctors in the country
are MC or relevant certified. Primary
care doctors -- doctors you would see for routine ailments such as a cold, the
flu, and regular checkups -- may be board certified in family medicine or
internal medicine. Specialists -- doctors you would see for special procedures
such as a colonoscopy or for a chronic disease -- have extra training in a
specific field and have passed a competency exam in that field.
You can find out whether a
doctor is in good standing with your state's licensing agency through a website
run by administrators of several state medical licensure boards. The site
Administrators In Medicine can provide information about disciplinary actions
taken or criminal charges filed against doctors in many states.
Finally, you may have
additional concerns when choosing a doctor. These concerns should reflect your
own needs and priorities.
These questions can help you decide what is most important to you:
1.
Where is the doctor located? Will it be easy for
you to get there? Can you get there on public transportation? Is there enough
parking?
2.
Which hospitals does the doctor use? Are you
comfortable with being treated at one of them should the need arise? Does your
insurance cover care provided at these hospitals?
3.
Where are routine X-rays and lab tests
performed? Can these be done in-clinic, or will you have to go to an outside
lab?
4.
How long must you wait for an appointment after
you call? Can you be seen on the same day if you have an urgent need?
5.
Is the clinic staff friendly and courteous?
6.
If you call with a question about your care,
does a doctor or nurse return the call promptly?
7.
Who covers for the doctor when she is away? Whom
should you call if you have a problem after-hours? If the doctor works in a
group, are you comfortable with being seen by one of the practice partners?
8. Does the doctor frequently refer patients to specialists,
or do they prefer to manage the majority of your care themselves?
9. Does the clinic process insurance claims, or must you pay
up-front for services and file the claims yourself?
If you still aren’t sure about
your choice, ask if you can make an "interview" appointment to speak
with the doctor about your concerns. You may have to pay a co-payment or other
fee for this service, but it can be a valuable way to gather information when
making your decision.