Secrets to Getting the Best Healthcare

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An excellent article on the importance of finding the best doctors available and strategies to help patients become better informed as health care consumers.

Gary Gardner of FL 9:22PM June 04, 2012

6. Or just move to Europe, where this is all available free at point of use.

hsr 7:33AM June 04, 2012

IT'S MOSTLY LUCK TO FIND A GOOD DOCTOR plus Research
Finding a good doctor is critical; they control (YOUR) life and death issues. Unfortunately, finding a good doctor is mostly... (good) luck.
1. Smart is good.
Finding a smart, competent doctor is important. Best way, I think, is to go to a university medical school doctor. Doesn't guarantee a smart doctor, but better odds.
2. Competent is good.
University medical school affiliated doctors are good. Recommendations from trusted friends and relatives are good (but you need to evaluate the recommender too). Experience with the doctor is best; leave if you don't like him (before you are in an emergency situation, which is not a convenient time to go looking for a new doctor).
3. Compassionate is good.
Recommendations are best here.
4. Willing to spend time with patients is good.
Again, recommendations are best here.
Doctors tend to be arrogant (goes with the territory, it seems). Finding one that is not so arrogant, will listen to questions and answer them, and is willing to say "I don't know/am not sure, but will find out and get back to you." And then does it. Doctors like this are hard to find.
On your part, it is good to do homework and as much research about your medical issues as you can (Google is magic.). This way, you can have intelligent conversations with your doctor about your issues.

stevchipmunk of PA 4:13AM June 04, 2012