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[Pembo]

.

 

[mom2grace]

I think it is important to view medical care as a service industry. Do you like the level of service, does it feel like a partnership?

DH and I just changed internists, DH had been going to our old Dr. on a regular basis, he never complained. (I don't go that much) Last week I went with him and couldn't believe the visit. We changed drs. immediately, we see a therapist and asked her where she went. We drive about 35 minutes to the new dr. office.

For our pediatrician:

I knew who I wanted, he "wasn't taking patients". Lucked into him, then he went into private practice (was linked to a local hospital) and I was free to truly have him as our dr. Used to drive 20 minutes to his office, now drive 50+ minutes. Love him, it's worth it. They also have plenty of "same day sick visits", I think that is crucial, especially with kids, but also with adults.

There are probably 300 drs. closer to me. A good dr. is hard to find.

Most people think I am nuts to drive that far. It's worth it to me.

But, I would ask friends, especially if they are anyway related to the medical profession, they "know" who's good. Ask your hairdresser, everyone. Be sure to ask who they haven't liked as well!

I also see a dermatologist, I bounce around, haven't found any with excellent service yet. I am wondering if they don't need to provide it as there is so much $$ in dermatology/cosmetic procedures.


Good luck!

 

[monkeyboy]

How did you find your doctor?

I didn't! My HMO did

 

[Jenn Lynn]

We just moved here a year ago. I hate finding new Dr.'s, but I suppose I should be more understanding since DH is one himself.

Our Ped. was recommeded to us and we love her. Same with the Dentist.
The Gyno. was in the same building as the Ped. so I just made an appt. and I liked her right away.
The Gyno. recommended a Dermatologist, but I did not like her at all. So now I am in search of a new one.

 

[gdulaney]

When we moved we went through the same problems. We needed to choose a new doctor/dentist/vet/etc and didn't know where to start (plus you don't really know anybody in the new town to ask).

Don't laugh...I decided to "interview" potentials. I called various doctors (who accepted my HMO) and spoke with the receptionist or in many cases the office manager.

The doctor's office we chose...well, we couldn't be happier. The office manager understood why I was calling, she explained their office hours, the way the "schedulers" work, and that they schedule one extra doctor (or PA) each day for emergency visits, urgent care, etc. She said that if you are sick, they do their best to get you in same day or early the next day. If you are SICK (and we all know the difference between sick and SICK) they will get you in, you may have to wait, but they will get you in. Until we started going to this medical group, I didn't know that they could give you "samples"...I tried to pay for the samples that they gave me. Amazing!!! And when my hubby went in with a suspious lump on his throat, they weren't happy with "well, it might be..." They immediately referred him to a surgeon for a biopsy. This turned out to be crucial as hubby had thyroid cancer. Thanks to early detection and action, he's fine and all's well...

Anyway, I did this same process for our dentist/vet/etc. It really pays to do your homework and ask questions. I hope this helps!!

Ginny

 

[Lewski709]

Friend's referral.

 

[airhead]

I picked three doctors that accepted my health plan. Then,made "interview appointments. My #1 priority: Doctor must speak english well enough for me to understand. Too many times I've have doctors that I couldn't understand a word they were saying! What good is that???
Other things that are important to me are gender,I will see female doctors only.
How many people are sitting in the waiting room (and how long do we wait).
Also,I understand the need for students to learn,but not on me! I once went to a doctor for a mysterious bruised armpit,and she walked with 4 male students. I excused myself and left. Now I ask during the interview if this is a teaching practice. I'm not interested in that.
Its also important to me how long the Doc has been practicing and where they attended school.
There are a lot of things to find out before you put your trust in some stranger!!

 

[arminnie]

Originally posted by mom2grace
Most people think I am nuts to drive that far. It's worth it to me.

Oh I have you beat - I FLY over 2000 miles to go back to see my doctor. I am breaking in a new one here also but I can't give up the one who has almost 15 years of experience with my health problems.

 

[Kermit]

I asked some people who have similar healthcare values that I do. We don't take medications for things that we can treat through diet, exercise, or other more natural methods, but we want a doctor who believes in using medicine when it's important. All of the ladies in my La Leche chapter who are happy with their doctor go to the one that we go to now. I interviewed him while I was pregnant with Jacob, and I just loved him. He's a family doctor, so we all see him.

 

[mommytotwo]

Our doctor was moving to San Fran. so she had recommended our current doctor since they were in the same building.

 

[Dopey Sharon]

All my doctors were recommended by friends...and they did a good job...I have no complaints about any of them!