[pne]

Just out of curiousity, since I'm getting to the point where I don't want to see my family doctor that my parents frequent anymore, I'd perfer a different doctor more suitable for myself. How does one go about making a doctor their 'family' doctor? Do you shop around, seeing different doctors every time you have an ailment, or is there a better way?

 

[1911]

you get the doctor's picture book and choose the hottest doctor in there.

 

[Homeless]

You hope to hell that there is an available doctor with an open spot for you...

I know that I still have the same doc since I was a kid and I'm a married man now...It's very difficult to find a doctor that will have open space for you.
Which city are you in?

 

[KYTGuy]

Always look for the youngest doctor from the best school.

You want your doctors young because they will have just finished training in the latest techniques and will have the best recollection of the latest drugs and proceedures, and will be more agressive about getting you well.

Look for a FEMALE doctor - they listen to you the best, IMHO.

Attorneys, on the other hand, you want to find the older type, battle hardened, who knows all the tricks an opposing councillor (or judge) can throw at you, (and maybe knows the Judge, the Clerk, the Sheriff, the opposing councillor, etc...). He/She should be one of the Lawyers that cahrges a lot, and is known locally as "the one to get", and who will be charging top dollar rates.

The best advice I ever got from my old man.

 

[Yikes]

When you belong to an HMO the approved method is:

[size=medium]Enie Minie Miny Mo[/size]

 

[robzy]

You could ask friends for recommendations?

You could go to a local one and see how you like it? If you like it - keep going, if not - go to another local one?

There is no way to "select" a doctor, and to make them your "familly doctor" you just ahve to go there a lot Simple as that.

Rob.

 

[Old Pa]

I ask She Who Must Be Obeyed (who is the director of heart/kidney transplant at a local hospital) to find me three names of young and recently trained docs who did very well during their residencies and whom staff and patients thought the world of. And then I cooperate fully with my doc or tell them when I am not going to cooperate fully. It works very well.

Quote:

Attorneys, on the other hand, you want to find the older type, battle hardened, who knows all the tricks an opposing councillor (or judge) can throw at you, (and maybe knows the Judge, the Clerk, the Sheriff, the opposing councillor, etc...). He/She should be one of the Lawyers that cahrges a lot, and is known locally as "the one to get", and who will be charging top dollar rates.

 

[fante7]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KYTGuy Always look for the youngest doctor from the best school. You want your doctors young because they will have just finished training in the latest techniques and will have the best recollection of the latest drugs and proceedures, and will be more agressive about getting you well. Look for a FEMALE doctor - they listen to you the best, IMHO.

When I needed back surgery, I visited a LOT of doctors to see who would be best for it, I probably saw more than 10 back surgeons. I ended up going with the youngest doctor from the best school, who knew a newer technique that was far superior but more difficult and tedious for the surgeon. I went home from Pittsburgh to New York to have this done at NYU Medical Center. This doctor was a guy and was definitely the best doctor I've ever met. I wouldn't be biased towards either male or female.

 

[PSmith08]

I learned one trick that I have found to work: call the doctor by their first name. If they are cool with it, then you have a partner in the process. If not, then there is always going to be a gulf. A good doctor, to me, is one that is willing to work with you, not on you. I don't remember where I picked that up, but I cannot take credit for it.

Other than that, the advice here is pretty good.

 

[1911]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSmith08 I learned one trick that I have found to work: call the doctor by their first name. If they are cool with it, then you have a partner in the process. If not, then there is always going to be a gulf. A good doctor, to me, is one that is willing to work with you, not on you. I don't remember where I picked that up, but I cannot take credit for it. Other than that, the advice here is pretty good.

that's ridiculous...no one goes to evil medical school and trains for 12+ years to be called joe by a guy off the street. ludricrous!

 

[daycart1]

I've found that even smart, discriminating people give bad recommendations for doctors, dentists, etc. Most people WANT to believe that they've received good treatment, so they'll recommend whomever they've seen. At least I've followed through on a few recommendations from folks I've trusted that didn't turn out so well.
I've found good docs and dentists mostly by luck. The common general advice is that you want someone old enough to have good clinical experience, but young enough to keep up with medical advances.

 

[PSmith08]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1911 that's ridiculous...no one goes to evil medical school and trains for 12+ years to be called joe by a guy off the street. ludricrous!

You know, I bet they'll cash my check all the same. I don't want a doctor more worried about "being a doctor" than treating my problem. If I have to bow and scrape AND deal with my illness, I think I'll just take my chances and hope it clears up on its own. Call me irreverent...

 

[Genetic]

Avoid doctors/dentists with realy big hands....

Amicalement

 

[discord]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1911 that's ridiculous...no one goes to evil medical school and trains for 12+ years to be called joe by a guy off the street. ludricrous!

Who cares? They're still mortals as the rest of us.

 

[mbriant]

Quote:

Avoid doctors/dentists with realy big hands....

Funny, but true. That was one ( a small one) reason I first visited my doctor 22 years ago. Plus, he was well connected. ( President of the Chinese-Canadian Medical Association among other things.) When required, he seems to be able to gain access to the better doctors and can open doors quickly to clinics and specialists. So far, he appears to keep current with the latest medical treatments and procedures. I trust him.