There’s no magical way to finding the right doctor. If you feel that you need specialist care, you can save time and money by going straight to the specialist with your particular medical problem. In the past, most patients would ask their primary care physician for any referrals. While this is still done, more and more patients are now going directly to a specialist for their every medical need.
Tips for finding the right doctor
Find out the history of diseases or medical symptoms that run in your family, or the ones that you and your family members have currently experienced.
Once the problem is identified, let’s say a history of asthma, you will need a primary care provider who is Board certified in “pulmonary disease” and “internal medicine”.
Depending on how far you are willing to travel and what type of doctor you are looking for, search for three hospitals near your home. Then use the internet and search their names. Most hospitals have websites that feature a physician directory.
Make sure that your doctor is Board certified and that his/her respective field of specialization is listed.
What helps making a good doctor?
The number of years since the doctor received his/her MD or DO.
Whether the doctor is Board certified in his/her respective specialty field.
The doctors who have one or no malpractice lawsuits, with no disciplinary action taken against them.
In case of a surgeon, a high degree of surgical procedures that he/she has completed.
The doctors who are affiliated to at least one medical society related to their field of specialty.
There are no guarantees when it comes to receiving the highest quality health care. There are good doctors, shady doctors and then there are those who are renowned for their proficiency, who rank amongst the highest in their field of expertise. It’s up to you to do your bit of homework.