If you’re looking for a doctor, put some thoughts on what you want in a doctor. Do you prefer seeing a man or woman doctor? Do you want the clinic to be near your workplace or close to home? Make a list and number the items from most to least important. Ask friends which health care providers they see and why they like, or don’t like, them. Consider calling a doctor’s office to find out more. If you belong to a health maintenance organization (HMO), call member services, and they can tell you whether a doctor is one of their providers. Some hospitals also maintain doctor referral services and can give you the phone numbers of doctors in your area. When you’re speaking to someone in the doctor’s office, feel free to ask questions like:
- Where has the doctor trained?
- Is the doctor board-certified in allergy?
- If the doctor has no specialty, does he or she have any . particular areas of interest in asthma care?
- Is the doctor taking new patients?
- Does the doctor take my health insurance?
- What days/hours does the doctor see patients?
- How far in advance to I have to make appointments?
- In case of an emergency or urgent care visit (such as for an infection), how fast can I see the doctor?
- Who takes care of patients after hours or when the doctor is away?
When you make an appointment with a doctor, let the staff know the reason for your visit. For example, if you already know you have asthma but are having trouble with your symptoms, tell the receptionist. If it is your first visit, you may need a longer appointment so the doctor has time to learn your medical history. The first visit is a good time to begin building your relationship with your doctor. If you are seeing a doctor for the first time, be sure to have a copy of related medical records sent from your other doctor’s office to the new one. The staff at your other doctor’s office may ask you to sign a release form before they send your records.
