If you are new to the Houston area, finding a doctor may seem like an overwhelming task. The country's fourth-largest city is a sprawling metropolis without formal zoning regulations, giving it a haphazard feel. However, the city is home to some of the most prestigious medical facilities in the country and attracts top-notch physicians in a myriad of specialties, which may increase your odds of finding a good doctor to oversee your health.
Texas Medical Board
The agency responsible for regulating physicians in the state, the Texas Medical Board, has an online directory of every licensed doctor practicing in the state. This information is useful in your search for several reasons. The database will list all complaints and legal actions involving physicians, physician assistants and physicians-in-training. The information is continually updated, giving up the most recent data on license information. The database also lists doctors who have agreed to treat Medicare/Medicaid patents.
Referrals
Word-of-mouth referrals can be immensely helpful in your search because it gives you first-hand information and insight on doctors before you meet them. Ask friends, coworkers, members of your religious group and any other acquaintances for suggestions. If you are moving to Houston from somewhere else, ask your primary care physician for a referral before you leave town.
Directories
Health maintenance organizations and hospitals may have online listings of doctors on staff. Memorial Hermann Healthcare System has a "Quick Physician Finder" search box on the front page of its website. The American Medical Association has an online directory of all doctors who are members of the organization.
Health Agencies and Industry Groups
In addition to the Texas State Medical board, there are agencies for other types of doctors and health care practitioners, including dentists, chiropractors and psychologists. These agencies will provide information on practitioners to verify licensing and you can also obtain any disciplinary information. The Texas Medical Association, a state industry group, also has an online physician database of its members that can be of use in your search.
Documentation
As you search for a doctor, make sure that you have all of your medical records and any other information about your medical history handy. This will help you ask and answer questions when you speak with physicians or doctor's office employees in your search. Take notes and write down names of staff members like physician assistants and nurses as they are also under state regulation and are included in the Texas public databases.
