Choose a Family Doctor Wisely

Ask:

Does the doctor practice up-to-date medicine in an up-to-date office?

Learn:  

Check ratings on this website for the medical practices you might use or all practices in your area. The best rating is 3 blue ribbons. The ratings tell you:

• How well the practice follows expert guidelines in caring for certain conditions
• Whether the practice tries to measure the results of care
• To what extent the practice uses office systems to keep track of patients and give them the care they need at the right times

Use the MHMC web site to see the ratings:
http://www.mhmc.info/doctors

Ask:

Will the practice suit my needs?

Learn:  

Call and ask for this kind of information:

• Does the doctor care for patients who have conditions or needs like mine?
• Does the practice location work for me?
• What days and hours is the practice open?
• How long does it usually take to get an appointment?
• Can I call or email with questions or for prescription refills, without having to come into the office?
• Who takes calls after hours or when the doctor is away?
• What hospital does the practice use?
• Does the practice take my insurance?

Ask:

Will I be able to work with and trust the doctor?

Learn:  

Call and schedule a brief appointment with a doctor you are considering to Learn:

• If you feel comfortable and can talk about personal issues
• If the doctor's style of sharing information and making decisions suits you
• If you can work together for your health.

Decide: 

Is this the right practice and right doctor for me?

If yes, schedule an appointment soon,so the doctor knows you before you need care.

If no, start at the top with another practice or another doctor in the same practice?