Plan to look for a doctor before you need one-- so you can make a careful decision on the right doctor for you and your family.  Before moving to a new town your present doctor may be able to recommend a physician in your new town.  You also might want to bring a copy of your medical records with you to your first visit.  You will want to find out specific information about a physician’s education and training.  Each specialty has a national board which sets criteria for excellence for that specialty and a physician must pass a comprehensive board exam. 

How to make a good choice………….

1. Decide what you expect from your physician considering care, training, qualifications, and accessibility.
2. Always check with your insurance plan list or insurance representative to see if you must choose a physician only from your insurance plan list. 
3. Get recommendations from family members or trusted friends on physicians they recommend and/or call the Knoxville Academy of Medicine for a physician’s information at (865) 531-2766.
4. Check our Physician’s Finder available on this website for vital information on our physician members which also includes a map to their office.

 

Twelve good questions to ask when searching for a new physician:

1. Is the doctor taking new patients?
2. Do they take your insurance plan?
3. How long do patients usually sit in the waiting room for their appointments?
4. Do they have evening hours or an emergency clinic they recommend?
5. Will I see the same physician each appointment?
6. What is the charge for a routine visit?
7. Is payment due at time of visit?
8. Are they set up for debit or credit card payments?
9. Does the office complete and file insurance claim forms?
10. Does the practice have more than one location?
11. If hospitalization is needed, what hospitals do the physicians refer to?
12. How does the doctor feel about patients obtaining a second opinion on a diagnosis or recommendation?

 

The way a physician’s office answers your questions is a good indicator of the practice itself but also keep in mind that physician offices are very busy.  You may ask to speak to someone who can take the time to answer some new patient questions.