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	Choosing A Doctor
	By Ramona Creel

Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own ""do-it-yourself"" organizing projects. If you would like to REPRINT or DISTRIBUTE this information, please click here for reprinting instructions.

• Where did you go to school? Is it a reputable medical school?
• Did you complete 3 years of residency in your area of expertise?
• Are you board-certified for the type of medicine you practice?
• Are your medical and drug licenses up-to-date?
• May I have 5 references of patients that I can contact?
• use the AMA's "doctor finder" to check education and licensure
• available at www.ama-assn.org
• check the American Board of Medical Specialties for board certification
• at www.certifieddoctor.org

• Does the staff treat you well and make you feel comfortable
• Does the office seem to function efficiently?
• Does the doctor see you on time, or leave you waiting for your appointment?
• Is the receptionist polite and helpful -- both in person and on the phone?
• Is the office clean?

• Do you expect me to pay in full at the time of the visit?
• Do you accept my current insurance?
• Will you file a claim directly with my insurance company, or do I do it?
• Do you accept Medicare? Medicaid?
• Do you offer a discount for cash payment?

• What is your health care philosophy?
• How do you emphasize prevention in your practice?
• What are your office hours? What about evenings, weekends, or holidays?
• Who will cover for you if I need care while you are out of the office?
• How often do you recommend check ups? What tests do you order?
• Can a family member come with me during an examination?
• May I tape record my visits and our discussions?
• What are your thoughts on alternative and complementary therapies?

• Does the doctor ask questions about your lifestyle and habits?
• Does the doctor listen to you when you share your thoughts and concerns?
• Does the doctor look you in the eyes and connect with you?
• Does your doctor adequately answer your medical and other questions?
• Does your doctor offer additional educational and support resources?

 

Copyright Ramona Creel, all rights reserved-- you are welcome to reprint any article, but you MUST include this resource box.

Ramona Creel is a modern Renaissance woman and guru of simplicity -- traveling the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of radically downsizing, and inspiring others to regain control of their own lives. As a Professional Organizer and Accountability Coach, Ramona will help you create the time and space to focus on your true priorities -- clearing away the clutter other obstacles and standing in the way of that life you've always wanted to be living. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a travel writer, social commentator, and blogger, she shares her experiences and insights about the world as we know it. You can see all these sides of Ramona -- read her articles, browse through her photographs, and even hire her to help get your life in order -- at www.RamonaCreel.com. And be sure to follow her on Twitter and on Facebook.

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