How do you find doctors and dentists?
 

What's the best way? I'm not in some HMO and don't have to stick to a network or anything. How do you go about finding your doctors and dentists?

-Rudey

There used to be a number that was 1-800-DRDOCTOR or something like that. I would try the yellow pages or asking some one at work.

Well since my parents are both doctors I've never had an issue with trying to find doctors. ;)

As for dentists...I'm not really sure. My dentist at home was my neighbor across the street so I think that's how my parents found him...

The dentist that I go to here in Columbia though is a guy that one of my sorority sisters goes to. I figured she'd have the best idea since she's lived in Columbia her whole life.

I guess just ask around to friends that you trust, I honestly have no other idea how to find that kind of thing out.

Good luck. :)

My friends are cold-hearted bitches and would probably send me to some mean guy.

-Rudey

I agree that word of mouth is the best method. One thing I'd add, though, is remember to ask your friend WHY they like that doctor or dentist.

My best example: I love my dentist - LOVE HIM!! He is gentle, believes in no-pain dentistry, keeps up to date with the latest methods, and has a sense of humor & political stance very similar to mine. He genuinely looks forward to my appointments, and we trade jokes, etc. I recommended him to others, who have HATED his style. They may have liked the pain-free part, but didn't like his joking style. My ex-husband said, "He's not serious enough." Serious?! The last place I need to be stressed about is the dentist!!!

I usually go to a medical clinic and they're there.
For medical advice I call my dad or a family friend.

Ask friends or coworkers for recommendations.

or

http://www.1800dentist.com/intro.aspx

Working for a hospital, I've been fortunate in finding doctors and getting in in a timely manner (and being that it's a Harvard Teaching Hospital, I've seen some excellent MD's). As for your situation, I guess the first question would be, do you want someone who works out of a hospital, or someone in private practice?

If it's someone out of a hospital, a good way to find out who's who is to just ask people who work there, "Do you know who the PCP's/cardiologists/dermotologists/etc. are who work here?" Chances are, the names that people know are the better doctors.

At the hospital I work at, the doctors more heavily involved in research or who do procedures (catherizations, radiology exams, etc.) tend to be the better MD's. I assume this varies though.

I usually just ask around; as far as dentists go, it's the same type of thing. The perks of the job I guess...

Oooops. That would have been my suggestion.

(Asking a friend, I mean -- not sending you to some sadist)

If you have a friend or relative in the medical professions (nurse, doctor, etc) ask them if they know anyone in your area that they would recommend. That's how I ended up with my current doctor- my dad remembered her from a conference they attended back in the late 80s.

My father is a dentist... I ask him to recommend me to dentists in my area since my father is getting too old...

That is another thing about being in my Sorority, there are so many professionals that I can get referrals for that sort of thing...

When I lived in Texas, I worked at a teaching hospital and for a cardiologist. So finding M.D.'s was not hard at all... The insurance I had sucked though...

Now, I am part of an HMO which removes the guess work in choosing any kind of doctor... But I am rather use to it...

I would say that start off with getting a complete physical at a renowned clinic and hospital with some level of blood work for testing various age-related/genetic parameters--such as blood glucose, blood lipids, etc.

Make sure you are able to take that information and report to the doctor of your choosing.

If you have an old athletic injury, make sure you can see a physical therapist highly recommended by several physicians--board certified as orthapedic surgeons--for example...

As for a dentist, any clinic can do the standard bite-wings and apical X-rays along with a panoramic X-ray. If you do not have extensive problems and just need a cleaning, get that done by a dental hygenist. If you do have some major dental work that a general practicioner can do--then get that done, soon. If you need a referral to a specialist, then seek a board certified specialist, e.g. endodontist, orthodontist, etc...

If you want cosmetic stuff done, then it is best to get referrals from as many people as you possibly can--even the bad info is helpful. That way you can investigate the doctor or dentist and see the level of their work...

And ALWAYS get a 2nd or even 3rd opinion when you have any huge issues...

It is just good practice to have the basic level parameters set in a file then go from there...

And some fitness centers have physicians and dentists that assist in their efforts too... Especially, chiropractors...

I don't have the best health insurance in the world through my job and have a book where I just basically open it up and pick. I had only one really negative experience though, and that was cuz I didn't like his style. This is ever so important for a "female" doctor, you ladies can relate to what I am saying. I have a great doctor now and I recommend her to all my female co-workers.

I call my insurance to see who accepts my insurance. Then, I look online to find out their background. The local hospital has a site that provides the backgrounds on each doctor.

My grandfather was a doctor and always told us to look at a doctor's training background. Then, you can call the state licensing board here to see how many complaints/malpractice suits have been filed.

That's something you should consider Rudey- contact the closest alumni associations and ask for a referral from your Brothers.

My dad is an oral surgeon so if you need some teeth pulled hes your man.

Of course he's in the hospital right now so you'd have to wait a while.:(