Tips for Choosing a Doctor
When looking for a physician:
- Ask family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers
- Use the "Find a Doc" program on the GAMA website.
- Contact a doctor referral service at a hospital.
- Contact your health insurance provider for approved physicians.
You can look into a physician's credentials by logging on to the New Mexico Medical Board website.
Visit the "Doctor Finder" page on the American Medical Association's website for information on training and board certification.
Visiting Your Doctor
Plan ahead. The US. Department of Health & Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality provides the following sites to help you develop questions for your physician.
http://www.ahrq.gov/questionsaretheanswer / http://www.ahrq.gov/questionsaretheanswer/questionBuilder.aspx
Talking With Your Doctor
Your clinician works hard to keep you healthy, but quality health care is a team effort. You have an important role to play to make sure you receive the best care possible.
Give Information - Tell your clinician about your health history, symptoms, medications, and any allergies you have. "Brown bag it"; take all of your medications with you in their original containers, including vitamins, minerals, over-the-counter medications, etc
Get Information - Ask questions. Take notes. Ask to have information repeated or written down.
Follow Up - Call if you have questions, experience side effects, or if your symptoms get worse. Schedule recommended appointments for tests and lab work.
Understand Your Diagnosis- Your clinician just gave you a diagnosis that could change your life. Now you need to learn more about your condition and talk to your clinician about how it can be treated.
Choose Quality Care - Quality health care can help you stay healthy and recover faster from illness. The most important thing you can do to ensure you get high quality health care is to take an active role in making decisions about your care.