Identify Several Possible Doctors
Once you decide what you are looking for, ask friends and relatives, medical specialists, and other health professionals for the names of doctors with whom they have had good experiences. Rather than just getting a name, ask about the person’ s experiences. For example, ask:
What do you like about Dr. Singh?
and Does this doctor take time to answer questions?
A doctor whose name comes up often may be a strong possibility.
If you belong to a managed care plan— a health maintenance organization( HMO) or preferred provider organization( PPO)— you may be required to choose a doctor in the plan or you may have to pay extra to see a doctor outside the network. Most managed care plans will provide information on their doctors’ backgrounds and credentials. Some plans have websites with lists of participating doctors from which you can choose.
Develop a short list of doctors you can choose from. As you find out more about the doctors on your list, you may rule out some of them. For instance, a doctor may not be taking new patients and you may have to make another choice.
What Does“ Board Certified” Mean?
Doctors who are board certified have extra training after regular medical school and have passed an exam certifying their expertise in one or more specialty areas. The American Board of Medical Specialties has a database that is updated daily of all board-certified physicians at www. certificationmatters. org. You can also call toll-free to verify a doctor’ s certification at 866-275-2267.
What Are HMOs and PPOs?
Members of an HMO pay a monthly fee no matter how many( or few) times they see a doctor. Usually, there are no deductibles or claims forms, but they may have a copayment for doctor visits and prescriptions. Each member chooses a primary care doctor from within the HMO network. The primary care doctor coordinates all care and, if necessary, refers members to specialists.
A PPO is a network of doctors and other health care providers. The doctors in this network agree to provide medical services to PPO health plan members at discounted costs. Members can choose to see any doctor at any time. Choosing a non-PPO provider is called“ going out of network” and usually costs more than seeing a member of the PPO network.
Consult Reference Sources
The American Medical Association’ s Doctor Finder website( https:// doctorfinder. ama-assn. org / doctorfinder / home. jsp) can help you find doctors in your area. These websites don’ t recommend individual doctors, but they do provide a list of doctors you may consider. MedlinePlus has a comprehensive list of directories( www. medlineplus. gov / directories. html) that may also be helpful. For a list of doctors who participate in Medicare, visit www. medicare. gov / physiciancompare. You may consider calling your local or state medical society to make sure the doctor is in good standing.
Talking With Your Doctor 3