Abigail Williams & Associates

340 Main Street, Suite 330, Worcester, MA 01608

HOW TO CHOOSE A DOCTOR

Selecting the right doctor is one of the most important choices that you can make. Unfortunately, we wait until we are most unable to take the time to interview a number of doctors and take our time making a decision (i.e. after we have become sick). When able, try to choose a doctor when you are healthy and well. If you are pregnant with your first child, take the time to interview a number of pediatricians before you have the baby. Make your first visit a "well" visit to help the doctor establish a good baseline health record to compare with when you are ill.

When interviewing a new or potential doctor consider the following:

•What are the doctor's special medical interests?

•Does the physician have a sub-specialty for example an  interest in cardiology or                           adolescent medicine?

•What kind of patients does the doctor usually see?

•What is the doctor's educational background?

•What medical school did he graduate from?

•Where did he do his training?

•Is this physician board-certified in his/her specialty?

•Do you like this doctor's Personality?

•Is this doctor warm and concerned about you?

•Does the doctor listen and appear interested in your health issues and questions?

•Is the doctor willing to explain things to you and take time to answer questions?

•Do you like the way the doctor's office is run?

•Is the staff friendly?

•Does the office environment feel comfortable?

•Is the office clean and neat?

•How soon are appointments available (one week, one month?)

•How close to on time do the appointments run? Are explanations given when the doctor         is running late?

•Does the doctor take calls from patients?

•Will the doctor or office return calls the same day?

•Is the doctor on your health plan?

•Does the doctor have after-hours care arrangements?

•What is the doctor's prescription refill policy?

•Who covers for the doctor when he/she is on vacation?

•What should you do if you have an urgent medical need or an emergency?

•What are the payment arrangements?

•Is the office conveniently located? Is there adequate parking?

•What is the doctor's hospital affiliation?

•Is the doctor affiliated with a university or medical school hospital?

•Is the doctor a full-time or part-time staff member there?

•Does the doctor teach? If so at what level of care provider?

•At what hospitals does this doctor have admitting privileges?

•Will the doctor visit/examine me when I am hospitalized? If not, who will?

Once you have had all of your questions answered, you may wish to take an extra step                and verify the doctors credentials using www.docboard.com.