Choosing a doctor is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. Yet, most people spend more time researching the next car they’re going to buy or their next vacation destination. As a chronic disease patient, it is important your healthcare be one of your top, if not the top, priority in your life. You need a physician who feels the same way and who is willing to work with you to make sure you’re always receiving top notch care.

WHERE TO GO

Asking for recommendations from family members, co-workers, neighbors and friends is a great way to start. But you have to decide what is best for your situation. Your insurance plan may limit the number of doctors available to you, so referrals from co-workers are a good source. You also want to look at how much it will cost you to see a physician who’s not on your insurance plan.

If you recently moved to a new area, you may not have personal or social connections established to ask for referrals. In this case, you can contact area hospitals or medical schools for recommendations.

CERTIFICATION

As a chronic kidney disease patient, you need to see a kidney specialist or nephrologist. Most physicians and specialists (nephrologists) in the U.S. are board certified. Being board certified means the doctor has completed a special training in a specific field after graduating from medical school. You can call the American Board of Medical Specialists to learn if a doctor is board certified in a specific specialty. The number is 1-866-275-2267. You can also check to see if a doctor is in good standing with your state’s medical board. It’s easy. Just log onto . The site provides you with links to your state’s medical board where you can learn if any disciplinary action or criminal charges have been filed against a physician.www.fsmb.org/directory_smb.html

AFFILIATION

Find out what affiliations your potential physician has with hospitals in your area. This is another way you can check on a physician’s credentials. Checking the hospital affiliation on healthcare providers will help you validate whether the provider fits your personal needs and has met certain quality standards. The best situation is to have your primary physician and your surgeon practice at the same hospital so your primary doctor can manage your care following a surgery. This is not always possible.

SERVICES

Many patients don’t ask what services are offered at or near a physician’s office. What if you need lab tests or X-rays? It is much more convenient for you if the physician performs lab tests, X-rays or other screenings and diagnostic tests in the office or is located within walking distance of a facility that offers these tests.

As a healthcare advocate, you should also ask who will replace your physician when he or she is not available. What is the office staff like? Are they friendly, knowledgeable and helpful? You deserve the best service possible.

REMEMBER

• Choose a doctor you trust and that makes you feel comfortable.
• Ask questions and make sure the physician answers your questions in a way you can easily understand.
• Consider the doctor’s office location. Having to drive across town to see your doctor may encourage you to disregard your doctor appointments.
• Ask about office hours and the average wait time. You don’t want to miss too much time away from work.
• Trust your gut feelings.

Patients should be aggressive and detailed oriented when looking for a doctor. It is your responsibility to ensure you are receiving the best quality of care. Finding the right doctor and developing a good relationship is critical to positive treatment results.

Jerome A. Bailey is the Communications Coordinator for AAKP.

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