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persiancat · 01-09-2006, 12:32 PM

I would love some feedback here from either individuals who have chosen doctors they are very satisfied with, or physicians themselves who can shed some insight.

After a month and a half at my new place of employment, I am now eligible for health coverage. I recently moved to NYC, and with such an overabundance of choices here, choosing a doctor is a daunting task - especially when you have no clue what credentials to look for or where to find them.

My plan - Aetna Managed Choice - has a list of available primary care physicians than spans pages and pages long. It's overwhelming.

So, what do you suggest? Where should I start? What was your process in choosing a doctor? What questions should I be asking?

In a google search, I came up with this Web site, which suggested asking the following questions: (What do you think of them - and do you have any useful questions I should add to the list?)

1. What should I expect on the first visit? An initial visit should involve a complete medical history and a head-to-toe examination of skin, eyes, ears, tongue, mouth, glands, heartbeat and breasts. These basic tests should also be included: blood pressure, an electrocardiogram (EKG), a chest x-ray, a rectal exam and blood tests.

2. Does the doctor have a subspecialty? Ask if he or she is a general practitioner, an internist or a family practitioner. An internist with a subspecialty in cardiology may be your best choice if you have a chronic heart condition.

3. What are the doctor's hospital affiliations? Find out if the doctor is affiliated with at least one hospital in your area.

4. What are the fees and billing procedures? Ask if you are required to pay at the time of your visit and what form of payment (check, credit card) is acceptable. Sometimes the office staff will process insurance forms for you and wait for payment from the insurance company.

5. Who covers for the practice when the doctor is absent? You may never get to meet this back-up physician but it is wise to check up on the credentials anyway.

6. Does the doctor provide time for telephone consultations? Any doctor who "does not talk to patients on the phone", should not be your doctor.

7. Does the doctor make house calls? Believe it or not, some still do, which is a plus if you have an elderly or handicapped person at home.

01-09-2006, 12:32 PM	#1 (permalink)
persiancat Upright	The BEST way to choose a doctor? I would love some feedback here from either individuals who have chosen doctors they are very satisfied with, or physicians themselves who can shed some insight. After a month and a half at my new place of employment, I am now eligible for health coverage. I recently moved to NYC, and with such an overabundance of choices here, choosing a doctor is a daunting task - especially when you have no clue what credentials to look for or where to find them. My plan - Aetna Managed Choice - has a list of available primary care physicians than spans pages and pages long. It's overwhelming. So, what do you suggest? Where should I start? What was your process in choosing a doctor? What questions should I be asking? In a google search, I came up with this Web site, which suggested asking the following questions: (What do you think of them - and do you have any useful questions I should add to the list?) 1. What should I expect on the first visit? An initial visit should involve a complete medical history and a head-to-toe examination of skin, eyes, ears, tongue, mouth, glands, heartbeat and breasts. These basic tests should also be included: blood pressure, an electrocardiogram (EKG), a chest x-ray, a rectal exam and blood tests. 2. Does the doctor have a subspecialty? Ask if he or she is a general practitioner, an internist or a family practitioner. An internist with a subspecialty in cardiology may be your best choice if you have a chronic heart condition. 3. What are the doctor's hospital affiliations? Find out if the doctor is affiliated with at least one hospital in your area. 4. What are the fees and billing procedures? Ask if you are required to pay at the time of your visit and what form of payment (check, credit card) is acceptable. Sometimes the office staff will process insurance forms for you and wait for payment from the insurance company. 5. Who covers for the practice when the doctor is absent? You may never get to meet this back-up physician but it is wise to check up on the credentials anyway. 6. Does the doctor provide time for telephone consultations? Any doctor who "does not talk to patients on the phone", should not be your doctor. 7. Does the doctor make house calls? Believe it or not, some still do, which is a plus if you have an elderly or handicapped person at home.