One of the most important decisions you will ever make—and you'll probably make it more than once—is choosing the right healthcare provider (HCP).
Here's a three-step approach to choosing wisely.
Take a survey
Try asking your friends, coworkers, and neighbors about HCPs they like. Once you have a list of names, do one or more of the following to make sure they're within your insurance provider's network:
- Check for them in the packet of options you get from your insurance provider.
- Visit your insurance provider's website.
- Call your insurance provider directly.
Take it online
Make sure your HCP of choice is included in at least a couple of databases from reputable medical association websites. Good places to start looking include the:
- American Medical Association
- American Board of Medical Specialties
- National Committee for Quality Assurance Physician Recognition Program
- American College of Surgeons
Get on the phone
When you find an HCP you like, call the office and start asking questions. At the very least, you want to find out that the HCP went to an accredited medical school and residency program. You should also find out if they:
- See plenty of patients
- Have hospital privileges at a Joint Commission-accredited hospital
- Have been board certified for at least three years
- Practice with other providers who have equally strong credentials and training
And if your top choice doesn't happen to accept your insurance? Don't give up just yet. Call your insurer to see if this HCP could be added to the provider list.
