The good old-fashioned family doctor is approaching the status of the vinyl record.
The needs and criteria for choosing a physician are different from the past.
But again, some things remain unchanged.
The morals, ethics, integrity, intelligence, honesty and compassion will always remain on the list of required qualities.
Here are some suggestions for what to look for in a doctor for general purposes such as for yearly check-ups, occasional illnesses and or for a specific specialty: 1.
Speak with friends that are happy with their doctor and find out why.
2.
Make sure the doctor practices relatively close to where you live and holds admitting privileges at a hospital near you.
In case you have to be hospitalized, you can be near home and family and also have the doctor that knows you best, taking care of you.
This is also important when specialists they know and trust are required for your care.
3.
You can research the doctor through the local medical or national associations, like the American Medical Association, and also through the state and national licensing boards.
Do your research.
4.
If you have an interest in alternative healing therapies in combination with western medicine, find out your potential doctor's opinion and willingness to work with other healers 5.
Make sure that your doctor is willing to talk and explain things in a way that you understand.
This will help you in making clear decisions 6.
In choosing a specialist, especially for difficult diagnostic purposes and or for surgery, the skills of the doctor should take some precedence over the personality.
If you have a chronic or recurrent medical issue, then it may be equally important to balance the skills and personality as part of the equation.
7.
In this day and age, finances are an important part of the decision; make sure that your insurance covers your personal physician.
Most insurance companies are helpful in providing lists of local practitioners and providers under their specific plans.
If you choose not to carry health insurance, create a health care savings account.
Have some kind of financial plan for your health care.
If you live in a country where your health is covered through the government and you are happy there, remain in that country.
8.
Something very rarely discussed in choosing a doctor is his/her comfort zone regarding "second opinions".
Most doctors feel a second opinion is appropriate in complex cases, and may even suggest and encourage other medical opinions.
On the other hand, if you as a patient ask for a second opinion on every decision, ("Is it really broken?", "Do I really need this antibiotic?") then you may either want a different doctor or you need to examine your own issues.
9.
If you are still having a problem choosing the right physician, call a Medical Guide for help.
A Medical Guide is a Physician who is dedicated to working with you to make sure that you are getting the best medical care that is in harmony with your values and concerns.
Especially in cases where there are conflicting medical opinions and recommendations, a Medical Guide can steer you to the appropriate care for you.
10.
I would like to say a few words about choosing a non-allopathic healer.
They should have a working knowledge of anatomy, physiology and clinical pathology in order to refer appropriately to an allopathic (western) physician in case of need.
The morals, ethics, integrity, intelligence, honesty and compassion apply to this type of healer as well as the first nine points above.