When you or a family member becomes ill and needs the services of an experienced doctor, how do you go about picking one? It can be a difficult and daunting task because essentially, you are putting you or a loved one’s life in someone else’s hands. You want the best treatment possible, but how do you go about finding this? Here are some suggestions on how to find an experienced and well-respected doctor, free of a medical malpractice past, and prepared to save the life of another.
Ask Around: Friends, Family, Coworkers, Community
The best place to start is by asking people you trust about doctors they would recommend for your specific condition. Most likely, one of your friends, someone in your family, or members of your community, will know of a well-respected doctor with a great reputation. It is even possible that someone you know will know the great doctor personally, and might even be able to get you in to see that doctor soon (assuming the doctor has a waiting list). Do you any friends that are doctors? Asking another doctor for a referral is probably the best possible resource. Doctors know other doctors–their work, their reputation, or any past instances of malpractice.
Online Review Websites
If you have just moved to a new place and have yet to make roots in a new location, you may not have many friends to ask for physician referrals. Instead, it may be a good idea to visit doctor-rating websites. A great resource is Angieslist.com, although you have to pay for a subscription to this trusted review website. Vital.com and zocdoc.com are also two great free online resources to find a highly-rated doctor in your area.
Check for Malpractice
Once you have a few names of doctors you would possibly like to meet with, you should check to see if they have a history of medical malpractice. Screening for botched practicing is a necessary step in finding the best doctor for you. The best way to do this is to call your local county clerk’s office in the state in which that doctor practices to see if any lawsuits have been filed against him/her. You can also call the state medical licensing board which will have record of any malpractice cases brought against doctors in that state. Your state’s insurance department can also be contacted to find out if any claims are on record.
Things to Consider
When shopping for a physician, there are many things to consider. Not only should you look for someone who is well-respected and free of malpractice, but you should look for a doctor that has good communication skills. This is especially true during times of serious illness. Dealing with sickness is mentally, emotionally, and financially taxing–during this time you will need the support of your doctor as well. Hiring a kind doctor with a good bedside manner can really make a difference in your recovery. Your physician does not need to be a certified therapist, but he/she should have the skills to be supportive, caring, and helpful.
Kristen writes for Alamo Injury Attorneys, a personal injury law firm located in San Antonio, Texas. Kristen thinks choosing a doctor is very important.
From Hobbies For Seniors, post Choosing The Right Doctor
Post Footer automatically generated by wp-posturl plugin for wordpress.