Medical Doctors
Picking the doctor that’s going to be right for you can be a real challenge. Whether you’ve recently moved and are trying to establish yourself in a new community or you’ve just never taken the time to find yourself a doctor, finding the right place to start can be overwhelming. However, it’s well worth the effort because you certainly don’t want to be on the hunt for a doctor at the time when you need one! The key to choosing a doctor is to ask questions.
5 Things You Need to Know
- Is the doctor certified? There are a number of different medical boards that cover various specialties. If you’re looking at a family practitioner, they should be certified by the American Board of Family Practice. Most doctors proudly display their medical degrees and certifications, so if you can’t see them, ask to.
- What kind of doctor are you speaking to? There are a number of different types of doctors, each with their own specialties. Your best bet is to find a family practitioner - a doctor who is trained in general medicine and can recognize and treat medical conditions, as well as deal with the social aspects of regular health care (e.g., family relations, community involvement, etc.).
- What kind of medical coverage does the doctor accept? Are your visits to the doctor covered by your medical health insurance plan? Does your insurance company recognize this particular doctor?
- What fees does the doctor charge for services not covered by insurance? Some services, such as writing notes for work or travel vaccinations, aren’t covered by most medical plans. Check the rates that the doctor charges for these services. Make sure that they’re in line with the rates of other practitioners in the area and that they’re affordable to you.
- How accessible is the doctor? This means not only where his or her office is located, but also what his or her hours are, how many patients he or she is already covering and how easy he or she is to talk to. You don’t want to commit to a doctor who is unable to provide you with the time and attention you need, in a place that’s convenient for you to reach. It’s also important that you feel comfortable with your doctor and are able to share your concerns.
3 Questions You Need to Ask Your New Doctor
- Does the doctor have experience with any existing conditions, such as diabetes, epilepsy, etc., that you may have?
- Is the doctor allowed to practice (often referred to as having privileges) at a local hospital?
- Who is available to patients in the case that the doctor is away?
Additional Questions to Consider
- What language(s) does the doctor speak?
- Is the doctor available to take on your family members (e.g., children, spouse) as patients?
- Has the doctor ever experienced disciplinary action from his or her certifying medical board?
- How long has the doctor been practicing?
- How does the doctor’s office deal with missed or cancelled appointments?
- How does the doctor’s office deal with tests and results?
- What are the doctor’s procedures for emergencies?
- Is the doctor available over the phone?
Also Known As: Medical practitioner, physician
Your health is too important to take lightly. The information on this website is intended to start you down the path to living well, but it’s only just the beginning.
Each of us is unique, and we all deserve the individual attention that only a health care professional can provide. So do what’s in your best interest - take the next step and find doctors or surgeons in your area today.