Photo by Bryan

If someone in your life has special needs,  that will often increase the time you spend in the doctor’s office.  While special-ordering a doctor with brown curly hair and eyes that make you melt might not be a possibility, it is possible to find a doctor that you like.

Too often our doctors are picked for us:  maybe we go to the same doctor our mother or sister uses, maybe we continue to take our child to the same specialist we met in the NICU. Sometimes we become attached to a particular clinic. All of this is fine unless you find yourself dreading the visits. When this happens, it’s time to find a new doctor. Here are a few do’s and don’ts:

• Do ask doctors you like if they can recommend anyone. If you love your neurologist, then she might be able to tell you the name of great neurosurgeon. If they recommend someone you’ve been to and didn’t like, tell them why. That will help them recommend someone who’s a good fit.
• Do try to meet with several doctors if possible.  Be up-front and tell them that you’re looking around and may or may not be using their services.
• Do Google your doctor. Sounds silly, but there are all sorts of review services out there. I found great recommendations for my son’s neurosurgeon online. You can contact your state medical board for information about complaints filed against a doctor you are considering.
• Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions. You need to find a good fit for your family.
• Don’t be afraid to share your philosophy of health. If you and your doctors can’t see eye to eye on this, then there’s bound to be conflict.
• Don’t get locked into a specific location. I drive over an hour to see my son’s ophthalmologist twice a year. It’s a small price to pay for seeing a doctor who explains things in detail and isn’t procedure-happy.

Above all, remember that finding a good doctor is like anything else in life – you may have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince!