Most people spend more time researching their next car purchase than deciding on a doctor.

But what’s more important, what you drive or your health? Experts say that the Internet allows patients to get more information than ever about doctors — and your life could depend on making the right choice.

“Choosing a primary care provider or PCP can be challenging these days because of the current shortage,” says Dr. John Maa, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Division of General Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco.

State medical boards collect information about malpractice suits and settlements, but the information may be outdated, so proceed with caution, says Dr. Maa. You can go online to www.docboard.org for a list of state medical boards.

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He points out that if you have a specific medical condition or circumstance, it’s important to find a physician who has experience in that field. For example, if you are a woman who wants to have a child, or are going through menopause, you may want to choose an obstetrician/gynecologist as your primary care physician. Or, if you have diabetes, you may prefer an endocrinologist as your doctor. Just make certain that he or she performs the general tasks required of a PCP.

“Don’t wait until you are sick to find the right physician,” says Dr. John McDougall, who is in private practice in Santa Rosa, Calif. “Do your research when you are well and schedule an interview appointment.”

Dr. McDougall says that hospital nurses are the best people to ask when looking for a doctor. They see physicians at their best and at their worst. If you don’t know a nurse, then ask anyone who works in a hospital since the “grapevine” of gossip is well established, he says.

If you have insurance which has a select group of doctors, you should try and stick to their network. Going to a doctor “out of network” can cost you more money.

Dr. Gabe Mirkin, a Florida-based physician who is board certified in four disciplines, says that it’s important to choose a doctor who seems to show a genuine interest in your well being.

“Try to find one who really listens,” Dr. Mirkin says. “He or she should want the complete story of your family history, past ailments, and current problems before dispensing advice or medication.”

And Dr. McDougall adds that a doctor should not only listen, but also offer alternative choices of treatment. There are almost always options to testing and treatment, he says. For example, your colon can be examined by optical colonoscopy, virtual or computer based colonoscopy, or a barium enema with sigmoid examination. You should know their cost, advantages, and disadvantages. Bid adieu to the doctor who says it’s “my way or the highway.”

Questions for the Office Staff:

• Is the doctor certified by a medical specialty board?

• Is the location of the doctor's office convenient for me? What about the doctor's hours?

• Does the office process insurance forms, or do I have to pay upfront and file the claims myself?

• Does he accept my insurance?

• What hospitals does the doctor use?

• Where are laboratory tests and X-rays performed?

• Does the doctor return calls or emails himself?

• How long do I have to wait for an appointment?

• How long is the usual waiting room wait?

• What is your urgent care policy?

Questions for the Doctor:

• Do you have a special interest in my particular concerns — heart disease, overweight, etc.?

• What is your view of a doctor-patients relationship? Is it a partnership or do you expect me to follow orders?

• How do you feel about my researching at the National Library of Medicine and discussing articles with you? (www.nlm.nih.gov)

• How do you feel about my getting second opinions?

• Will you help me work with specialists and be my advocate rather than turning me over to their care?

• Do you encourage your patients to adopt healthier lifestyle changes?

• If I do become healthier through diet and exercise, will your consider reducing my medication?

• Are you comfortable if I question or even refuse your prescriptions?

• If I have questions that I forgot to ask during an office visit, will your respond to them after hours either by phone or email?

 

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