by Naomi Kenny

Created on: June 28, 2008

How do you choose the best physician for yourself or your family? This is a difficult problem for many, even those who belong to HMOs (Health care Management Organizations). Every person has the right to choose their own physician, but how do we do that?

Tips for finding a physician

1. Decide what type of a physician you need for your primary care provider. If you have children you could choose a pediatrician or family practice physician. If you have chronic conditions or several health issues you might need an internist, but a family practice physician can still provide the care you need. A family practice physician cares for the entire family throughout the life span. They will refer you to a specialist if your needs exceed their generalist skills.

2. Now that you have decided what type of physician you want to hire, check with your insurance plan for the list of acceptable physicians in this category.

3. Now begin asking others who their physician is and what they think of their care. If you know nurses quiz them about nurses as to the physicians they would prefer to care for them. Remember these are personal opinions and many things affect these comments. The nurses will have a better background to answer your questions.

4. Go on line to the check the physician's credentials; training, legal problems by reviewing www.healthgrades.com and www.physicianreports.com, both of these sites take you to the same report. The report cost about $8.00 and contains:
a. Address with map
b. Specialties
c. Gender
d. Years since graduation
e. Residency and education
f. Disciplinary actions against the physician
g. Specialty Certifications
h. Physician Comparison Report tells you how your chosen physician compares to others in his field and compared to the national and state averages
i. Patient ratings are listed for this physician
j. Hospital Ratings for places the physician works
k. Health Tool for checking out a physician
l. A Glossary of terms used in the report.

5. Request an interview with the physicians you are considering.

6. Now it's time to check out the office.
a. Is it in a convenient location for you?
b. Is parking accessible, is there a cost?
c. Is entrance and exit from the office physically easy?
d. When you called for your appointment was the phone answered promptly and professionally?
e. Is this physician accepting new patients? Will they accept your insurance?
f. How does the office make you feel as you enter? Lighting, seating, smells?
g. How does the staff greet you? Do they answer questions readily?.
h. Does the staff act rushed?
i. Are the desk areas you can see neat or overflowing with papers?
j. How does the staff treat each other?
k. Do the staff members look clean and neat, no over powering perfume, aren't wearing lots of rings or dangling jewelry, and have clean neat controlled hair?
l. Do you feel welcome and comfortable?

7. When you see the physician remember this is an interview.
a. Ask your questions like, how long are each patient scheduled to seen? Can you get an appointment the same day you call? Ask about your condition, are you comfortable with the answers? Is the physician available by phone or e-mail for questions? Or does a nurse screen the calls and answer most questions? If the practice has multiple physicians will you be rotated among the physicians?
b. How do you feel during the interview? Does the physician make eye contact and seem to be listening to you or anxious to leave? Is the physician professional?

After your interview you decide is this will be the physician you will hire to be a part of your health care team. Remember your health is your responsibility and you are building your team of experts to help you meet your health care goals.

Learn more about this author, Naomi Kenny.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.