How Do I Find a Good Doctor?
How Do I Find a Good Doctor
Finding a good doctor is crucial for ensuring you receive the best possible care. Medical errors are a significant concern, being the third leading cause of death in the United States. By choosing the right doctor, you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim of medical negligence. Here are some strategies to help you find a reputable and competent physician:
1. Use the Board Certification Search Tool
The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) offers a board certification search tool that allows you to verify if a physician is board certified. Board certification indicates that a doctor has gone beyond the minimum licensing requirements to meet national standards for education, knowledge, experience, and skills. You can search for board-certified doctors by name, specialty, or location at CertificationMatters.org.
2. Check Medical and Scientific Advisory Boards
Doctors who serve on medical and scientific advisory boards are often leaders in their fields. If you can’t see these top-tier physicians directly, look for doctors who have trained under them. These connections can be a good indicator of a doctor’s expertise and experience.
3. Connect with Patient Advocacy Groups
For many conditions, local patient support and advocacy groups can be invaluable resources. They can recommend reputable doctors in your area, and if a particular name comes up frequently, it’s worth considering. These groups can provide insights based on collective experiences and help you find a trusted physician close to home.
4. Utilize Health Insurance Company Designations
Some health insurance companies highlight physicians who meet certain standards for efficiency and clinical performance with special designations. Look for doctors with a blue star or similar markers in your insurer’s “find a doctor” online listings.
5. Review State Medical Board Records
State medical boards maintain records of malpractice judgments and disciplinary actions taken against physicians. This information is public and often accessible online. Checking these records can help you avoid doctors with problematic histories.
6. Consult Your Primary Care Doctor
Your primary care doctor can be a valuable resource when you need a specialist. They are familiar with the reputations of other physicians and can provide recommendations based on your specific health needs.
7. Evaluate Online Rating Services
Online services like HealthGrades, RateMDs.com, and Angie’s List feature patient ratings of physicians. While useful, these ratings should be one of many factors in your decision-making process. Information from patient groups, medical advisory boards, and physician referrals often provides a more comprehensive view.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Doctor
Many patients make mistakes that can jeopardize their health when choosing a doctor. According to Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., these include:
– Not doing their own research: Relying solely on recommendations from friends and family without conducting personal research can be risky.
– Taking the easy way out: Choosing the first doctor you find can lead to disappointment if they do not meet your specific needs.
– Not checking with your insurance company: Selecting an out-of-network doctor can be costly and may indicate a history of poor care.
– Neglecting to screen your options: Failing to call and screen doctors or their staff can result in missing critical information.
– Settling for familiar: Long-term relationships with doctors can blind patients to declining care quality.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Doctor
Before deciding on a doctor, ask questions to gather important information. The National CPR Association highlights a variety of important questions patients should be asking before settling on a doctor, such as:
– Are they board certified in their specialty?
– What medical school did they attend?
– How long have they been practicing?
– What is their reputation for patient care?
– How do they handle emergency situations?
– Do they accept same-day appointments?
– What are their referral policies for specialists?
– Which hospitals are they affiliated with?
– Will you see the doctor at every appointment?
– What type of diagnostic testing do they perform regularly?
Know the Most Common Medical Errors
– Urinary tract infections from catheters
– Injuries from immobility and falls
– Adverse drug events
– Pressure ulcers
– Blood clots
– Ventilator-associated pneumonia
– Central line bloodstream infections
– Obstetrical incidents
– Surgical site infections
How to Do Your Own Research
Modern resources make it easier to research potential doctors.
– Check your insurance: Use your insurance company’s list of in-network doctors to avoid potential issues.
– Google search: Look for major malpractice cases, awards, or publications.
– Check hospital affiliations: Verify the quality of hospitals the doctor works with.
– Watch for red flags: Use sites like the Federation of State Medical Boards to check for malpractice history or lapsed certifications.
– Check compatibility: Use the first visit to assess comfort and communication.
– Ask the staff: The demeanor of the staff can reflect the doctor’s treatment of patients and employees..
By following these steps, you can significantly improve your chances of finding a good doctor and receiving high-quality healthcare.
Fighting Back Against Negligence
Despite thorough research, medical negligence can still occur. If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical negligence, contact the experienced medical malpractice attorneys at D’Amore Personal Injury Law for a free case evaluation. They can help you seek justice and compensation for poor medical care.
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