10 Steps To Finding A Good Doctor And Having A Great Healthcare Experience

I’m excited to announce that US News and World Report has invited me and some other social-media savvy physicians to participate in a live Twitter chat about how to find a good doctor. The chat will be held on Thursday, March 20th at 2pm EST. You can join the conversation by following the #DoctorFinder hashtag or take the pre-chat poll here.

Most people, including physicians, rely on personal references to find a good doctor. But what do you do when you’re far from home, or you don’t know anyone with firsthand knowledge of local doctors? My parents recently asked me to recommend a physician for them in a state where I knew none of my colleagues personally. This is the 10-step process that I used to help them navigate their way to an excellent specialist – I hope it helps others you find the right doctor as well!

1. Determine what kind of doctor you need. You’d be surprised how many different specialists treat the same symptom – depending on its underlying cause. Take “back pain” for example – should you see a primary care physician, an orthopedist, a neurosurgeon, an anesthesiologist, a rheumatologist, or a rehab specialist to evaluate your symptoms? That depends on the cause of the pain, which might not yet be evident to you. The first step to finding a good physician is to figure out which type is best suited to your potential diagnosis. Bouncing from specialist to specialist can be costly, so if you’re not sure which kind of physician specializes in treating your disease or condition (or if you haven’t been diagnosed yet), start with a primary care physician first.

If you’d like to ask an online physician about your symptoms (or find out which specialist would be the most appropriate for you or your loved one),  eDocAmerica.com is my favorite online physician consultant service (note that I answer questions for them.)

2. Compile a list of all the doctors (of the specialty you need) in your area. This list can be generated by your insurance carrier or by an online search of doctor-finder databases such as Healthgrades.com, Vitals.com, or US News & World Report’s Doctor Finder directory.

3. Narrow online choices by your preferences (available via  Healthgrades.com or Vitals.com databases.) Check out the doctors’:

4. Do an online “background check” of your top choices.

• Verify their board certification at the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) –registration required.
• Check for any negative reports at their home state’s licensing website – Go to “verify a license” ( e.g. CA)
• Google them – do they have a blog or social media presence? If so, get to know them that way.

5. Make an appointment – consider the following qualities in a good physician experience:

• The team: courteousness of scheduling staff, professionalism of nurses, PA’s, techs, etc.
• Facilities – cleanliness, comfort
• Medical records/communication – how will they provide you your data? EMR? Email?
• Timeliness/convenience

6. Come prepared

• Bring your list of medications
• Bring a list of your medical and surgical history/conditions
• Bring a list of your allergies
• Bring contact information for your other physicians/providers
• Bring your insurance information

7. Ask the right questions

• How many procedures (like the one I’ll need) have you performed previously?
• What are the risks/benefits of the procedure? Alternatives?
• What should I read to learn more about this?
• If unsure of diagnosis: What else could this be?
• Are there other medicines that are less expensive that we could substitute?

8. Go with your gut

• Did the doctor explain everything clearly?
• Did the doctor seem to care about you?
• Do you trust your doctor to be thorough with follow up?
• Do you like your doctor?

9. Get a second opinion

• If the doctor did not meet your expectations in any significant way, find another one
• If you want to be sure that you’re on the best path, get a second opinion from one of his/her peers or do it online: eDocAmerica (for generalist questions), Best Doctors (to be matched with top national specialists)

10. Reward good doctors with good online recommendations so others can benefit. Physician ratings are only as reliable as the reviewers. Help other patients locate good doctors by promoting those who deserve it.

What are the Guidelines for Dietary Fats?

We are always told to cut back on our dietary fats but there seems to be a problem with the research, It doesn’t seem to support this. Over at Medpage Today there is an article that is a study or studies. It seems that out of 27 randomized controlled trials (That means the researchers were […]

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Is HealthBook Apples First Fitness Tracker?

