Choosing a Doctor

Make a list of topics and questions that are important to you.  You might consider questions such as:  Would you prefer a male or female physician?  Would you like someone older or younger than you are?  Do you have a ethnic or language preference?  Does the clinic have after hours phone numbers?  Is the doctor patient in answering my questions?  Does he or she show care and concern for me and my child?

Make a list of doctors that you are considering.  Call your insurance provider or look in the phone book for doctors in or around your area.

Get recommendations and ask questions.  Friends, neighbors, your pharmacist, local medical society, your obstetrician, or local hospital referral service are all useful sources of information.  Ask these sources questions about particular doctors you are considering and try to narrow down which doctors have the personality and approach  you desire.

Once you have your list narrowed down, make a visit to each doctor's office to ask questions.  Ask the receptionist or office manager about the services that are offered.  Does the doctor accept early morning or evening appointments on certain days?  Does the doctor have hours set aside for phone calls?  What days is the doctor off, and are there other doctors available when he or she is not in?  Can the doctor be reached on weekends?  Will nurses be available to answer routine questions?  Do I have to go elsewhere for laboratory work?
While you are there, look around the waiting room to make sure the atmosphere is consistent with what you would like or expect.  Are there toys for the children to play with when waiting?  Is there useful information and brochures in the waiting area?  Is there a brochure available with office hours and policies?  Is the office and waiting area clean and well kept?  Once you have visited a few offices, decide on which doctor you think best suits your needs and make an appointment.

Make an appointment for a first visit with the doctor.  This initial visit with the doctor will be the deciding factor on if you return or not.  Be sure to take your list of topics and questions.  When you sit down to visit with the doctor you should get a good initial feeling.  Does the doctor answer your questions completely and in a way you understand?  Is he or she patient in answering your questions?  Do you like the approach taken in answering questions?  Do you feel rushed?  Does the doctor show a true concern about helping you and your child with health matters?

After your questions, the doctor should have questions for you.  A good physician who truly cares will want to know about special conditions that you or your family may have.  For example does your family have history of heart disease, cancer, or diabetes.  With this information a doctor can make good decisions about health problems that come up and not hurried decisions.