How To Check Out A Doctor's Credentials

After you have done some preliminary research and found a couple of potential names, you should check out a doctor’s credentials. You should find out where the physician did his or her residency, verify board certification and which hospital they are affiliated with. If you ever wind up needing to be hospitalized, you will want a reputable and safe facility in order to receive the best care. You can visit the government's "Hospital compare" site, which can easily be located through Google, to help you assess the quality of hospitals in your region.

Find A Doctor Who Suits Your Personality

Once you have narrowed down the list down to a few select choices, it is time to see which of these physicians is going to suit you. The doctor-patient relationship is just as important as the skills of a physician and it can have a direct bearing on the type of care a person receives. You will want to find a doctor whose personality meshes well with yours, it helps to foster trust and ensures your healthcare issues will be taken seriously and treated with sensitivity.

Using The Web As A Resource

The easiest place to begin your search is through a doctor’s personal website. You can get a general idea of what a doctor is like just by seeing their office and you may even be able to find patient Testimonies or helpful videos about the physician. It’s recommended to set up a time to speak with the doctor over the phone or arrange to have a face-to-face consultation.

Visit The Doctor’s Office

After reviewing the credentials and affiliations of any particular physician and speaking to the doctor over the phone, it is a good idea to visit their office. When you go into a doctor’s office for a visit, you should note how you are treated by the receptionist and medical assistants. If the staff treats you well, are cheerful and professional, it can be a good indication that the doctor runs a successful practice and that patients are treated with respect.

Size Up the Doctor

You may not be able to get an hour long sit down with a potential doctor, but all you really need is a few minutes in order to determine if he or she is really right for you. You should bring along a list of three to five different questions on your initial visit and as the doctor answers your questions, pay attention to how things are explained to you. Did the doctor rush through your questions? Were you dismissed abruptly and your questions not treated seriously? Did the doctor explain things in a manner that was easy for you to understand? Were you given a chance to ask follow up questions? These things will let you get a good impression of the physician and if you’re not comfortable then keep on searching until you find the right doctor for you.

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When you are in the market for a new doctor, it’s important to not let the process of finding one become overwhelming. By doing a bit of careful research, you can find a doctor to handle your medical needs and get the high quality care and attention you require.