Faith Regional Health Services | living WELL

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