Finding a trusted doctor to call your regular healthcare provider can prove a daunting task. You don’t want to have the first person you hear about make decisions related to your health, vision, dental, and mental needs.
Nowadays, 97% of customers and clients check out a business or service online before reaching out. But finding a trusted doctor is different than finding a plumber, pest control agency, or construction company.
A doctor has to know your health history intimately in order to advise you well. So it’s best if you find a doctor you can stick with for a long time.
How To Find A Trusted Doctor
There are a variety of ways to gauge whether or not you’ve found a good doctor.
Determine What Kind of Doctor You Need To See
You might already have a great regular healthcare provider. Or maybe you just aren’t looking for a general provider but a specialist of some sort. Common specialists include psychiatrists, chiropractors, OBGYNs, and the like.
If you already have a regular healthcare provider, he or she can likely recommend someone you can see. If you don’t, you may have to make your own call about what kind of doctor you need to see for your problem.
Perform a Background Check
Even the best doctor might have been sued once or twice. All the same, it’s wise to be aware of any doctor’s legal history. That does especially true if the doctor performs major procedures such as vasectomies, like Gentle Procedures in Sydney does.
You can check their history a couple of different ways. One is verifying their license via their practicing state’s official website. Another is verifying their certification via the federal board website.
If all else fails, check their website and social media. You can get to know a lot about their customer service by how they respond to comments posted on their platforms.
Go Prepared To Your First Appointment
Regardless of who you choose, there are certain items that you’ll want to bring to your first appointment. These items include:
- A list of your current medications,
- A list of your previous surgeries and conditions (including allergies),
- Contact information for your other doctors, and
- Your insurance information.
While you’re in your appointment, take note of the facilities and staff. Ask yourself:
- Are the facility and instruments clean?
- Are the staff and doctor knowledgeable?
- Does the doctor utilize good bedside manners?
- Do the staff and doctor listen to your concerns?
Also pay attention to how they take and organize data. Sloppy data management could result in an overcharge from your insurance company later.
Another thing to keep an eye out for is degrees and certifications. While you’re in the exam room, waiting for the doctor, check the wall and see what kind of education he or she had.
If you’re a notes sort of person, feel free to bring a notepad and make notes during your appointment.
Get A Second Opinion If Needed
Above all else, listen to your gut. If there is something about the doctor, facilities, or staff that doesn’t sit right with you, get a second opinion from another doctor.
Remember: your health is yours alone. More than any doctor’s, it’s your job to make sure you’re getting the treatment you need–and deserve.
Do you have any other great tips for finding a trusted doctor? Let us know in the comments below!