For whatever reason, you need a new doctor. Maybe you have changed insurance providers. Perhaps you have moved to a new city. No matter the cause, you are being forced to find a new medical care provider, and the task is not one that you should take lightly. In today’s climate of medical malpractice, finding an effective doctor you can trust is paramount. Use the following as a guide to finding the right doctor for you and your family.
- Insurer’s Website
The first source of information you have is your insurance provider’s website. Not only will you find the doctors who are on your network, but you can typically find more information about each of those doctors by clicking on their name or link.
- Board Certification
Do you know how to check for board certification? All you need to do is check out the Certification Matters site. A board certified doctor has earned a degree from a qualified school, has completed up to seven years of residency, and is state licensed.
- Red Flags
Look at this Consumer Reports site to find out if your doctor has been sanctioned. While a medical malpractice claim against a physician shouldn’t automatically ban them from your short list, it should give you pause.
- Ask About Office Policies
If you are the type of person who only needs a doctor on a “right now” basis, you will want an office that allows same-day appointments. If you visit the office for the first time and aren’t pleased with your choice, continue your search. You and your doctor are partners in your health so you need to be happy and comfortable with the way their office runs.
- Watch the Staff
While you are in the office, keep an eye on the staff. Are they helpful and patient? Do they keep things humming along or do they huddle by the coffee machine catching up on the latest gossip? The office staff is just as important as the doctor. If you aren’t happy with what you observe, keep searching.
- Technology
If access to your medical records is important to you and you would prefer to take care of booking appointments online, you will want a doctor who is abreast of the latest medical technology. If you find a doctor who is stuck in the paper-age, move along. This is not the doctor who will meet your needs.
It’s important to find a doctor you are comfortable with. It’s also important to find one who you will safe with. Take your time vetting your potential choices.
If you believe that you are the victim of medical malpractice, our team of personal injury attorneys is here for you. Call us today for a free initial consultation.
