Q: I'm in the midst of changing my primary care physician. I've asked friends and colleagues for referrals but feel like I should do more in-depth research myself. Any suggestions to get me to my top doc? – Allison Anxious
Ellen Phillips photo for ConsumerWatch column that runs every Sunday - Please use this photo from now onDear Ms. Anxious: I've been where you are so I certainly understand your anxiety. You don't mention your age, but if on Medicare, you're also facing "nays" from many practices who longer accept this government plan. To answer your question, Consumer Reports and I offer methods whereby you can find Dr. Right.
Check who says yes to your insurance company. Contact the latter to see which providers are available and, also, to offer the name of the doc you're considering. If on Medicare, it might be easier just to check one online source rather than calling individual offices and anticipating rejection. Medicare.gov/physiciancompare reveals who you can call. Don't forget that plans frequently change, too; when in doubt or if one physician stands head and shoulders above the rest, call his or her office and see if your insurance plan is now on their approved list.
Secondly, we want to be certain our chosen people haven't undergone disciplinary measures. Unfortunately (and according to studies), this profession tends to close ranks around a guilty party and it's almost impossible to revoke a medical license. In many cases, all one has to do is move across a state line and put up a new shingle. While most of these professionals are spot on, way too many are not – from operating drunk to carelessly prescribing medication that worsens a problem rather than making it better and from gross negligence to sexual misconduct (and everything in between). Go to DocInfo.org. Run by the Federation of State Medical Boards, a group representing state agencies that license and discipline doctors, the site will pop up any "actions." Once you click on this link, you'll see a state's website where you can try to discover the charge/probationary status. (Notice I say "try;" some states have easier sites to search than others. You may have to call the state medical board to find the answer, and these folks protect their own like a mama lion with her cubs.) Consumer Reports lists the best and the worse of state boards, but thank goodness our tri-state area isn't on the "five worst" list: Best - California, New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, and North Carolina. Worst - Wyoming, Montana, Hawaii, Indiana, and Mississippi.
Dig deep and don't necessarily trust written website reviews. Yelp, for example, is built around user reviews but does not check a doctor's record with state medical boards or other sources. Healthgrades, while it provides info about medical malpractice claims or board actions, isn't an easy source to check details. In one example, reported by a Consumer Reports' investigation, one physician mentioned had been sanctioned for "failure to keep adequate medical records" when, in actuality, the medical board had found Dr. Despicable guilty of negligence and incompetence, even though his onsite ratings scored 3.4 out of 5 stars, based upon 38 responses. Scary findings for me, as well, since I have used these doctor rating sites myself when considering a new provider.
Which hospital(s) does he or she use? Let's say you've had a bad experience with Parkridge (which is my example because my family has had nothing but good experiences there) and the new physician you're researching has privileges only at Parkridge. Better think twice about becoming his patient. Your insurance company's website (or Medicare.gov/physiciancompare) should list his or her hospital affiliations. To compare facilities in our area, check ConsumerReports.org/hospitalratings.
Beware drug and medical device companies' relationships with doctors. Even though providers can legally obtain money from these companies, accepting large amounts is a no-no and the government now collects this information. In fact, by her acceptance, Dr. Donation may be unduly influenced. Moreover, check how often the prospective provider sees drug reps. Not only do they take up the doc's time, but also they may inappropriately influence drug choice.
Interview everyone at the practice. Your first appointment will indicate the way your future relationship transpires. Do you have time to get your questions in or does he talk over you? Does she explain any diagnosis and/or treatment plan? How about specifying a return appointment date? Don't stop with the doc though. Did the back-office know what they were supposed to be doing? If you asked questions, how did they respond? Ask the front-office staff the average wait time – for waiting room and exam room - for either a routine visit or for a same-day appointment. Are these folks friendly, polite and professional? (Note: I adored my family practitioner of many years but left his practice last spring because of his staff, many of whom I not only believed incompetent but also felt they acted in a manner detrimental to my health.)
Next week's column will feature best-of-the-best methods to choose a practice most likely to benefit you (and me).
Contact Ellen Phillips at consumerwatch@times freepress.com