Choosing A Doctor

Sooner or later your older family member will need a doctor – for a specific complaint or routine care.

The best time to choose a doctor is before your relative gets sick. Talk with your relative about what kind of doctor will meet his or her health care needs best. Make a list of questions and names of a few doctors you both would like to meet. The list will help you make an informed decision and feel confident that your relative will get the best possible care.

FINDING A DOCTOR

• Ask family members, friends or neighbors and other health professionals for recommendations.
• Your dentist may know a good general practitioner in the same medical building.
• Hospital referral services match staff physicians with new patients
• Your local medical society or physician referral service.
• Your relative's supplementary health insurance plan may have a list of participating physicians.

SPECIALISTS

Many physicians specialize in treating specific disorders. If you think your relative needs a specialist ask for a referral from the primary care doctor. Many health plans won't cover specialist care without a referral. The doctors can share information about your relative's condition and avoid prescribing medications that may interact or repeating lab tests.

WHAT TO THINK ABOUT WHEN CHOOSING A DOCTOR

• Is the office conveniently located?
• Where are laboratory tests and X-rays done? Doctors may do simple tests in their offices.
• Is the office staff friendly? Are phone calls answered promptly?
• Can your relative talk to the doctor on the phone about minor problems?
• How long has the doctor practiced medicine? Where did he or she attend medical school?
• Where does the doctor have hospital admitting privileges?
• What are the doctor's fees? Is Medicare and supplemental insurance accepted?
• How long do patients have to wait for appointments? How are emergencies on weekends or evenings handled?
• Does the doctor make house calls?

MEET THE NEW DOCTOR

Schedule an appointment for you and your family member to get to know the new doctor. Many doctors do not charge for these visits. The doctor can also learn something about your parent's medical history. You and your relative can decide if her for she meets your relative's health needs. Selecting a new doctor is a big decision for your older relative and for you. It is important for both of you to feel comfortable with him or her and confident that your family member will get the best care possible.