Collin County Living Well Magazine September/October 2018 | Page 65

Consumer Reports on health offers some tips on finding a go-to doctor
that can best serve your needs. Here’s what they recommend:
• Check your insurance to see which doctors are in
your network
• Check the ratings of your local hospitals, then
confirm that your preferred doctor has admitting
privileges there.
• Particularly for specialists, look for doctors who are
board certified in your area of concern.
• Look for malpractice claims or disciplinary
actions. More than one or two may not be a big deal,
but multiple claims and actions should raise a red flag.
• Meet in person. There’s a lot to be said for personal
compatibility. Schedule a consultation to be sure the
doctor is attentive to your needs, answers questions
adequately, and shares your philosophy as it applies
to treatment options.
• Look beyond just the physician. Find out how long
it will take to get in for an appointment. Observe the
office staff and environment. Factor in technology
issues such as online patient portals that give you ac-
cess to your information, or electronic health records
that enable doctors to share info and monitor your
prescriptions, for example.
The United States healthcare system may be imperfect,
but innovations in research, patient ownership in their own
care, and emerging technologies continue to ensure that
we remain at the forefront of keeping our communities
healthy, and providing the best possible treatment when
illness or injury strik es.
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