How To Choose a Doctor

Ask some credible resources for some references about some local physicians. You can also consult a local regional magazine’s “Top Doc” list.

Check with your health insurance carrier to see which doctors are covered in their network. See if they’re listed online, or ask them to mail you the list of providers.

Create your “short list” of doctors who are in your insurance network, have been recommended, and seem to fulfill the criteria you identified as important.

Make a list of questions to ask the physician or office staff, like the size of the practice, their office hours, the availability of after-hour care, the average time with patients, etc.

Call the office of your first choice. Ask if they’re accepting new patients. If they are, double-check that they accept your insurance and ask your prepared questions.

Make an appointment, and then inform your health insurance provider, who often require that you assign one doctor as your primary care physician, of your choice.