Choosing a new doctor can be a challenge, especially if you have moved to a new community. Asking for recommendations from co-workers, neighbors, and friends is a good way to start, but you will have to decide which doctor is best suited to your needs and situation.
Your insurance plan may restrict your choices to a group of plan-approved doctors or offer financial incentives to use plan-affiliated doctors. Always check the terms of your insurance coverage to find out whether the plan will cover visits to the doctor you are considering. If they do not participate in your health plan, how much will you pay out-of-pocket for visits to them? Does the health plan require a referral from a primary care doctor before you can see a specialist? If you have changed jobs and must decide among different health plans offered by your employer, you may want to make your choice of doctor first and then choose the health plan that covers visits to this doctor.
You will also need to decide what type of doctor you are looking for. Most plans require you to choose a primary care doctor (a doctor who will manage your overall care and refer you to specialists when needed). In addition, if you have a chronic or disabling condition, you will likely need a specialist who understands your particular health needs.
Most doctors in the U.S. are board certified. Primary care doctors -- doctors you would see for routine ailments such as a cold, the flu, and regular checkups -- may be board certified in family medicine or internal medicine. Specialists -- doctors you would see for special procedures such as a colonoscopy or for a chronic disease -- have extra training in a specific field and have passed a competency exam in that field.
You can find out whether a doctor is in good standing with your state's licensing agency through a website run by administrators of several state medical licensure boards. The site Administrators In Medicine can provide information about disciplinary actions taken or criminal charges filed against doctors in many states.
Finally, you may have additional concerns when choosing a doctor. These concerns should reflect your own needs and priorities. These questions can help you decide what is most important to you:
If you still aren’t sure about your choice, ask if you can make an "interview" appointment to speak with the doctor about your concerns. You may have to pay a co-payment or other fee for this service, but it can be a valuable way to gather information when making your decision.
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