YOU COULD
choose a doctor by
throwing a dart at the phone book
listings. Or you could just pick a name
from your insurance company’s roster
of approved providers.
But medical experts suggest a more
methodical approach.
Here are some tips for finding the right doctor for you:
Looking for
SEEK RECOMMENDATIONS.
Ask friends; co-workers; and,
if you need a specialist, your current primary care provider for referrals.
DIG A LITTLE.
Call the offices on your list of names to make sure
the doctor takes your insurance. Ask about office hours and after-hours care.
SET UP AN INTERVIEW.
Visit the office and talk with the doc-
tor face-to-face. Bring a list of topics that are important to you for discus-
sion. (You may need to pay for this meeting.) Some good questions to
ask: What hospitals does he or she use? Can someone on staff answer
common questions over the phone?
Sources: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; American Academy of Family Physicians; American
Board of Medical Specialties
Dr. Right
Start your search
for your next doctor
using Faith Regional’s
Find a Doctor tool
online at
frhs.org .You
can search by name,
specialty, gender or
clinic.
12 FAITH REGIONAL
HEALTH SERVICES