1. The first step in choosing a provider is to decide what kind of doctor you need (family practitioner, internist, specialist, etc.).

2. Next, check with your health plan to determine what physicians are covered, and if possible, obtain a list of physicians from which to choose. (Many insurance companies have web sites where this information is available, although provider lists are not always updated on a timely basis.)

3. Develop a list of several possible physicians based on convenience of location, gender, or any other items of concern to you. Once you know which physicians you can choose from, it can be a good idea to get referrals from your past physician or from trusted friends or family. You will probably need to phone the physicians’ offices to see if they are accepting new patients and at the same time confirm whether or not your insurance is accepted. This is also a good time to ask about credentials and experience. You will want a physician that is board certified, and it is useful to know each doctor’s specialty and subspecialty. If you have multiple medical problems, you will want to know if the physician is diversified enough to handle the entire situation. You may also want to ask about lead time for appointment scheduling, average wait time, etc.

4. Once you have narrowed your selection down, you will want to schedule an appointment with the physician or physicians whom you are considering. That is the only way you will know if you are comfortable with your choice.

5. At your initial appointment, you will want to determine whether the physician is someone with whom you can develop a working relationship. Does he or she have good communication skills? Are you comfortable with his or her staff and the way the office is run? Do you feel you can trust your physician with your personal medical issues? Consider how the physician responds to your questions. Does he or she explain things in terms you can understand and take the time to answer your questions thoroughly? If you are comfortable with the entire experience at your first visit, then you have probably made a good choice.