http://www.obgyn.net/displayarticle.asp?page=/women/articles/drright
Qualification and credentials:
Beware quacks! Find out what each abbreviation listed behind the doctor's name means - not all of them are legitimate degrees. For example, many doctors will put FICA (USA) and FRSH (London) behind their names to give the impression that they have trained abroad. These acronyms are not qualifications - they are just memberships in a society abroad, which are open to anyone - even a barber - on payment of a nominal fee!
Hospital attachments:
At which hospital does the doctor have admitting privileges? While attachment to a large hospital has benefits, if your doctor is attached to many hospitals (as is common today), it might also mean that he is so busy running around from one place to another that he has little time for you.
Fees:
Are his fees exorbitant? Just because he is more expensive than others does not mean he is better!
Records:
Are yours records well maintained? Are they filed so they can be retrieved in an emergency?
Are they up to date, and complete?
Has your doctor taken the time and trouble to explain them to you so that you understand them?
Medical care:
Does your doctor take a careful history, asking you probing questions about your medical problem?
Does he do a careful physical examination? Remember, a careful clinical examination provides much more information than anything else!
Does the physician sit when talking to you? Talking while standing is a sure sign that he is too busy to listen!
Does he give you educational materials to read at home about your problem?
Prescription habits:
Does your doctor always prescribe drugs for all problems, even minor ones? Over 50 percent of problems that take you to the doctor are relatively minor and will resolve on their own - without any treatment. Worry about a doctor who dispenses too much!
.....Does he order too many tests routinely?
.....Does he bother to explain why you need them?
.....Does he explain the results to you?
.....Does he insist that you get all your tests done only in a place he specifies, without giving you a good advice? If so, you should suspect his referral - he may have an ulterior motive?
Decisions:
When making decisions regarding your medical care, does your doctor explain them to you? Offer alternatives? Does he treat you as an intelligent person who can understand - and encourage you to participate in the decision-making process?
X> TO: Part 4 of 7.....How to Find Dr. Right