Choosing a health care provider is a decision that can't be taken lightly. There are numerous factors to consider prior to making your appointment, especially when you are choosing your primary care physician (PCP), because many health plans only allow changes to your PCP at certain times of the year.
Narrow Down Your List
Step 1
Get a list of doctors that are approved by your health plan, if applicable. This list will provide you with a starting point. You can cross off doctors that don't meet your needs. If you aren't on a health plan, grab the phone book and use the yellow pages under "Physicians."
Step 2
Consider your needs. If you have a spouse and/or children and want everyone to go to the same doctor, a family practitioner may be the best choice for your needs. Some women use an obstetrician or gynecologist as their PCP. Men may need an urologist. Elderly people may need a practitioner that specializes in geriatric medicine. Children generally see a pediatrician.
Step 3
Ask your family and friends for recommendations. Be sure to mention the type of doctor you are looking for so you can get appropriate suggestions.
Step 4
Determine the distance from your home and office to the doctor's office. This is especially important if you will have to rely on other people or public transit to get there, as a trip to a doctor's office that is close will be easier to coordinate.
Find out where diagnostic procedures are performed. Ideally, simple procedures will be done at the office; however, complex or specialized procedures may be done off-site at a local hospital or nearby medical facility.
Step 5
Check with the American Medical Association (AMA) to find out if your doctor is a member (see Resources). Doctors who are members of the AMA are bound by strict ethical regulations. They also have information and resources available about the most up-to-date guidelines and information about medical care. The AMA also provides a directory of other medical societies, so if your doctor isn't in the AMA directory, you can check the others.
Interview the Doctors on Your List
Step 1
Grab a pen and paper so you can make notes about each office you call. Make note of the friendliness of the people you speak with, as well as the willingness of the office staff to answer your questions; this will become important when filing claims and getting results followups.
Step 2
Call each doctor's office on your short list to find out if they are accepting new patients. Ask to make an appointment at offices that are accepting new patients to speak with the doctor to find out about her practice. Some doctors will do interviews in person; however, due to time constraints, some doctors prefer an over-the-phone meeting.
Prepare a list of questions and topics you would like to discuss with the doctor. These should include the after-hours procedures for handling calls about illnesses, the doctor's education background, his experience, his hospital affiliation and the protocol for making appointments. The doctor should provide concise answers to your questions that are easy to understand. Make sure that you take note of all the answers you are given so you can carefully consider them after the interview.
Step 3
Consider your options carefully and make an appointment with the doctor you choose. If you are still unsure of the most appropriate doctor after considering the information obtained during your interview, don't be afraid to call the doctor's office for another interview.
Tips and Warnings
- If you don't have any health insurance, ask the doctor's office about payment plans or cash payment discounts. Financing options may play a major role in the doctor you choose.
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