- Insurance
Plans.
Many Insurance plans, especially those of HMO's (Health
Management Organizations), have lists of physicians whose
services are covered (paid for) by the plan. In this situation,
the patient is provided with a list of doctors whom he
or she may see, and in most cases, is required by the
Insurance company to choose from that list only. Not all
plans will pay for any doctor the patient may select on
his own. If you are in a managed care plan, check
the plan's list of doctors first.
- Medical
Societies. Like any other group or industry, doctors
have their umbrella organizations. The principle physicians'
group in the U.S. is the American
Medical Association (AMA). At its website, the AMA
offers a definition of the various types of medical specialties
and, importantly, a physicians'
referral, or listing, by specialty for any region
in the United States. You can also check on training and
board certification. This website lists doctors who are
members of the AMA, and also those who are not. Most specialties
have their own organizations, such as the American
Academy of Pediatrics, and a physician may choose
to join his or her specific organization instead of belonging
to the AMA. It is a good idea to select a doctor who belongs
to one of these organizations.
- Ask
family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. As in
anything else, networking is a valuable tool. Ask friends
and acquaintances for feedback before the need arises.
Most people are rather passionate about their doctors
and will not hesitate to sing their praises or suggest
avoiding them altogether.
-
Ask
doctors or other health professionals who work with
doctors, such as hospital nurses.
- Local Hospitals. Many hospitals have doctor referral
services, as well as other health-related services. They
can be a useful resource and can be contacted by telephone.
Keep in mind, however, that these services usually do
not have information on the quality of care these doctors
provide, and they may simply refer you to doctors on the
staff of that hospital. Check the telephone book for the
appropriate number for the hospital, either in the white
pages under the name of the hospital, or in the yellow
pages under "Hospitals."
- Walk-in
Clinics. These are facilities where you can go for
medical attention if you do not have a regular physician.
There seems to be a broad spectrum of quality in the service
these facilities provide, ranging from very good to barely
adequate. Many physicians donate their time to such clinics,
providing quality care, but this may not always be the
case. These facilities do provide "same day" service,
but this can involve a wait of several hours.
- Telephone
Book. The yellow pages will contain a listing of physicians
(under "Physicians"), usually grouped according to specialties.
Make a list of potential doctors, and be sure to check
on their quality through independent sources.
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