Choosing a Health Care Provider

List a Few Health Care Providers

• Consult the Yellow Pages or Physician Referral Services for names
• Get recommendations from family and friends
• Get referrals from other physicians or health care workers

Set Up Interviews with a Few Providers

• Any provider you choose ought to make you feel comfortable and part of a team. You need to be able to freely ask questions and participate in your care. Medical terms should be discussed in a language you understand. You should feel listened to, understood and respected at all times.
• Ask questions about the provider s philosophy regarding surgical or medical intervention, testing, medications, preventive medicine and education. Ask about coverage of after hours or when the provider is not on call. Ask about the provider s expertise in the area you are seeking care for (experience, training, percentage of time spent).
• During the interview, does the provider spend adequate time with you? Are your questions fully answered in terms you can understand? Do your personalities click ? Is there any evidence of the provider s competency? Has the provider listened to your concerns, and treated you with respect?

Qualities to Look For in a Health Care Provider

• Provide individualized care, focusing not only on health problems, but also on the effects health problems have on people and their families.
• Explain the details of health problems, medications and other topics to help people fully understand how to take care of themselves.
• Ask about people's worries and concerns about their health and their health care needs.
• Emphasize wellness and self-care by giving people the information they need to make healthy lifestyle choices and health care decisions.