How to Get Doctor Referrals

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Getting a referral to a good doctor requires a fair amount of homework. Here are some guidelines to help.

Step 1: Be clear about your needs
Be clear about your medical needs. Before you can look for a referral, you will need to know the medical specialty you are looking for.

Step 2: Ask your current doctor
Ask your current doctor's office for a referral if you need to see a doctor in another specialty.

Step 3: Consult a directory
Consult a directory of physicians such as the one maintained by the American Medical Association if your current doctor isn't able to provide a referral.

Tip
Check with your state medical board to make sure the physician's license is valid and whether the doctor has faced disciplinary action.

Step 4: Check certification
Check whether the doctor is board certified. You can check on certification status with the American Board of Medical Specialties' website at abms.org.

Step 5: Check online ratings
Check online physician ratings to learn how other patients have evaluated the doctor.

Step 6: Check whether the doctor accepts your insurance
Check whether the doctor accepts your insurance plan if you will be using it to pay for your medical treatment. Now you can make that medical appointment and feel confident knowing you made the right choice.

Did You Know?
The American Medical Association was founded in 1847 and set the standards for a proper medical education.