Finding the right doctor can be overwhelming to say the least.  It is a process that takes time, effort and careful research.  Sometimes it can be difficult to even know where to start. This quick guide can help take some of the guesswork out:

1. Figure out what kind of doctor you need

Half the battle when choosing a doctor, is choosing one that can address your needs.  There are different specialties that address similar issues, so it is important to figure out what the underlying cause of the problem is.  For example, if you are experiencing chest pain, this could be related to a heart, lung or even gastric issue.  If you are unsure where the problem is starting from, a primary care physician may be your best bet.

2. Determine how far you are willing to travel, and at what cost

Deciding if you want to stay close to home or don’t mind traveling over state lines for an appointment is crucial when choosing a doctor.  Depending on what your needs are, let’s say you will be seeing this doctor often, you may want the consider choosing a doctor in a convenient location closer to home.   Similarly, is the cost of care a factor? You may want to only see a doctor that is covered within your insurance plan.  If you want/need to keep out of network and out of pocket costs to a minimum, then trying to find a physician within your insurance plan will help reduce those costs.

3. Narrow down the choices by your preferences

Once you have a general idea of the kind of doctor you need, where you would like to see them, and how much you are willing to pay, you can narrow down your list by some more of your personal preferences. Do you prefer a male or female doctor?  Do you feel more comfortable with an older or younger physician? If English is not your first language, would you prefer a multilingual doctor?  Below are a few more factors which may play a part:

• Hospital affiliation
• Office location
• Educational background
• Specialty interests
• Years in practice

4. Do an online background check 

Sometimes the easiest way to find out more about a doctor is to google them.  Seems simple enough, especially in this tech savvy age, but sifting through all the information on the internet can be daunting.  Although information online needs to be review with a grain of salt, it can help you get to know a doctor better before even meeting them.  Here are some key things to look for:

• Check their board certification
• Check for negative reports associated with their medical license 
• Check online reviews and see what other patients have to say
• Check to see if they have a personal website or blog