We’ve all been there. We need medical care, so we do some online research, or perhaps we consult a directory, and we find ourselves at a loss. There seems to be no way of telling what doctor is best suited to our needs.
It can be difficult finding the right doctor based solely on a name or even a website. But if you know what to look for, you will find the healthcare solution that’s right for you. This article will discuss how to go about finding the right doctor, so you end up happy with the choice you make.
Reviews
It’s fortunate that today, almost every business has online reviews that give you some indication of the quality of service it provides. Doctors are no exception. If the doctor you are looking at has mostly positive reviews, that’s a good sign.
Personal Referrals
While online reviews are good, personal referrals are even better. If a trusted friend or relative recommends a doctor to you, they are likely to offer excellent service. You may also try asking for recommendations on social media to find reliable healthcare.
Years in Business
The number of years a doctor has been in business is another factor to consider. Choosing a doctor that’s been in business a long time is always wise as it means they are backed by experience and have spent time building a reputation with their community. However, some people prefer doctors that are newer to the industry as they may have a more modern approach.
Specializing in the Necessary Field
If you need to see a doctor for a specific reason, it’s important to find one that specializes in that field. For example, you wouldn’t go to an ear, nose, and throat specialist for a foot problem.
Price
Price is always a concern so it’s important to find out how much a doctor charges before scheduling an appointment. What you pay will be contingent on whether they accept your insurance. If you don’t have insurance, find out if they offer a discount rate for non-insured patients.
Hours of Operation
For many people, a doctor’s appointment means time off work. However, if the doctor you choose offers weekend and evening appointments, you may be able to see them without missing a day of productivity.
Services Offered
Some doctors will make you go to another office to get lab work and x-rays done while others offer these services on-site. Obviously, having x-rays and lab work available on-site is a more convenient option.
How Long It Takes to Get an Appointment
Far too many of us have experienced situations where we find a doctor and wait on the phone to book an appointment only to find it will be another month until we can get the care we require. Unfortunately, this is something you may not find out until you try and make the appointment. However, you may get some indication of the doctor’s availability through reviews and referrals.
Time Spent in the Waiting Room
This is another X factor that you may not find out about until you get to the doctor’s office and wait for your appointment. But you can ask the person you book the appointment with how long most appointments last. This will give you some idea of what to expect.
Special Training or Certifications
If a doctor has special training and/or certifications, it may be a sign that they offer high-quality service. It’s especially beneficial if the training or certification matches your healthcare needs.
Is the Doctor Part of a Group Practice?
Choosing a doctor who works at a group practice has its share of pros and cons. On the bright side, a group practice may have a doctor available to see you if your doctor isn’t able to make the appointment. However, you must make sure the doctor you will be seeing is one you’ll be happy with.
Try UBERDOC
If you are unsure of which doctor to choose, UBERDOC can help. We are a service that specializes in connecting patients with affordable healthcare solutions. All the doctors in our database have been vetted to ensure they meet with our high standards.
And UBERDOC offers more than high-quality doctors. Clients can book appointments directly through our website eliminating the need for long hold times. Our doctors hold dates exclusively for our customers ensuring you get an appointment in 1-3 days.
Finding the right doctor isn’t easy. UBERDOC makes it as simple as possible by providing vetted healthcare experts and taking the wait out of scheduling and accessing care. Contact us to find out how we can connect you with a clinic you can trust.
