Fitzgerald Hudson Discusses How to Find the Right Doctor

Fitzgerald Hudson has worked in the medical field for several years and been around many different doctors and medical care providers. This experience has helped Fitzgerald Hudson be able to identify what separates a good doctor from a bad one.

When it comes to finding the doctor or primary care provider that is right for you, there are several factors that Fitzgerald Hudson believes people should keep in mind. To help clarify what they are, Fitzgerald Hudson is here to share with you some steps for finding the right doctor.

Identify Your Needs: The first step when searching for the right doctor is to figure out what kind of doctor you’re looking for. Do you need one that can care for the whole family? Are you looking for a physician that specializes in working with women or the elderly? Knowing what you want and need is crucial before you move on to any other considerations.

Check With Your Insurance: Once you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to check with your insurance provider and find out what doctors are in your network. This can usually be done over the phone or online. Doctors often change the insurance plans they accept, so if you find one online that interests you, it doesn’t hurt to call the doctor’s office and double-check.

Take Into Account Hospital Affiliation: Most of the time, primary care providers are affiliated with a specific hospital, which is where they would send you if you needed extensive medical care. Before choosing your primary doctor, find out where they have admitting privileges and make sure that you are OK with being that that hospital in case of an emergency.

Check For Board Certification: Reputable doctors are typically board certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties, which means they have earned a medical degree from an accredited medical school, completed three to seven years of accredited residency training, passed one or more exams administered by a member of the ABMS, and are licensed by a state medical board. Doctors are expected to always be continuing their education through certifications, so make sure you doctor’s certifications are up to date.

Seek Out References: If you happen to know doctors, nurses, or other healthcare professionals, try asking them for some names of doctors that they recommend. This can be even more effective than referrals from friends and family because you are receiving insight from those who are around the medical field all the time. You can also read online reviews and make sure you’re avoiding medical practices with any red flags such malpractice claims for disciplinary actions.