I have had an iPhone and an iPad for three years or so and just like any other fitness person I have used my iphone for tracking speed and mileage for walking and running. I used the Runkeeper app a lot last Summer in getting ready for the Kidney March. Well there was a leak […]

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Universal Sports Network Presents Boston Marathon “Run as One” Series March 10 – April 21

Universal Sports Network, the exclusive national television and digital media home of the Boston Marathon, announced today the launch of the “Run as One” series. The 15-episode, short-form video series will air run of schedule and be made available online at universalsports.com beginning today, March 10, and continue through the live coverage of the 118th […]

Healthy Green Recipes for St. Patrick’s Day

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Are you celebrating? I’m ashamed to say it, but I’m not even wearing green. Luckily I work from home and Olive can’t pinch. The one thing I really wanted to make this St. Patrick’s Day was a Rainbow Cake Mason Jar Leprechaun Trap. How cute is that thing? I never got around […]

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Lift Before Cardio – Or After?

One of the most frequently asked and most often debated fitness questions is whether it’s better to lift before or after cardio. And now, a recent study is shedding new light on the discourse. First things first, we know that it’s important to do both cardio and strength training. Both types of exercise offer unique […]

Healthy Recipe Monday

Welcome to Healthy Recipe Monday! Be sure to head on over to With Love from the Vine to check out the full recipe. This week: Mexican Quinoa!   Trying to eat more whole grains but love the flavor and versatility of mexican rice? This recipe is for you! Eat it on its only, stuff it…

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Strange Adventures and Assorted Announcements

So Happy Saint Patricks Day!  Although aside from a green shirt that makes an appearance in a photo or two, I’m afraid we’re not doing much on that theme today.

This post is partly about seeking out “adventure!” But, if you are an anxious person, fear not. I haven’t changed my opinion that there is absolutely nothing wrong with embracing your comfort zone, and staying way the hell away from “adventures” other people suggest if they seem too risky or otherwise unappealing.

However, there is still a lot of excitement and novelty to be had in the world from within your comfort zone.  And in fact, scooching up right to the edges of it can keep life interesting and keep your world from shrinking into something drab and confining and boring.

So how do you find an adventure that’s right for you?

Some people are up for anything, but others of us are most decidedly not.

Ideally, you’d probably like to seek out opportunities that are novel but don’t totally scare the crap out of you, or carry too high a risk of untimely death or dismemberment, or cost so much you have to sell your children into slavery, or require you to hang out with disturbed, dangerous, obnoxious or horribly tedious people for prolonged periods of time.

Which, alas, rules a lot of stuff out.

You may be relieved to discover I’m not gonna offer up any specific advice about this, because it’s all so subjective.  What’s a “fun adventure” for some people qualify as a “horrifying nightmare” for others.

So how about I just plant the idea to keep your eyes and your mind open to Adventurous Opportunities, both little and big?  Plus maybe a little show and tell before I meander on down to the Announcements.

Little Adventure:

This last weekend there was a St. Patricks day thingy at the park and we went to hear some music. Which kinda sucked so we wandered away from the stage.  But guess what they had there?

I’d seen these before, and even though tiny toddlers jump right on, I hadn’t quite mustered up the nerve to try it myself.  I’m a total coward when it comes to rides or slides, or anything that involves being flung, spun, tossed, flipped, hurled, or dropped from high elevations.

But this looked somewhat approachable and like it could be fun! So with some trepidation, because that’s how I approach anything I haven’t done before…

 

And away I went, whee!

Though I gotta say, it took a fair amount of effort to keep going up and down and up and down and I ultimately found the “Work” to “Whee!” ratio a bit too high for any fantasies of a home version. But it turned out not to be the least bit scary and I was glad to have given it a shot.

Upcoming Bigger Adventure (Please Don’t Hate Me! OK, Yeah, Actually You Can).

So you know how when something really awesome happens to someone who hasn’t done anything at all virtuous to deserve it, you can have complicated feelings about it?

