How to Choose the Right Doctor
Whether you're finding a new primary care physician or looking for a specialist, a similar general process can help you narrow the options.
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1. Confirm Insurance Coverage
Start with your insurance plan's provider directory or member portal to see which doctors are in-network, since this has the biggest effect on your out-of-pocket cost.
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2. Check Credentials
Look up board certification through the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Certification Matters lookup, which confirms a doctor's training in their specialty.
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3. Ask for Referrals
Your primary care doctor, friends, or family can often point you toward providers they trust, especially for specialists.
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4. Consider Logistics
Location, office hours, appointment availability, telehealth options, and hospital affiliation can all matter depending on your needs.
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5. Book an Initial Visit
A first appointment is a two-way evaluation — it's a chance for you to see whether the provider's communication style and approach feel like a good fit, not just for them to evaluate you.
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6. Reassess if Needed
It's normal to switch providers if a relationship isn't working well. You're allowed to seek a second opinion or find a new doctor at any point.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Doctor
- Are you accepting new patients, and how far out are appointments typically booked?
- What hospital or health system are you affiliated with?
- Do you offer telehealth visits, and for what types of concerns?
- How do you typically communicate between visits — a patient portal, phone, or email?
- What's your approach to referring patients to specialists?
Primary Care vs. Specialist vs. Urgent Care vs. ER
Primary care is generally the right starting point for non-urgent, ongoing, or preventive care and can refer you onward. A specialist focuses on a specific body system, usually after a referral or a clear, specific concern. Urgent care is generally appropriate for non-life-threatening issues that need same-day attention, such as a minor injury or infection. The emergency room is for potentially life-threatening symptoms — such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe injury — where waiting could be dangerous. When in doubt about the severity of a symptom, err on the side of seeking care sooner and let a medical professional make that determination.