It has been mentioned on this site before that people often spend more time shopping for a new car than they do shopping for medications. Unfortunately, the same can be said about shopping for the right doctor. Why is this? Well it could be that people just don’t know how to go about picking a new doctor. Here are a few tips we hope you will find helpful.

Don’t procrastinate 
 
Many people wait until they are really sick to search for a doctor, forcing them to settle for a doctor they aren’t really comfortable with. It is important that you take the time to find a doctor that you feel comfortable talking to, before you get sick.  He or she should not only take the time to explain all of your treatment options, but should also allow time to listen to any questions or concerns you may have.

 
You should not feel rushed during your office visit. A good doctor will take the time to get to know his/her patients and tailor a treatment plan accordingly. Beware of doctors who offer a ‘cookie-cutter’ approach to your care or who don’t ask for your input when developing a treatment plan.

 
Finally, when first finding a doctor, don’t be afraid to ask the office staff to meet the doctor. Despite being quite busy, some doctors set aside time in their day for this purpose. Just explain to the staff that you are searching for a new doctor in the area and would like to schedule a few minutes to meet the doctor.

Do your homework 
 
Don’t know where to start? Try picking out several doctors within a comfortable driving distance from your home. From there, check with your state’s Medical Board to see if their license is in good standing. Many states also have websites that allow you to search doctors by name to see if they have any pending judgments or lawsuits against them. You may also try asking family, friends and coworkers for references. You may be surprised what a small world the medical community is. Chances are someone you know will have some information on your prospective new candidates.

 Check out their ‘home’ 
 
 Do you have a particular hospital that you would prefer to visit should you need to be admitted? Most physicians are only allowed to practice at certain hospitals in your area. For example, if you are searching for a cardiologist, you may want to find one with privileges at the hospital you would want to be admitted to. It is always best to be seen by a doctor in the hospital that has been following your care outside of the hospital if possible. Also, if you have been seen at a particular hospital in the past and were satisfied with the experience, you may want to return to that facility since all of your records are already there.

 
Likewise, if you are unsure what hospital you would prefer to visit, the doctors you are interviewing can help you choose one as well. When you are interviewing your prospective new doctors, ask them what hospitals they would admit their family members too. Then find a doctor that practices at those hospitals.

The Bottom Line 
 
Finding a doctor that you can work well with can make a big difference in the quality of your care. Remember during your search that you are investing in your health and in your future. Trust your instincts and take your time.