Dear Looking for a doctor,

These days, it's likely your health insurance will influence your choice of physician(s). For example, if you are a member of a health maintenance organization (HMO), you'll be given a list of primary health care doctors to choose from. You'll have to pick one as your Primary Care Physician (PCP). Some plans allow women to choose a gynecologist whom they can see once a year without having to see the PCP first. At any rate, ask people at work about the doctors in the plan. Look for one near your home or workplace. You can also find out if there is a college or university in the area. If there is one, call its medical school or teaching hospital for referrals in the community. Then, see if they're on your plan's list of doctors.

Once you have a few referrals that seem good to you, choose one and make an appointment to meet with her/him. If s/he seems competent, confident, and caring, then you've made a good choice.

Many health insurance companies provide the following important information if you ask for it:

• What specialty is the doctor in?
• Does the doctor practice by her/himself or in a group? If s/he practices in a group, can you request to see that doctor?
• Is the doctor involved in teaching medicine?
• What are the doctor's hours? Does s/he have evening or weekend appointments?
• What is the doctor's availability in emergencies?
• Will the doctor give advice over the phone?
• Is the doctor's office wheelchair-accessible?
• With which hospital is the doctor affiliated?
• What are the doctor's fees? Does s/he accept your insurance? Will s/he bill you or the insurance company?

To get the most out of your doctor's visit:

• Tell the receptionist why you are making the appointment.
• Tell the doctor why you're there, list your symptoms, and say what you're worried about. Be specific.
• Learn about your own medical history, such as dates of major or chronic illnesses, operations, hospitalizations, allergies, pregnancies, and physical and/or learning disabilities.
• Know the background of your family's health, including cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, genetic disorders, and alcohol or other drug abuse.
• Inform the doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription drugs, as well as vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional supplements you are taking. Bring the bottles or labels with you.
• Make sure your doctor hears and understands your symptoms and concerns. Make sure you know and understand your diagnosis and treatment.
• Tell your doctor about any changes in your life because they may affect your health.

Before you see a new doctor, you may want to log onto the American Medical Association web site and click on "Doctor Finder." You can find information here about a physician's background and training.

Alice

• doctors
• nurses
• nurse practitioners
• psychiatrists
• psychologists
• mental health counselors
• registered dietitians or nutritionists
• social workers
• complementary, alternative, or integrated medicine specialists
• other clinicians, such as gynecologists, obstetricians, midwives, and urologists

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