While these sites may be helpful and empowering, take them with a grain of salt, says Katie Deprey, registered nurse and co-owner of By Your Side Care Management. Word of mouth used to be a preferred method of finding a physician, but now, 85 percent of people turn to online review sites such as Healthgrades and AngieвЂ™s List, according to a 2015 survey. вЂњIf theyвЂ™re not being attentive when you ask those questions, itвЂ™s likely they are not going to be attentive to your medical issues either,вЂќ she says. Does your potential doctor attempt to treat most things, or does he or she prefer to bring in specialists early? Does your doctorвЂ™s network put all of its specialists in one place, or would you be driving all over the city? Finding a provider who clearly communicates basic philosophies is really important even more critical, says Deprey, is feeling comfortable asking in the first place. While you may not need a specialist today, itвЂ™s important to consider what happens when you do. вЂњOne of the most important questions is, first of all, what is the scope of their practice?вЂќ says Katie Deprey, registered nurse and patient advocate. For example, how does she feel incorporating or recommending alternative medicine, such as acupuncture, herbs or nutritional counseling? How does she feel about second opinions and collaborative care? вЂњIf you donвЂ™t feel right being in a clinic or in an appointment or interaction, then that isnвЂ™t the place for you.вЂќДЄpproach this initial meeting as a job interview and ask questions that reveal his or her philosophy of care. вЂњA good system is necessary to make a good doctor,вЂќ says Woods. When youвЂ™ve settled on a potential candidate, think of your first visit as a litmus test to see if youвЂ™re a good fit for each other - and be sure to note the clinic vibe as well. вЂњWord of mouth may give you some clues as to a doctorвЂ™s bedside manner and treatment style,вЂќ says Woods. Do you value an efficient, in-and-out visit, or do you want to feel like youвЂ™re the only one on the schedule that day? Do you trust someone authoritative and decisive to tell you exactly what you need, or do you prefer a more collaborative doctor-patient partnership? Are there any past medical experiences that stand out, for better or worse? Use them, says Woods, to help shape your choices - and donвЂ™t forget to ask friends and family. вЂњTake a moment and think about yourself,вЂќ says Woods. Know Your NeedsДЄ little upfront reflection and self-analysis might save time and headaches. While thereвЂ™s no one-size-fits-all approach to finding your doctor, there are some strategies that can help you zero in on someone you like. Laurel Woods, a family physician at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin. вЂњI think weвЂ™ve all been faced with a list of providers and grasped at something that makes one stand out over the others, for instance their medical school or birthplace,вЂќ says Dr. But how do you find the right fit? Cracking the binding on those in-network books or navigating insurance drop-down menus isnвЂ™t all that illuminating, and a simple thumbnail photo and brief bio do little to clue you in as to whether youвЂ™ll feel comfortable exposing the intimate details of your health history. But when a concern arises, having a good relationship with a trusted doctor not only is a source of comfort it can also improve your prospects for a positive health outcome, according to a 2014 Harvard study. Having a doctor youвЂ™re indifferent about is fine, as long as your health is fine. How to Choose a Doctor Our guide to sorting through the available information to find doctors with the clinical skills and personal touch you need when it matters most.

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