How do you know if your doctors are "good"?

[deborah_r]

I live in a pretty large communtiy, so it's not like there are a handful of doctors to choose from, there are hundreds. We ended up in a medical group through our insurance, but how do you know if it's any good? We haven't been living here that long and don't know all that many people to ask.

[Marisa6826]

Deb-

I ended up calling the local hospital and asking the charge nurses who they liked. I figured that if they're working together day in and out, they must know who's good and who isn't.

Good luck

-m

[miki]

I had to pick a medical group through my health insurance also when I was new to where we live. There are two hospitals very close to where I live but I made a point of picking a group with admitting privileges at the non-teaching hospital. My sister-in-law and her husband are doctors who were residents at the teaching hospital back then. I'd heard too many stories about new interns so I wanted to make sure that if I needed to go to the hospital (especially at the start of the academic year), I would not get prodded by a doctor who didn't know what to do and would have to call the attending.

I also checked on the website of the government agency that licenses doctors in California so I could see where and when they went to school and did their residencies, what certifications they have, and whether they have been sanctioned in the past.

[lukkykatt]

One thing you can do is call your old doctor and see if he/she knows of anyone in your area. If your city has its own magazine, you can do a search to see if they have done an article on the top docs - many of them regularly run such an issue. If neither of these things works, you (if you work) or your hubby could ask people at work - most people are happy to help out. And I like the idea that others have given to call a hospital - and many of them have referral services too.

[JMarie]

I asked my co-workers for their recommendations. I actually went with the OB office that three others use and Aidan's ped is the same as two of their children. As far as a primary care doctor, I ended up asking the nurses at my OB's office and I've been very happy. Now, if only I could find a decent dentist...

Jennifer
Mom to Aidan Christopher
01/28/03

[amp]

I found mine through my OB before Jake was born, since I didn't know anyone who could recommend a ped in my area either. She recommended about 3 docs to me and I just picked one. I'm still trying to evaluate what I think of her, but at least medically I know she's probably good.

[suribear]

Ask *like-minded* friends, family or co-workers for recommendations.

I would never ask for pedi. recos from one friend, as she wants antibiotics for everything, inc. her various colds and "flus". drives me nuts.

Similarly, I would only ask for ob recos from someone who was into natural childbirth, etc.. Those are my personal values.

HOnestly, a lot of it is their bedside manner. Are they willing to answer your questions? I have come across some gems so it is possible :)

Kris