By Seva May

Every year SB Magazine publishes what has become to many of our readers a guide for finding a doctor that will meet their needs.  The Top Doctors of Shreveport-Bossier are selected by peer vote.  We ask the question “If you or a loved one needed a doctor for any reason, who would be your choice?” A list of these choices is published on our website (www.sbmag.net) and enhanced listings are printed and distributed throughout Shreveport-Bossier and the surrounding area. Although our Top Doctors’ List can serve as a convenient reference, we strongly recommend you do your own, thorough research before you make an appointment. Here are some steps we strongly recommend when it comes to finding the right doctor for you.

Research potential doctors and their qualifications

When choosing a doctor, it is important to research their credentials and certifications to ensure they are qualified to provide medical care. One way to check a doctor’s credentials is to verify their board certification. To do this, go to the American Board of Medical Specialties website and use the “Is My Doctor Certified?” look-up service.  You can check the status of a doctor’s license by visiting your state’s medical board website or calling the medical board directly. By verifying a doctor’s credentials, you can ensure that they have the necessary education and training to provide quality medical care.

In addition to checking a doctor’s credentials, reviewing their experience and specialties is important. You can search for a doctor’s experience and specialties on websites such as Healthgrades or Zocdoc. It is important to note that a doctor may be board-certified in one discipline but practicing in another, so it is essential to ensure that their practice aligns with your health needs.

Another important factor to consider when choosing a doctor is researching patient reviews and feedback. While clinical ratings provided by the government are important, non-clinical ratings from commercial websites can also be valuable in helping patients make informed decisions. Websites such as Yelp or Healthgrades allow patients to leave reviews and provide feedback on their experiences with a particular doctor. By reading patient reviews, you can gain insight into a doctor’s bedside manner, communication skills, and overall patient satisfaction.

This is especially helpful if you are looking for a specialist doctor who can care for your entire family. A family doctor who can create a stress-free environment for children may be easier to find than a family dentist. So, it is worth checking reviews from patients with similar family requirements as yours. Doctor and dentist clinics that cater to children, such as the Indian Trail Dental Studio, tend to receive reviews from patients of all ages for their compassion, patience, and comfortable care. So, this is worth reading reviews carefully to find the right doctor for your family.

Being prepared with a list of questions or concerns can also help ensure that you get the most out of the appointment. It is important to be open and honest with your doctor about your medical history, symptoms, and any concerns you may have.

Asking the right questions during the appointment is crucial in determining if the doctor fits your needs. Questions may include asking about their experience and qualifications, their approach to treatment, and their availability for appointments. Additionally, it is important to ask about the doctor’s communication style and how they prefer to communicate with patients. By asking the right questions and being prepared, individuals can make an informed decision in choosing the right doctor for their needs.

After assessing the quality of care and considering the doctor’s communication skills, patients can make an informed decision and establish a long-term relationship with their chosen doctor. Patients should consider their personal preferences, such as the doctor’s location, availability, and office hours, when making their decision. It’s worth mentioning again that patients should also consider their insurance coverage and the doctor’s network affiliation. Getting the bill and then discovering that insurance does not cover the expense can be life-changing for some patients. Once a doctor is chosen, patients should establish a long-term relationship by scheduling regular check-ups and appointments and communicating openly with their doctor about any health concerns. By following these steps, patients can choose a doctor who provides high-quality care and will establish a productive and long-lasting patient-doctor relationship.

What about those people who just won’t go see a doctor? Too often people put off going to the doctor because they are afraid of what they might find out. For some, it is a true fear. The medical term is iatrophobia (Iatros – the Greek word for healer and phobos which means fear) Fear of the unknown will always cause anxiety but there are ways of breaking this cycle.  The first step is to make an appointment to rule out anything serious.  Once you know what “ails you,” the correct treatment plan can be implemented and before you know it, the anxiety is significantly reduced.  Besides, Shreveport and Bossier City have some of the finest, most qualified physicians in the country who have made north Louisiana their home.  Patients travel to them from all over the United States for specialized care. You’re in excellent hands. 

And whatever you do – don’t Google it!