Maximum people, including physicians, rely on special references to find a good doctor. But what do you do when you’re far away from home, or you don’t know anyone with a firsthand observation of local doctors? My progenitors recently asked me to recommend a physician for them in a city where I knew none of my co-workers personally. This is the 10-step method that I used to assist them to navigate their way to an outstanding specialist — I hope it helps others you find the right consultant as well!
#1. Decide what kind of doctor you need?
You’d be astonished how many different specialists treat the likewise symptom — depending on its underlying objective. Take an example of “back pain” — should you consult a primary care practitioner, an orthopedist, a physiotherapist, a neurosurgeon, a rheumatologist, or a rehab expert to evaluate your symptoms? That depends on the element of the pain, which might not yet be indisputable to you. The first step to finding a suitable physician is to figure out which type is best suited to your possible diagnosis. Bouncing from specialist to specialist can be expensive, so if you’re not convinced which kind of physician specializes in treating your disease or condition (or if you haven’t been diagnosed still), start with a primary care doctor first.
If you’d like to request an online physician about your traits (or find out which specialist would be the most suitable for you or your loved one), Lybrate or practo is my favorite online physician specialist service (note that I respond questions for them.)
#2. Gather a list of Doctors
Gather a list of all the doctors (of the specialty you need) in your area. This list can be produced by your insurance carrier or by an online exploration of doctor-finder databases such as Healthgrades.com, Vitals.com, or US News & World Report’s Doctor Finder record.
#3. Narrow online choices
Narrow online choices by your likings (available via Healthgrades.com or Vitals.com databases). Mark out the doctors’:
Hospital affiliation(s) Office location(s) Educational background Specialty interests Languages are spoken Years in practice Gender Types of insurance accepted Analyze CV if available (often on associated hospital website).Check out patient feedback (take them with a grain of salt in case they are skewed by an unreasonably disgruntled patient). Make sure they’re acquiring new patients.
#4. Do an online “background check” of your top preferences.
Verify their board certification at the Medical Council of India (MCI) (registration required).
Check for any contradictory reports at their home state’s licensing website: Go to “check a license.” ( e.g. CA)
Google them: Do they have a blog or social media appearance? If so, get to know them that process.
#5. Book an appointment. Consider the following qualities in a conventional physician experience:
The staff: courteousness of scheduling team, professionalism of attendants, PA’s, techs, etc. Facilities: neatness, comfort Medical records/information: How will they provide you with your data? EMR? Email? Timeliness/convenience
#6. Come prepared & Bring
Your list of medications. A list of your medical and surgical history/contingencies. The total list of your allergies. Contact information for your other practitioners/providers. Bring your insurance data.
#7. Ask the right questions.
How many procedures.
What are the risks/interests of the procedure? Alternatives?
What should I read to discover more about this?
If unsure of investigation: What else could aforementioned be?
Are there other medications. If there is affordable medicine similar in generic.
#8. Go with your gut.
Did the consultant explain everything clearly?Did the doctor resemble to care about you?Do you believe your doctor to be careful with follow up?Do you like your physician?
#9. Get a second opinion.
If the doctor did not adhere to your expectations in any significant way, find a different one. If you want to be convinced that you’re on the best track, get a second evaluation from one of his/her peers or do it online: practo (for generalist questions), Certified Doctors (to be equaled with top national specialists)
#10. Reward good physicians with good online testimonials so others can benefit.
Practitioner ratings are only as strong as the reviewers. Help other sufferers locate good consultants by promoting those who deserve it.
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