My first rule of advice about establishing good doctor-patient relationships is clear: The patient gets to choose. Even when insurance companies limit the list of approved physicians, most patients still have a choice about who they see for medical care.

Making a wise choice starts with an honest self-assessment of your own preferences, biases, or prejudices that can affect your response to a physician.. Does your doctor’s age matter? Does religious or ethnic background matter? Would you be more comfortable with a male or female doctor, or does this not matter? Does the physician’s personality matter, or are you satisfied with a technician who treats your illness rather than “doctors” you?

This is not a frivolous matter. Do what you can to stack the deck in favor of you liking your physician, and you are much more likely to get the quality of medical care you need.
You might also want to check the educational background, training, credentialing, and experience levels of any doctor before “buying” what they are selling. This should not be done in an accusatory tone. Remember that physicians spend most of their lives self-sacrificing in order to be trained in what they are most compelled to do – help people. They certainly deserve the benefit of the doubt. And most will gladly discuss their training and experience with you, if asked to do so in a friendly, cordial manner. Try asking in this tone:
“I appreciate you taking time to meet with me, Doctor. I am concerned about my health, and I will do my part to be a responsible patient. I also like to know a little about my partners in this teamwork.. Would you mind if I asked just a few questions about your own experiences and training in treating patients like me?”
Next, ask where your physician received medial training, and what particular training he or she has in the specific area of cardiology that relates to your condition. You might inquire whether the doctor is board certified in cardiology. (Some will indicate that they are “board-eligible.” That means that they are qualified by training, but are waiting to take the certification exam.) Also ask about the physicians experience in treating patients like you. And don’t forget to find out if the physician has privileges at the hospital you prefer to use, should you need inpatient care.

Your state medical organization may provide information about qualified physicians in your area. Insurance panels also require that physicians demonstrate their qualifications in order to gain admission to the provider panel. The American Medical Association also offers an online doctor-referral service through Doctor Finder (www.ama-assn.org. You can get information about board-certified physicians in your area by contacting the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) at 866-275-2267 or by visiting their web sit (www.certifieddoctor.org).

This article was adapted from information presented more fully in Thriving With Heart Disease, by W. Sotile with R Cantor-Cook. New York: The Free Press, 2003. Copyright W. Sotile, 2003. All rights reserved.

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