Updated June 08, 2015.

Many of us will end up looking for a new doctor more than once in our lifetimes. Others of us will look year after year. If you change employers, or your current employer changes insurance plans, you may need to start asking questions to find the best healthcare provider for your particular needs. You may not know where to start, but learning to “interview” a potential practice is definitely in your best interest.


Here are 7 questions to get you started as you look.

Are you licensed?

I write this comment somewhat facetiously, since it is highly unlikely any healthcare provider will be practicing without a license. In the case of alternative healthcare practitioners, however, you may need to ask the question. I am a family physician providing acupuncture, and I have had a number of people ask about my licensing, and with good reason.
Asking a physician where he or she went to school or went to residency isn’t usually necessary, but if these things are important to you, go ahead and ask. Board certification for physicians is another topic in and of itself, but knowing your doctor has passed his or her specialty board’s examination may give you peace of mind. Remember, though, that smart doctors aren’t necessarily good ones.

Where is your practice located? Where do I park? Is it accessible to patients in wheelchairs?

Knowing how to access your doctor’s practice is very important. If you live in an urban area, parking may be a problem, or may even cost in some cases.

Most practices should have accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but smaller or newer practices may not be set up to handle wheelchairs as easily yet.

Are you on any hospital staffs? Do you care for your patients in the hospital?

Hopefully you never need to see your doctor in the hospital, but knowing if you will see him or her if you end up there is a good thing. Nowadays, many hospitals utilize hospitalist groups, physicians who manage patients in the hospital so your personal physician doesn’t have to. In some areas there may be multiple hospitals from which to choose, and you may have strong opinions about where you would liked to be cared for should the need arise.

How long do I have to wait to get an appointment? Do you have same-day scheduling available? How about evenings and weekends?

I hear more complaints about waiting times for appointments than any other thing (not in my office, of course). Many offices have certain appointments set aside for urgent issues that arise that day. Others have so many patients that waiting periods can be weeks or months. You should have a good idea going in what to expect when trying to schedule appointments. You can also ask about open access scheduling, where most appointments are set on the day you call. This is an increasingly more popular scheduling choice and allows you to be seen at the last minute, even for routine issues.
Many offices are also starting to hold evening and weekend office hours on one or more days during the week. If you have a difficult time making appointments during “normal” business hours, you may want to go to a practice that has this option.

Who handles phone calls and other issues when you are away?

Doctors are people, too, and so sometimes they are on vacation, or they are spending a quiet evening at home with their families. This doesn’t mean you won’t be taken care of, though. Be sure to find out who will see your doctor’s patients when he or she is away, and find out how after-hours phone calls are handled. If you are going to be seen by a partner or other provider, like a physicians’ assistant or nurse practitioner, are you comfortable with that?

How is payment handled in your office?

If you have insurance you will have access to a number of physicians in your network. Usually his or her office will process claims and bill your insurance directly. There are more and more physicians who are opting for cash-only practices where you pay for your appointments up front, and then submit a claim to your own insurance company. If you don’t have insurance, or you have a high deductible or catastrophic plan, you will want to know how much typical office visits cost and if there is a cash discount available.

How do you typically treat migraine headaches?

Not everyone who sees the doctor will need to be treated for migraines, but if you are reading this site there is a good chance you have them. Ask about his or her typical approach to migraines. Find out if the physician involves specialists early on. Make sure you understand his or her views on complementary and alternative medicine, especially if this is important to you. In the end, you may want to consider making an appointment to “interview” the doctor. Most offices have no problem with this, especially if you are willing to pay a co-pay for your visit. Your health is a serious issue, and if you suffer from headaches or migraines you will want to ensure your new doctor can meet your needs. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make an informed decision. It is your health, after all.
You can get a free report on your doctor, which includes information on education, area of speciality, certification and more, at UCompareHealthCare, an About.com Health Service.