Once you’ve determined the type of doctor that’s right for you, check to see if your choice is restricted in any way by your health plan. Then ask friends, relatives, and coworkers for personal recommendations. Ask them about the doctors they see, and find out if they are satisfied with the quality of care they receive. Once you’ve narrowed your list to two or three physicians, check the background/credentials of these doctors.

Following are some ways to obtain background/credential information:

• You can find out where a doctor has completed a residency in the Directory of Medical Specialists, available at most libraries.
• You can find out if a doctor has been disciplined by contacting your state medical board. For the number of your state medical board, call the Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States at 817-868-4000, or visit their website at www.fsmb.org, and select "Public Services."
• You can verify specialties for which a doctor has been board certified by contacting The American Board of Medical Specialties. Call 866-275-2267 or access the information on their website, www.abms.org.

If you’re satisfied with the doctors’ credentials, call their offices to ask some preliminary questions.

• Does the doctor have any practice limitations? For example, a pediatrician may accept only adolescents or infants.
• Is the doctor accepting new patients?
• Are the office hours convenient for your schedule?
• How far ahead does the doctor schedule appointments?
• Does the doctor accept payment from your insurance plan or Medicare?