Like noticing that maybe you work hard and do the right things and no one is selling you a winning lotto ticket or giving you a surprise bonus or even cutting you two minutes slack when your parking meter expires? And yet someone you know who seems to do nothing but loaf around for a living announces yet another upcoming trip?

You might be thinking “WTF? That bitch is going off yet again on the vacation I SHOULD BE GOING ON godddamn it!” even as you are saying “wow, so happy for you, that’s great, be sure to take tons of pictures!“

Well, um, in that spirit … it does seem as though the Lobster and I are heading off for another fortuitous adventure.  Where to this time?

Here’s a hint:

(I will spare you the shots of Cipro and Malaria pills as well the cute smiley bandaids we had on our arms from our Hep A and Tetanus/Diptheria etc shots).

Yep, we are going to Africa, or well, South Africa which is perhaps not as adventurous as some other African destinations but whatever. We’re spending a week in Cape Town and 3 days on Safari in Kruger National Park.

What I would find even more annoying, if I weren’t the one getting to go, is that this is an all-expense-paid corporate swankfest, complete with Business/First class flights and fine dining and upscale hotels and lodges and wine tasting and tours and shit like that.

And what did I have to do to get in on this deal? Slave away for years and save up money? Compete in some incredibly selective contest and win a big prize?

Nah, I just married the most awesome gal in the world who happens to be a corporate go-getter. Well, somebody had to do it.

Note: it will be interesting to see what the folks in this Texas-based company will make of the big ol’ dykey wife of the only female executive on the leadership team, especially during the dressy parts of the adventure.  As an introvert, and as a female who can not walk in a pair of high heels without a pratfall, who does not wear make-up, and who carries a purse as gracefully as someone taking a bulging bag of soiled cat litter out to the trash, I suspect the “fitting in” and “schmoozing” parts may prove a little challenging.

Plus, I have made great headway in my flying phobia… but yikes, LOTS of opportunities for turbulence and there will be… shudder… small aircraft involved.

But, well,  adventure is the spice of life, right?

And Now, onto the Announcements!

Cranketeers–Any of You Up for a Guest Post?

With the South Africa thing, the long-ass flights involved, plus a few days stopover in the always exotic Frisco Texas, I’ll be mostly spotty on the blogging from March 26th through April 11th.

If you have something to contribute, especially if it includes a few pictures, this would be an excellent time to give it a whirl, and I would be exceedingly grateful! My email is crabby mcslacker at gmail dot com.

Stay Tuned for an Awesome Giveaway this Week!

It’s coming on Wednesday, open to Canadians too, and contains a very generous SIX prizes, so chances of winning are excellent.  We’re talking 3 copies each of two great books, Rick Hanson’s “Hardwiring Happiness” as well as “The Fit Bottom Girl’s Anti-Diet Book.” You will be hearing much more about both of them on Wednesday, so be sure to stop by!

Radio show!

This looks fun: the Fun and Fit gals are launching thier “Active Aging for Boom Chicka Boomers” on VoiceAmerica.com this coming Weds, March 19 LIVE 8-9am PDT (11 EDT). (It will also be rebroadcast and converted to podcasts in case you have some trivial excuse for missing it, like not getting fired from a job that feeds your family).

The topic: “Let’s Start at the Middle! Show Intro plus Midlife Weight Gain: What Can You Do About Hormones, Menopause, and Menopot?

Guest expert is Tamara Grand, whom you may know from her excellent blog Fitknitchick!

Here’s the VoiceAmerica link, check it out!  But beware, sound plays immediately or at least it did for me, so turn your speakers down if you are sharing workspace and not wearing headphones.

So, any thoughts about Adventures or Anything else this fine Saint Patrick’s Day?

