Finding a good doctor/medical group
Our pediatrician (and his nurse) are making me and Jenn nuts, and their medical group is more interested in assessing blame for the problem than actually solving the problem. So when open enrollment rolls around in November, I’d like to switch (although it doesn’t kick in until January). But how do I know the next medical group isn’t just as bad, or worse?
How do people find good doctors and medical groups?
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Advice from a friend who has worked in health care way too long…
Find a friend in your area who works in health care as a front desk person, RN, MA, or other support staff. Preferrably for a large-ish practice. Ask them who they would go to. The folks who work in the trenches tend to be brutally honest about the strengths and weaknesses of the docs in the area if they’ve been in the industry for any length of time. Ask LOTS of questions about the way they treat their patients and their documentation. I’ve found the more thorough they tend to be documenting the visit, the better they are as doctors. You want them to be somewhat compulsive….
DO NOT PAY ATTENTION TO THE “BEST DOCTOR” LISTINGS. Those things are rigged. And docs who are popular among fellow docs are often sloppy dingbats who you do not want taking care of your baby or you.
Trust me, I worked at Hopkins, I know…..
Good luck and let me know if you need anything.
Comment by Wendy — August 21, 2007 @ 15:50
Recommendations from people you trust. You will, however, be surprised how secretly different your friends are from you in this sort of preference, so expect to need more than a couple of recommendations. Also, a lot of what you’ll respond to is personal style – all of our doctors we’ve liked, we’ve like instantly, although they’re hardly the same. IMHO, you meet them, if you have misgivings (particularly Jenn since she’ll see more of them), instant no. Until you run out, then you backtrack.
Comment by Joel Y — August 22, 2007 @ 19:29
Amen to all of the above. Gather as many opinions as you can from folks you trust.
J
Comment by John — August 23, 2007 @ 8:25