How do you go about picking a new doctor?

[5onadime]

Word of mouth? Internet? This is not a big deal for my family BUT we have to pick a new "in network" doctor. I was given a list of doctors to choose from.

 

[zoemurr]

Word of mouth? Internet? This is not a big deal for my family BUT we have to pick a new "in network" doctor. I was given a list of doctors to choose from.

Around here it's almost impossible to find someone who is taking new patients. I would call a few on that list first before you worry about choosing. The list our insurance gave us was useless. Good luck!

 

[mom2rose&john]

Can your current physician give you a recommendation? You are not leaving because you are unhappy with the care you are receiving therefore I see no problem asking her/him.

 

[undertheradar]

We look to see how large of a group the doctor is associated with. A single doctor or a small group practice might pose problems if you couldn't get an appointment in a reasonable period of time.

 

[SandyinMonterey]

I just did this for my mother. She moved in with my sister in NJ...I live in California. I am a nurse and have several friends who are nurses. I asked them who they liked. I also checked on the internet for reviews and it's important to know what hospital(s) they go to.

 

[bethy]

My criteria have always been do they teach? Have they published anything recently? And are they well regarded by patients and their peers? And do they have privileges and clout at our preferred hospital(s)?

 

[arminnie]

Will they accept a new patient in my medical plan?

I could not find a gyno that would take a new medicare patient for years. Finally my sister had a friend who would take me.

 

[clh2]

Can your current physician give you a recommendation? You are not leaving because you are unhappy with the care you are receiving therefore I see no problem asking her/him.

Yes, this is a great idea! My BIL is a physician, and he often gets this question at this time of year, and is able to help out his patients. And then in a couple of years, as the insurance changes, he gets those patients back. He knows physicians in the other plan. Your physician shouldn't take this personally, it is just business.

 

[C_leen]

I concur to double check what hospitals they admit to. Also most MDs no longer go there and contract to a hospitalist service. Another thing is what their office hours are. I have had MDs I liked but left because the office was run terribly. No calls back on lab results and rude nurses time after time. Or it is policy to return all calls AFTER clinic so calls never get made due to staff hitting overtime and having to leave. Younger people might get on the phone and make things happen but seniors tend to respect doctors and will wait. Sadly doctors don't necessarily know what's best anymore nor do they always have the time to sit and talk to you for 30 minutes. I found a great MD but it is hard to get into him because he spends time with his patients, still goes to the hospital for rounds, and told me it takes him 2 hours a night to deal with the electronic records for prescriptions, notes, authorizations, etc. Then she/he needs to stay up on all the literature? Not really the distinguished career path many aspiring residents seek any longer.

 

[hsmamato2]

I've been wondering this myself..... it's not easy! We have a family practice that we like ok....but we rarely visit them (now that the kids are't little) and they're 30 minutes away.... so last year when ds had an asthma issue, we just went to the walk in clinic around the corner....it seems stupid to me to have a docs office that we don't bother going to,and I'd love to find someone closer to us that works.... but how? I've asked friends...no help there....

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I pick doctors based on the hospital they are affiliated with and I want them to be part of a group practice - not solo. They need to be within 20 -30 minutes tops from my house. Then I'll call and see if they are taking new patients.

I have a gyn who I love that is an hour and a half away. I've been going to him for 25 years so I won't switch until he retires but I sure hate that drive once a year.

 

[Lamping3]

I start by finding who is covered by our insurance, then see what hospital they are associated with. One other thing to consider once you have a couple to choose from is how fast they respond to refills/questions from your pharmacy. Ask your local pharmacist who's office has nursing/medical staff that responds in a timely manner. I've been a pharmacist for almost 9 years and there are definitely offices I wouldn't recommend because their staff takes forever to answer questions or respond to refill requests or are just plain clueless on the phone about a normal question/request.
We are also aware of which office has the head nurse that takes care of EVERYTHING right away (so much that it is highly apparent when she is on vacation).
In a sense you see the Dr for 15ish minutes for each appointment so I believe it's the office staff you need to get along with.