7 Reasons to Be Proud to Be Irish

By Sean M Kelly – Sometimes with all the financial scandals we are currently hearing about we lose sight of our true Spirit. Whether this is Irish, American, English, Scottish or whatever, it is important to remind ourselves of our true Spirit which is far greater than any recession and far deeper than any surface […]

The One Single Habit That Will Change Your Life

By Lyndsay Wilson – If you wanted to, you could wake up tomorrow and do something good for yourself – quit smoking, call your mom, eat something healthy for lunch. You could decide that come Monday, you’re signing up at the gym and taking up weight training, or doing an online course to improve some […]

Stitch Fix #4: Success

Ahhh.. I’m so excited to tell you all about my March box from Stitch Fix. It was my forth Fix and the first time I liked and kept all five items. Score! If you’re new to Stitch Fix, it’s a really cool personal styling service for women. You can learn more about it by checking […]

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4 Common Myths About Low-Impact Exercise

One type of workout most people don’t consider until they’re injured or have joint issues is low-impact workouts. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to jump to get an intense workout. Here are four myths about low-impact exercise dispelled.

Good Fats Versus Bad Fats: The Problem With Vegetable Oils

You need a certain amount of fat in your diet but it’s important to choose your fats wisely. For years, vegetable oils have been promoted as a healthier alternative. This article discusses vegetable oils, how they’re processed and why they may not be as healthy as believed.

What’s Better for Post-Exercise Soreness – Massage or Exercise?

What’s better for post-exercise soreness or DOMS – massage or exercise? Find out what a study shows and whether you should keep exercising when your muscles are sore. You’ll also discover what exercises are best.

Benefits of Nuts: Why Nuts Top the List of Longevity Foods

Do you munch on nuts? Nuts are loaded with antioxidants, fiber, healthy fats and protein. Even more compelling is the fact they may lower your risk for overall mortality and your chance of getting some chronic diseases. Find out what nuts deserve their status as a longevity food.

Is Going Low-Carb the Best Way to Get Lean?

Thinking about cutting back on dietary carbs to get leaner? Doing so could actually work against you, especially if you exercise. Find out why carb restricted diets and workouts, especially resistance-training workouts, don’t mix and why a selective carb diet works better.

5 Surprising Facts About Your Blood Pressure

Did you know high blood pressure contributes to almost one out of six deaths in the United States alone? Discover five other things you should know about your blood pressure but probably don’t. You’ll also discover natural ways to lower your blood pressure.

Can Exercise Lower Your Risk for Sudden Death?

There’s no doubt that exercise lowers your risk for heart disease – but what about sudden death due to an abnormal heart rhythm? Despite the fact that people occasionally drop dead during exercise, research suggests exercise may actually make you more resistant to heart rhythms that lead to sudden death. Find out how.

Living Your Dream— Finally! Serenity Stewart on The Self Improvement Show

Serenity Stewart is a top jazz singer—a seasoned entertainer described as “Sultry, a little bawdy, and very talented…a stunningly talented songstress with a naughty twinkle in her eye and plenty of curves all around.” She has two successful albums and a very busy performance schedule including a recent tour in Europe. In 2005, after suffering […]

Going green (food) for St. Patrick’s Day

By Donald Bucklin –  I’m half Irish, and my most memorable St. Patrick’s days were spent in college, drinking green beer for breakfast!   ’Tis a shame, Guinness or Murphy’s are Irish, and are much more pleasing on the palette. They are also packed with good stuff you won’t find in the average green-dyed lager.   Naturally […]

Lost Cathe’s Chapters on Your iPhone?

When Apple released iOS 7 last year, the ability to use chapters in Cathe’s downloadable videos seemed to have disappeared. While partially true, there is an easy solution to re-enable the use of chapters. For some reason, Apple decided to classify any non-iTunes movies as “Home Movies” in iOS 7, and also disabled the use of chapters for home movies. To fix this, you need to go back into iTunes to instruct the video player to see Cathe’s workouts as regular movies again. Here is the step-by-step guide for accomplishing tha

Breakfasts of The World

I share my breakfasts a lot on this blog. Usually for the last few months it has been oatmeal with seeds and nuts and fried cranberries but in the past I used to have a bagel with Nutella. On the weekends I might have an omelette or a smoothie. The important thing to me though […]

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