You interview professionals in many fields, from architects to design your home to dog trainers who can teach Fido better manners. Don't be shy to interview a doctor in the same way. Whether you're looking for a specialist or a primary care physician, you want someone with outstanding credentials and a humane bedside manner.
Training
Ask about the doctor's education, including where she attended medical school and completed her residency. It's a good way to start the conversation and get to know the doctor; if you'd like, you can later research the standings of those institutions. Graduating from a respected school doesn't mean the doctor will be right for you, but it's one factor to consider, says Dr. Evan Levine, a cardiologist and internist who writes for the website Enotalone.com. Also ask whether the doctor is board certified. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says certification means the physician has had additional training and passed an exam in her specialty.
Experience
Find out about the doctor's experience, recommends the American Cancer Society. Ask how long he has practiced and how many patients he's treated with conditions similar to yours. If you're facing a specific medical procedure, find out how many times he has done that procedure. If it's applicable to your condition, ask whether the doctor or someone in his practice is participating in any clinical trials.
Coverage
Discuss who covers for the doctor when she's not working, Dr. Levine suggests. If your doctor works with a group of physicians, one of them will usually be on call during nights and weekends. Otherwise, your doctor may arrange with a competing doctor to provide coverage for each other. In either case, ask about the credentials of the physician you may see during off hours. Many patients want to know whether that doctor is board certified as well.
Affiliation
Learn about your doctor's affiliations. You want someone who is affiliated with a well-respected hospital, according to TheHealthPages.com, a health-resources website. If a doctor is affiliated with a hospital as an attending physician or a staff member, he has met that institution's requirements and can admit you as a patient if and when the need arises.
