How do you go about picking your doc? (real doc)

The last two doctors that i have seen have been very disappointing. being a new patient i kind of expect more that a 5 minute visit. Is there anything i can do to increase my odds of finding a good doctor?

It is not an easy question. First I check the website of the doctor then the ratings on angie, yelp, vitals, Yahoo etc

Most /Some of the doctors are affiliated with a couple of hospitals. Some of them willl even feature videos of the doctor.

What I look in a doctor is really competence first. I avoid doctors for example who seem too big on "creams and beauty" products.

If the doctor has another degree prior to becoming a doctor I would avoid it.

If the doctor is in a very large practice it is probably way overscheduled and therefore won't allow a lot of time for you.

When I schedule for example I ask how much time it is going to take and based on that I know whether it will be a good doctor or not.

So much information available in this day and age. I have it boiled down to the C3 method (C3 not to be confused with the military application of Command Control and Communication) The C3 method I refer to is Convenience Competency and Compassion. Convenience - well that is a no brainer even for a neurosurgeon. Close to where you live? Operational hours? Short notice appointments for emergencies? Competency - The internet is often a solid source. May I suggest healthgrades.com. I utilized it when searching out a sports medicine specialist. The doctor's level of education is of course paramount if seeking out specialty care. Are they board certified/board eligible for their specialty?. Compassion - That is a mixed bag. Again the internet or maybe a coworker or a hospital referral. For those of us who are insured under a managed care plan (PPO/HMO) like myself the big question always is "In network/out of network" which means cost.

Asses your own needs. Do you need some specialty care? Most Internists/Family Medicine Physicians can help you manage a chronic disease such as diabetes or a heart condition without having to refer you to a specialist providing you do your part: Diet, physical activity, medication management etc. Hope this can offer you some insight.

Just go see whoever is given and if i don't like or odnt get on then i change

Isn't word of mouth and personal recommendations usually the best way to go about finding information that is of a qualitative nature? I've found that (at least initially) trusting a friend's assessment of a doctor (or a plumber or electrician for that matter) to be a fairly reliable way of going about making a choice.

Otherwise all you have to go on is statistics, which is all good and well up to a point. There are however so many things that cannot be quantified. Like personality and manner ...

Not knowing anyone in the area where I now live meant going for a word of mouth recommendation wasn't an easy option.

My criteria for choosing a new GP last year was to select on the following:

1. No single doctor practices

2. No all-male practices

3. A variety amongst doctors in terms of their experience (so no practices composed entirely of those qualified in the 1970s or 2000s).

4. Ideally a training practice (therefore having to be of a certain standard and up to date with the latest ideas).

5. Wide opening hours (not working near home means availability is important).

My wife is a nurse so she knows who the doctors are that would be a good fit for us.

I live in a small town with a shortage family dr's so I went w/o many years As I started getting older I needed a health care provider I asked around and more than 2 recommend a lady NP. She is very good I feel lucky to have found her

As I have said elsewhere, my medical needs are taken care of by the VA. My PCP (a Nurse Practitioner) was assigned to me. The criteria I requested was:

1. The Practitioner had to work out of a certain clinic if possible. Otherwise, I'm riding the T all over town. This particular clinic is a short walk from the Commuter rail station. Besides, I already see a physician in that clinic anyway.

2. They had to be staying there and not transferring, rotating, or anything else (Continuity of care.)

3. NO RESIDENTS. They are the main reason I asked to be assigned a permanent PCP.

I was asked if I had a preference of an MD or a NP. I said it didn't matter, but I actually prefer NPs because, as a rule, I find them to be more patient, attentive, and thorough.

I do not remember if I was not asked about gender. More than likely I was not. (Those type of details don't matter at the VA.)

Luckily, the NP they assigned me woo is female, and and meets all the criteria above.