Tip of the day: Need a doc? Get a referral[SIZE=-1]Try to avoid picking a doctor at random from your health plan?s list or out of the phone book. In our survey, people who found their physicians through someone they trusted?a friend, a family member, or another doctor?had the most favorable experiences. (We found a similar phenomenon in a 2004 survey of consumers who visited mental-health professionals.)
If you?re picking a doctor to care for a specific condition, ask about how often he or she treats cases similar to yours. Patients we surveyed who took this step were more satisfied with their care. You can also ask the doctor about specialty board certification, which requires advanced training and the passing of rigorous tests. See Check up on Your Doctor for more on checking up on a doctor?s qualifications.
Read more on how to choose a doctor.
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