| Selecting a doctor can be a daunting and | | | | a face-to-face basis, before making the final |
| worrisome task and it's usually best to find one | | | | decision. This is usually possible and inexpensive. |
| when you or your loved one isn't sick or in dire | | | | When choosing a surgeon, ask how many times |
| need of help. Here are a few guidelines to help | | | | he or she has performed the operation that will |
| you in selecting the physician that's best for you. | | | | be performed on you and what the death rate |
| Ask your friends about their doctors. Find out | | | | was. There is often more than one choice of |
| why they like them or why they don't. If you | | | | operation for a certain condition. In that case, |
| need a specialist, ask your primary care physician | | | | your surgeon's experience with a new procedure |
| for recommendations. There are also websites | | | | should weigh in your decision, because statistics |
| that list board certified doctors. Health | | | | show that the more times surgeons perform a |
| Management Organizations often have physician | | | | procedure, the better their success rate. For |
| referral services and you can pick a doctor from | | | | instance, laparoscopic operations are relatively |
| the list. A representative is always there to give | | | | new, and your surgeon may be inexperienced in |
| you information about the doctor when asked. | | | | performing them. If so, you may be safer sticking |
| How close is the doctor's office to your home or | | | | with the old surgical approach, or finding a doctor |
| work? | | | | with more experience performing the new |
| Is the doctor board certified? | | | | procedure. |
| What medical school did he or she attend? | | | | Call your county medical board to see if anyone |
| Does the doctor accept your insurance? | | | | has complained about the anesthesiologist with |
| How many years has the doctor been in practice? | | | | whom the surgeon plans to work. Before the day |
| Does the doctor accept credit cards? | | | | of the operation, arrange to talk to the |
| How long will you have to wait for an | | | | anesthesiologist about the type of anesthetic to |
| appointment as a new patient? | | | | be used, and ask if he or she will stay with you |
| With which hospitals is the doctor affiliated? | | | | throughout the procedure (necessary except for |
| How old is the doctor? | | | | local anesthesia). Mention any medical problems |
| These are just a few of the questions you can | | | | you might have and what drugs you take |
| ask the representative. | | | | (including illegal and over-the-counter ones). |
| You may also want to consult with the doctor on | | | | |