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The time to look for a doctor is before you need one, when you have the time to make a clear decision about the kind of care and the kind of physician you want. Don't wait until something goes wrong.

Merely giving a physician's name does not make that doctor yours, unless he or she has previously treated you as a patient or has verbally agreed to accept you as a patient. One way to establish yourself with a new physician is through a referral from another physician. When you move to a new town, your present doctor may be able to recommend physicians in your new location. 

But how do you go about making the right choice?  First, define for yourself what you expect from your doctor, considering care, qualifications, accessibility, and philosophy. Then check the FIND A DOCTOR link on the first page of this webpage. Check the ABCs of Selecting a Physician and the ABC Checklist below for help with what kind of questions to ask.

EDUCATION OF A PHYSICIAN

Before physicians are allowed to practice, they undergo intense training. After finishing college, students spend an additional four years in medical school. A physician may choose to specialize in a particular field, which entails an additional two or more years of schooling. To practice medicine in Ohio, a physician must graduate from an approved medical school and receive either an M.D. (medical doctor) or DO. (doctor of osteopathy) degree and pass a prescribed examination. Many fine physicians have received their training abroad, so keep that in mind.

Each specialty has a national board which is responsible for establishing criteria for excellence in that area. Such criteria include a specific number of years in practice of that specialty, and passing a comprehensive examination given by the Board. Physicians meeting all of these requirements are then deemed Board Certified. The fact that physicians are not Board Certified, however, does not indicate that they are any less competent and capable than peers who are so designated. many specialty boards require physicians to practice a set number of years after their training before they are allowed to take the board examinations. The Lake County Medical Society recognizes only those Boards approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

The ABCS of Selecting a Physician

One of the most important decisions you will make is the selection of a physician for yourself and your family. It is wise to select carefully while you are well, establish yourself with a primary care physician, get a complete physical and have a medical history on file.Much of what makes up a good physician/patient match is personal preference. While you won't be certain you have made the right choice until you have your first office visit, as an informed consumer, you can objectively research the background and training of a physician to see if they measure up to your basic standards. Become an informed consumer of medical care. Here is a list of questions that will get you started in the right direction toward selecting a physician.

 A- ask B- before you C-choose Checklist

• Must I have an appointment when I need to see you?
• How long will I have to wait for an appointment?
• How should I contact you in case of an emergency?
• What are your office hours? Do you have evening or Saturday hours?
• Are you a member of the health plan I belong to?
• Will I see you each time I have an appointment or will other physicians in the practice see me?
• If I need hospitalization, which hospital will I be admitted to?
• If you are on vacation, who will care for me?
• Do you speak any language other than English?
• What is your medical training, where did you go to medical school, where did you complete your postgraduate training?
• Are you board certified in your specialty?
• Is your office easily accessible for the handicapped or elderly or on a bus route if I don't drive?
• What are your charges for a routine visit?
• Will you be willing to discuss your fees with me?
• If I require a specialist, will you assist me in finding one?
• What will happen during my initial visit?
• How often do you see your patients for routine wellness visits?
• How do you feel about "living wills" or other advance directives?

 The manner in which a physician and office personnel answer your questions tells you something about the practice itself. You may not be interested in all of the concerns listed above, but you should expect a reasonable answer to those questions which are most important to you.