Finding a new doctor ranks right up there with hunting down a new mechanic, plumber and hairdresser –the toughest finds in a new neighborhood. So what can you do if you’re in the market for a new MD? Following these tips will help lead you to the right doctor…If you have moved, your doctor has retired or you are trying to scout out a specialist, you face one of the most challenging dilemmas in today’s healthcare system. How do you find a new doctor who is both medically excellent and a good fit for your needs? A referral from a trusted source is an obvious route, but not always as reliable as you may think.
1. Use the Doctor Network to Your AdvantageConsider a referral from one of your doctors. Accept it, and you have entered the intricate world of physician-referral networks, which often work like this: If your doctor refers you to another doctor, the arrangement is usually reciprocal. Either that or the doctor at least gives the referring doctor excellent service and attention (in terms of reports, follow-up, professional recognition). If a referring physician breaks the pattern, then he might find himself outside of the self-reinforcing referral loop. This can mean fewer patients, behind-the-back whispers and some icy stares in the doctor’s lounge.
1. Use the Doctor Network to Your AdvantageConsider a referral from one of your doctors. Accept it, and you have entered the intricate world of physician-referral networks, which often work like this: If your doctor refers you to another doctor, the arrangement is usually reciprocal. Either that or the doctor at least gives the referring doctor excellent service and attention (in terms of reports, follow-up, professional recognition). If a referring physician breaks the pattern, then he might find himself outside of the self-reinforcing referral loop. This can mean fewer patients, behind-the-back whispers and some icy stares in the doctor’s lounge.
Such a system has its drawbacks. It’s rare for physicians to share Information on performance and outcomes. In fact, most of this information is confidential. Most physicians know very little about the practices of their fellow physicians. So, as long as the patients they send are not complaining, doctors assume the referrals worked out. And unless something truly goes wrong, most patients are reluctant to complain, and some even feel responsible for a poor interaction. The result is an ongoing, unmonitored referral cycle.
2. Beware the Bedside BiasAnother type of referral is one by a friend, relative or neighbor. While these are usually good sources of information, they are subject to another kind of bias: that of the “bedside manner.” Some doctors have a wonderful bedside manner and are well-liked by most of their patients, which drives referrals. But bedside manner does not ensure clinical excellence. In fact, in some cases, it can be a substitute.
Who is to know? Most problems that generalists encounter with patients in the healthcare system tend to go away on their own, given enough time. With little information about medical outcomes within individual practices and the reluctance of people to criticize their doctor, recognizing who is the best doctor based on personal referrals is nearly impossible.
2. Beware the Bedside BiasAnother type of referral is one by a friend, relative or neighbor. While these are usually good sources of information, they are subject to another kind of bias: that of the “bedside manner.” Some doctors have a wonderful bedside manner and are well-liked by most of their patients, which drives referrals. But bedside manner does not ensure clinical excellence. In fact, in some cases, it can be a substitute.
Who is to know? Most problems that generalists encounter with patients in the healthcare system tend to go away on their own, given enough time. With little information about medical outcomes within individual practices and the reluctance of people to criticize their doctor, recognizing who is the best doctor based on personal referrals is nearly impossible.
3. Pursue the Elusive Primary Care PhysicianThe most difficult physicians to find are usually primary care physicians (PCPs). These are internists, family practitioners, general practitioners, pediatricians, and obstetrician-gynecologists. The good ones tend to be very busy, and many have closed their practices to new patients. They are also getting pickier about which insurance they will accept. Many also tend to be unevenly distributed across communities, which can limit your access to them.
If you want to find a great PCP, social networking is the name of the game. Social clubs, volunteer groups, PTA, religious organizations, sports facilities, community centers, and neighbors can be the richest sources of referral information. For closed practices, social networking may be one of the few ways to break through administrative barriers, since you’re more likely to connect personally with doctors, their families or their friends.
4. Secure a SpecialistCertain specialists, such as plastic and cosmetic surgeons, dermatologists, and cosmetic dentists often have the most visible practices in a community because of promotions and advertising. However, their expertise can be hard to judge. Again, social networks can be helpful in finding the right match for you. Speak with someone who has actually had a procedure you are considering, not someone who is simply a social connection. Only a former patient can educate you about the details of bedside manner, follow-up, responsiveness to problems, and of course, outcomes.
If you want to find a great PCP, social networking is the name of the game. Social clubs, volunteer groups, PTA, religious organizations, sports facilities, community centers, and neighbors can be the richest sources of referral information. For closed practices, social networking may be one of the few ways to break through administrative barriers, since you’re more likely to connect personally with doctors, their families or their friends.
4. Secure a SpecialistCertain specialists, such as plastic and cosmetic surgeons, dermatologists, and cosmetic dentists often have the most visible practices in a community because of promotions and advertising. However, their expertise can be hard to judge. Again, social networks can be helpful in finding the right match for you. Speak with someone who has actually had a procedure you are considering, not someone who is simply a social connection. Only a former patient can educate you about the details of bedside manner, follow-up, responsiveness to problems, and of course, outcomes.
Other specialists – including, but not limited to cardiologists, general surgeons, oncologists, rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons, and gastroenterologists – are much less visible to the public. For these, primary care physicians can be the best source of information. Moreover, if you face a considerable delay before you can see a specialist, your PCP is in the best position to expedite the appointment. Referrals to specialists by other specialists, on the other hand, may be subject to the rules of the referral game.
It’s not unusual to wait a month or more to see certain busy specialists. If you feel you need to be seen sooner (and who doesn’t?), call the referring doctor immediately and notify them of the problem. Referring physicians can be very effective at moving you up the list because they are a primary source of patients to the specialist. But if the referring physician is unable to help, and you still need to be seen sooner, ask for a referral to an alternate specialist. Most referring doctors have a selection of specialists with whom they work.
5. Hone in on HospitalsEmergency room doctors and nurses in a local hospital are also great hidden sources of information about doctors. They tend to know who the best doctors are and those who are most difficult to deal with. They interact regularly with most of the medical staff and see doctors under both routine and stressful conditions. Ask them who they think are the top docs.
It’s not unusual to wait a month or more to see certain busy specialists. If you feel you need to be seen sooner (and who doesn’t?), call the referring doctor immediately and notify them of the problem. Referring physicians can be very effective at moving you up the list because they are a primary source of patients to the specialist. But if the referring physician is unable to help, and you still need to be seen sooner, ask for a referral to an alternate specialist. Most referring doctors have a selection of specialists with whom they work.
5. Hone in on HospitalsEmergency room doctors and nurses in a local hospital are also great hidden sources of information about doctors. They tend to know who the best doctors are and those who are most difficult to deal with. They interact regularly with most of the medical staff and see doctors under both routine and stressful conditions. Ask them who they think are the top docs.
Another good starting point for finding physicians is your local hospitals’ web site. Nearly all offer information about physicians (organized by specialty) on their medical staff, including training, board certification, the languages they speak, and the insurance they accept. Physicians are also licensed by each state. Most states provide information on state licensing web sites about the status of a physician’s license, pending actions against him and board certification. Fee-based Internet sites offer doctor profiles, some with consumer evaluations. Still, even these sources do not tell everything that can pinpoint a good doctor. Your best bet is to gather as much information as you can from all sources – friends, web sites and health-care professionals.
The information contained on this site is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for advice from your doctor or healthcare professional. This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition. Information and statements provided by the site about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Wellness Source does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, third-party products, procedures, opinions, or other information mentioned on the Site. Reliance on any information provided by Wellness Source is solely at your own risk.
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