Did you know that as a patient, you can play an active role in making sure that you have a positive healthcare experience?  One of the best ways to do this is to select a physician with whom you can keep an open line of communication.  

Asking questions demonstrates that you want to take an active role in your care.  And, discussing important issues ahead of time will ensure you are offered treatment options that best fit your needs.  For instance, if you would like to explore nutrition options before trying medication, it’s important to mention your preferences.  Having an open and honest conversation will help you and your doctor better understand each other and avoid frustration in the future.

Below is a list of topics you may wish to explore in your initial discussion with a physician.  Our referral specialist will be able to provide you with some of the information, such as office locations and specialties.  However, we suggest that you schedule a one-on-one visit with your potential doctor to learn if he or she will be able to assist you with future medical matters.   For more information, please visit our section on Selecting a Doctor and take a moment to search our Physician Directory.

Considerations when selecting a physician:

• Office location and relative convenience to your home or employment
• Office hours
• Specialties
• Credentials
• Financial matters
• Philosophy

Credentials

• Which medical school did they attend?
• What was their undergraduate degree in?
• Are they Board-Certified or Board Eligible? A Board Certified physician has completed a residency program in a specialty or subspecialty, and passed examinations to test his or her knowledge of that specialty.  Board-Eligible physicians have completed their residency but have not taken the examinations. 

Financial matters

• What insurance plans are accepted?
• Billing procedures: Do you pay in full and file claims for reimbursement from your insurance?
• Does the doctor's office file claims for you, and is there a fee for the service?  Is there a co-payment for HMO members?
• Don't be afraid to ask about office visit fees and costs for tests and treatment.

Philosophy

• Why did they become a doctor?
• What do they like best about being a doctor?
• What is their philosophy?