Linda Brandwin, R.N. Linda Brandwin is a registered nurse and a medical billing and claims specialist. For the past 10 years she has worked directly with insurance companies to give advice and guidance to the health care consumer. Readers may send email or write Linda Brandwin at 5500 Single Oak Hill Ct., Woodbridge, VA 22192.

How should I select a new doctor?
August 29, 2003

Q: My husband, two children and I just moved to a new town. Do you have any idea how to select a new doctor? We obtained the list of providers from our insurance company, but we are not familiar with any of the names.

A: There are many resources to take advantage of to find the right doctor for you. Word of mouth is often very reliable. Talk to your neighbors, co-workers at your new job, and your children's teachers and your children's friends' parents. Ask them for recommendations. Start matching the doctors' names to your insurance list of providers.

Call the local hospital. If there is more than one, don't hesitate in calling two or three hospitals. The public relations department can probably assist you. Go over the list of doctors that you are starting to accumulate and ask if they are on the hospital staff. You can also ask the person you are speaking to who their doctor is.

Some hospitals have a doctor and patient matching program. You tell the hospital what medical insurance carrier you have, where you live and what kind of doctor you are looking for. They can match the best doctor available for your needs.

Once you have decided on a doctor there is still important information you should obtain. Call the doctor's office and ask for his credentials. You will want to find out where he graduated medical school, where he received additional training such as an internship, residency or fellowship training. Are there any special awards he has received, is he involved in any programs or studies, and does he serve on any special boards and if so, in what capacity.

Also find out if the doctor is board eligible or board certified. Board eligible means the doctor has completed the necessary work and studies to qualify to take the medical boards or his specialty boards. At this point he either has not actually taken the boards or he has not passed the boards. A board certified doctor has taken and passed the boards.

And remember, the doctor you have selected will now also be a great referral resource for any other doctors you will need.