Credentials – Ask the Doctor what their credentials are. Where did they obtain their doctorate? How prestigious is the medical program at that facility? Was medicine their first career choice?
History – Always ask the Doctor how long they have been doing this for. Do they have an extensive medical health history?
Communication – Communication is key. You want to select a Doctor who is capable and willing to provide you accurate and in depth information so you always understand your treatment. You want to know what happens next, what to look out for, test details etc.
Malpractice Issues – Research any previous issues with other patients. Often times, this information is listed online. On occasion sites will even rate Doctor care and Patient interaction.
Insurance – Make sure your Doctor is in network so you can receive the best benefits from your insurance.
Location and Availability – You need to be able to come in to your Doctor’s office on short notice and without having to travel too far. Always find out the average wait time on an appointment and judge the proximity of the office to your home.
Personality*– You might not always become best friends with your Doctor, but they should be someone that you can trust and depend upon.
A variety of tools are available online for locating information on your Doctor. Many times you can visit these sites and obtain all of the answers to the questions listed above without even having to ask. It is always good to speak with the Doctor face to face prior to making your selection, but by researching online, you can turn it into a more friendly conversation vs. an interrogation. This will allow you to feel comfortable in your selection and understand your health care provider. Always take your health into your own hands and do the necessary research before trusting your life to someone else.
