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Choosing a new doctor can be a challenge, especially if you have moved to a new community. Asking for recommendations from co-workers, neighbors, and friends is a good way to start, but you will have to decide which doctor is best suited to your needs and situation.

Your insurance plan may restrict your choices to a group of plan-approved doctors, called a network, or offer financial incentives to use plan-affiliated doctors. Always check the terms of your insurance coverage to find out whether the plan will cover visits to the doctor you are considering. If they do not participate in your health plan, how much will you pay out-of-pocket for visits to them? Does the health plan require a referral from a primary care doctor before you can see a specialist? If you have changed jobs and must decide among different health plans offered by your employer, you may want to make your choice of doctor first and then choose the health plan that covers visits to this doctor.

You will also need to decide what type of doctor you are looking for. Most plans require you to choose a primary care doctor (a doctor who will manage your overall care and refer you to specialists when needed). In addition, if you have a chronic or disabling condition, you will likely need a specialist who understands your particular health needs. Does the health plan require a referral from a primary care doctor before you can see a specialist?

Most doctors in the U.S. are board-certified. Primary care doctors -- doctors you would see for routine ailments such as a cold, the flu, and regular checkups -- may be board-certified in family medicine or internal medicine. Specialists -- doctors you would see for special procedures such as a colonoscopy or for a chronic disease -- have extra training in a specific field and have passed a competency exam in that field.

You can find out whether a doctor is in good standing with your state's licensing agency through a website run by administrators of several state medical licensure boards. The site Administrators In Medicinecan provide information about disciplinary actions taken or criminal charges filed against doctors in many states or direct you to the appropriate agency in your state.

Finally, you may have additional concerns when choosing a doctor. These concerns should reflect your own needs and priorities. These questions can help you decide what is most important to you:

  1. Where is the doctor located? Will it be easy for you to get there? Can you get there on public transportation? Is there enough parking?
  2. Which hospitals does the doctor use? Are you comfortable with being treated at one of them should the need arise? Does your insurance cover care provided at these hospitals?
  3. Where are routine X-rays and lab tests performed? Can these be done in-office, or will you have to go to an outside lab?
  4. How long must you wait for an appointment after you call? Can you be seen on the same day if you have an urgent need?
  5. Is the office staff friendly and courteous?
  6. If you call with a question about your care, does a doctor or nurse return the call promptly?
  7. Who covers for the doctor when they are away? Whom should you call if you have a problem after-hours? If the doctor works in a group, are you comfortable with being seen by one of the practice partners?
  8. Does the doctor frequently refer patients to specialists, or do they prefer to manage the majority of your care themselves?
  9. Does the office process insurance claims, or must you pay up-front for services and file the claims yourself?

If you still aren’t sure about your choice, ask if you can make an "interview" appointment to speak with the doctor about your concerns. You may have to pay a co-payment or other fee for this service, but it can be a valuable way to gather information when making your decision.

Show Sources

SOURCES

Blue Cross/Blue Shield: “Five tips for choosing a new primary care physician.”

ConsumerReports.org: “How to Find a Good Doctor.”

Federation of State Medical Boards: “Physician Data Center.”

Healthfinder.gov: “Choosing a Doctor: Quick tips.”