Need to find a new doctor - how to make a good decision?

Our company changed insurances - I liked my previous doc, but she doesn't participatein HMO. Chose a new doctor - don't like her at all - no compassion, no return calls, etc. I have had no payment issues with her either, have paid all bills at the time of service, so it's not that.

I have a list of doctors in my area who take new HMO patients. But how to determine whether they are good or I will like? I've had this cold now for over a week, nearly two - want to get a doctor who might be able to help and wish to change to a better doc, but don't know how to determine the next one will be any better. We must report our desired change of doctors to the insurance before switching, so just making an appt. with any of them and going isn't such an easy deal.

Also, what's the difference between an "MD" and a "DO"? Is one better than the other for routine things like colds, respiratory infections and normal yearly physicals?

S i r i2010-01-27T18:28:10Z

Favorite Answer

Hi buffy
DO means "doctor of osteopathic" which means special emphasis is placed on bones
and muscles.
Here are some tips
1) see if doctor is board certified (this would probably be if you were searching for a specialist.
if it is something minor, family practice is probably just fine)

2) word of mouth...ask around. Coworkers, friends. Believe me, if people have bad expereinces with a doctor, they don't hold back. Reverse is true, if someone really has a great doctor , they brag on them!

Truthfully, I think hmo's are on the way out. maybe switch to a doctor that was referred to you and pay cash.
hope it all works out!

dasher2010-01-27T14:56:21Z

first of all, the best way to find a dr you may like is to ask
around in your area and find out who your friends and coworkers like.

for a cold, why dont you just visit an urgent care center by you....

Kind of hard to explain what a DO is, but I recommend you google it.