Choosing a Health Care Provider
Choosing a provider most suited to your health care needs is an important first step toward lifetime wellness. Team up with a provider with whom you can work well…
Research Your Options.
- First, check your health plan for a list of participating providers.
- Then ask friends, coworkers or relatives for a referral — ask about the provider's quality of care and bedside manner.
- To check the qualifications of a physician, research the Directory of Medical Specialists, available at most libraries.
- You can also call the state medical board to find out if a physician has been disciplined. Ask some probing questions.
Call the Provider's Office and Ask:
- Is the provider taking new patients?
- Does the provider belong to your health care plan?
- What are the clinic's hours? Are evening and Saturday appointments available?
- Who covers for the provider during absences or after hours?
- How far in advance must you make an appointment?
- What's the average waiting room wait for patients?
- At what hospital(s) does the provider practice?
Give the Doc a Checkup
Schedule a get-acquainted visit; take a list of any specific questions and your medical history. Consider the provider's personality and communication style.
- Ask yourself: Can I have a successful working relationship with this person? Will I feel comfortable discussing sensitive health issues?
- Finding a caring, qualified provider can mean better care.
More Information
Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States
"Choosing a Physician." Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Retrieved 8/5/02
"How To Choose (and Get Maximum Mileage From) Your Primary Care Doctor." Rose Men's Health Resource. Retrieved 8/5/02
"Dr. Patch Adams Tells How to Get the Best Care from Your Doctor," Bottom Line Health. 12/00, page 15.
"How Much Do You Know About Your Doctor? Get Answers to These Six Questions," Bottom Line Health. 8/01, pages 11-12
