How to Find a Physician

According to a Consumer Reports survey, people who found doctors through a trusted friend or family member had the most favorable experiences. After all, choosing a doctor is a personal decision. Still, there's a practical side to finding the right doctor to provide quality care at the best cost. Thanks to medical insurance company and government websites, an abundance of information exists to foster informed decision-making, and it's just a few computer keystrokes away.

Things You'll Need

• Medical insurance identification card

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Instructions

• 1

  Go to the website listed on the medical insurance identification card.

• 2

  Locate the doctor look-up, physician finder or provider directory tool on the website.

• 3

  Enter the information requested. This may include ZIP code, name of medical plan or network (listed on the medical identification card), type of doctor and other criteria.

• 4

  Review results and narrow the list of possible doctors based on personal priorities (for example, the doctor's background, office location, languages spoken, hospital affiliations, credentials, etc.).

• 5

  Meet the doctor to ensure personal requirements, such as whether the doctor takes time to answer questions, are fulfilled.