How do I find a good doctor?

You can receive referrals from friends or, if you are a member of a health maintenance organization (HMO) or preferred provider organization (PPO), obtain recommendations from your health plan. Before you settle on a few doctors you think you may want to visit, review the doctor's histories at Vimo.com. By registering with Vimo, you can also receive updates about changes in any doctor's history file. While it's important that you have personal chemistry with the doctor you ultimately select, many experts agree that the most important qualification will be whether or not a doctor has board certification. “Board certification is absolutely critical,” advises John Connolly, author of a series of books on selecting your doctor. “Without it, you don't know if the physician has had proper training in that field of specialty.” After you've used Vimo to check the credentials of one or more doctors that specialize in your medical condition, set up an initial appointment. You don‘t need to be sick to set up an appointment. Be sure to bring a list of your chronic health conditions, the medications you are currently taking, your allergies and (if possible) a copy of your entire medical file. A good doctor should make you feel comfortable on your first meeting, answer all your questions, and never make you feel less than important. When you meet with a physician, remember that you are the client. You don't have to settle on a doctor that doesn't feel right. Your first visit should be like an interview. If you're not comfortable with the doctor, keep shopping.

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