Choosing a doctor is more of an art than a science. Even though physician-referral networks are abundant, narrowing the list can be challenging. The process can be considerably less difficult if you ask careful questions about the doctor and the nature of her practice.
Physician Qualifications
Ask where the doctor received his medical degree, and what board certifications he may have. Is he a general practitioner? A doctor of osteopathic medicine? An internal medicine physician? What did your physician do before going into practice? Has he received any specialized training in particular procedures, or has he done research that might suggest an openness to new forms of treatment?
Physician Attitude
Ask questions about how she practices medicine. Does she think chiropractics is helpful? Would she ever diagnose someone with general fatigue syndrome, for example, or refer the patient for a psychological evaluation? Is she comfortable with patients who have unusual religious practices or lead non-traditional lifestyles? Do you have any pre-existing conditions or injuries that may present a challenge for the doctor to manage effectively?
Financial/Insurance Conditions
Find out what forms of insurance and payment the physician accepts--not all doctors participate in all insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Does the practice offer discounts for private-pay patients? How will the practice handle a patient who is dropped from insurance? Will the doctor accept payment plans?
Resource Availability
Are nurses available to answer routine questions? Does the physician or his practice participate in an after-hours call service? If you need a referral or routine diagnostic testing, does the doctor have a network of specialists to whom he will refer patients?
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