Tips for Selecting a Physician
Your relationship with your doctor is one of the most important in your life. You should be able to trust your physician with your most private health issues or problems, and feel certain he or she is your ally.
Steps to Take
The following suggestions can help you find a new doctor who's right for you:
- Find a doctor when you are healthy and have the energy to carefully gather information about the qualifications or qualities of a new doctor.
- Gather names from several sources including your employer or health insurance representative. In most cases, your out-of-pocket expenses will be less if you choose from a list of primary care physicians in your plan. Get the opinions of coworkers, friends, or relatives if they would recommend any of the doctors on the list.
- If you've recently moved to a new area, you may not have personal or social connections established to ask for referrals. In this case, you may want to contact area hospitals. You also can request a list of board-certified pediatricians from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and board-certified family physicians from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
- Check each doctor's credentials. Call your local state medical or osteopathic board, which provides basic professional information on virtually every licensed medical or osteopathic doctor in your state. The listing includes the medical school the doctor attended and any post-graduate training.
- Make an appointment. Before you decide on a doctor, make an appointment with one who looks promising. This meeting will help you determine whether you are comfortable with the doctor, the support staff, and the facilities. Keep in mind that, as a new patient, it may take you longer to see the physician. Insurance will not pay for a doctor's visit that is not for a checkup or for a health problem, so you should schedule the visit with the intent of establishing care.
What the Doctor's Office Should Be Like
The initial visit is a great chance to observe office procedures. Check out the reception area; how many patients are waiting? More than a handful may mean overbooking or it could mean the doctor is spending extra time with a patient who needs it. Is the area clean? Is the staff polite and considerate to patients in the waiting room and to people on the phone? While you're waiting, talk to other patients to determine whether they're satisfied with the care. The overall atmosphere in the waiting area will give you a good idea what the practice is like.
Questions for the Doctor
During the visit, ask the following questions:
- How can I reach you in an emergency?
- Is it always necessary to make an appointment, or will you or a nurse answer routine questions over the phone?
- Who provides care for your patients in your absence?
- Has a medical specialty board certified you? If so, in what specialty area?
- At what hospitals do you have privileges? (Make sure the hospital is covered by your insurance.)
Board certification indicates that doctors are highly trained in the specialty they practice. These physicians have five or more years of training beyond medical school, practiced that specialty for a specified number of years, and passed an examination. To remain certified, doctors must attend continuing medical education programs throughout their careers.
Rate your visit
Afterward, assess your visit.
After following the steps above, ask yourself:
- Was I treated courteously by the doctor and the office staff?
- Were all of my questions answered?
- Did I feel rushed or dismissed?
- Do I agree with the doctor's office policies and wellness philosophy?
If not satisfied, check with your insurer to see if you can visit another doctor without paying the full cost of the visit.
Just as every doctor has a different style, every patient has different needs. Therefore, it's important to have a trial period with your prospective doctor to make sure you are comfortable, have clear lines of communication, and receive excellent care.
Finding a Meridian Health Physician
To start your search for a physician affiliated with Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Meridian Health, click here
