Selecting a Doctor

Medical Author:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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• Choosing a Doctor
• Start Early
• Prioritize Requirements
• The Final Choice
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Choosing a doctor can be a difficult and worrisome task, even under the best of circumstances. The doctor-patient relationship involves something that we value most, our health. This relationship has always been a sacred bond of trust, openness, and compassion and therefore remains one of the most important decisions we make.

A recent study indicates that more than one in eight people changed their primary doctor last year. Although this may seem an unusual or alarming statistic, it largely reflects the times and current state of health care in the United States.

People may seek a new doctor for the following reasons:

• The doctor retired or is moving or unavailable
• Quality of care
• The quality and service of the office staff
• Convenience
• Health plan changes by the doctor or a change in insurance by the patient
• Change of location

Whether you are choosing a doctor for the first time or changing doctors, this process can be a daunting task. You must undertake the decision with care and planning so that the outcome provides the most fulfilling of relationships.