Finding the right health care provider is an important part of any good overall health plan. When it comes to managing physical health, it isn't just about the medical care provided; it is also about the patient-doctor relationship. Health care providers must be able to provide care as well as inspire confidence that leads to trust among patients. Choosing a doctor or health care provider requires only a little detective work and knowledge of the right questions to ask.
Instructions
Choosing a Doctor or Health Care Provider
1. Determine your needs. Which doctor or health care provider you choose will depend upon your health needs. Some doctors, such as general practitioners, are trained to handle the basic medical concerns of people of all ages. Others, such as pediatricians and geriatricians, address the needs of more limited groups; in this case, children and older adults respectively. Needs for a doctor or health care provider can also be driven by a particular health concern. For example, gynecologists are concerned with women's reproductive health and cardiologists specialize in heart health.
2. Ask if the health care provider participates in a plan that is accredited. Quality among health care providers varies widely and can make the difference between excellent and mediocre care. Improve your chances of getting excellent care by choosing a doctor that belongs to a program that rates high marks. The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) rates health services using measures such as doctor's credentials, quality of care provided, and preventive health services. Check the rating of any service you are considering at http://www.ncqa.org.
3. Talk with friends and family. Family and friends are often the most reliable source for information about the personality of a doctor as well as if the doctor listens well, takes time to explain things and is proactive about prevention (for example, asks about smoking, seat belts, diet, exercise, etc.). Make a list of the names you get, and then do a little objective research to find a doctor that offers a good combination of caring and competence. The Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research advises checking doctor training and certification at the American Medical Associations site http://www.ama-assn.org.
4. Ask where the doctor has privileges. Choose a doctor that is allowed to practice medicine at the hospital of your choice. While you are asking where your doctor has privileges, you should also learn if she accepts the health plan or insurance that you have and if she is accepting new patients. It is also important to know how much experience she has treating your medical conditions. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reports that doctors with a lot of experience treating a certain condition have more success with managing that condition.
5. Consult professional organizations. There are a number of websites, including the American Medical Association and American Board of Medical Specialties, that provide information for choosing a doctor or health care provider. When you find a doctor or health care provider worth considering, call to ask questions such how long it takes to get an appointment, policies for missed or cancelled appointments, how urgent medical needs are handled and approximate waiting room times.
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