Local Doctor – Finding a Good One

Finding a quality local doctor is not always easy, particularly if you have recently moved to a new area. These tips will help you find one with a little research.

Start with Your Insurance

Before you begin the search for a physician, discuss your options with your insurance provider. Find out if the insurance provider has a list of doctors you need to choose from in order to be covered. It does you no good to find a physician in your area with a stellar reputation if you cannot, in fact, use that individual or clinic. Check your PPO or other provider list to ensure that you have access to the doctors you are considering.

Ask Around

If you have friends in the area already, find out who they recommend or who their local doctor is. Often a word of mouth referral is the best way to find a qualified, quality physician for your needs. Make sure you discuss any outstanding health conditions your family has when talking to your friends. Someone else may have a similar condition and know of a physician who specializes in that treatment.

Go Online

The World Wide Web can be an invaluable resource when it comes to finding a local doctor. Physician review websites, for instance, allow you to see how other patients have rated a particular clinic or physician. This can help you learn the little things – like how the office staff treats patients or how long the average wait time is – that you might not learn if you just talk to friends or call the office to schedule an interview. Keep in mind that almost all doctors will have a negative review or two. Often it is only the disgruntled customers who take the time to post a review, and no professional can please everyone all of the time. Some individuals are simply impossible to please.

Schedule an Interview

When you find a local doctor who you think will fit your needs, call to ask if you can schedule a consultation. This is like an interview for the physician, allowing him to showcase his skills and bedside manner so you can make an informed decision.

Keep in mind that not all doctors will offer this option. Some are simply too busy to allow for non-paying consultations, and others cannot afford to do so. If the physician says no to your request, do not assume that he is not a good fit. Take some time to do more research before you make your decision. If your request is granted, however, take the time to plan out some questions about things that are important to you. Have those ready when you go to the consultation, and make sure to be respectful of the physician’s time. This is not an opportunity to discuss health issues, because you are not yet a patient. Rather, it is a chance to get to know the physician so you can make a decision.

With these steps, you can find a local doctor who is professional and courteous and fits your ideals for a physician. Take your time, and soon you will be in the care of a medical professional you can trust.