Finding Information. Physician Info.It is natural to want to know that you are working with the most qualified doctor possible. There is limited information available to the public on doctor quality. But you can find information about a doctor’s education, licensing credentials, and training.Search doctors’ backgrounds and training The American Medical Association’s Doctor Finder provides basic information about a physician’s educational background, training, and board certifications. Many states’ medical boards provide in-depth information about a doctor’s practice record. The amount of information provided varies by state. Some boards provide information on past disciplinary action taken against doctors and the outcomes of such action. You can check to see if your doctor is board-certified in a sub-specialty by contacting the respective board. The American Board of Medical Specialties publishes a list of board-certified medical specialties. This list provides the contact information of individual boards including their Web sites; for example, the American Academy of Neurosurgeons. Find “top” doctors People often say that they want to find the “best doctor” for the treatment of a specific illness or diagnosis. Several companies and publications rank the top doctors in the country or area. While these guides are a useful reference, a doctor’s listing in or absence from these publications should not be used as the sole factor in judging his or her credentials. “The Guide to Top Doctors” The Center for the Study of Services 733 15th Street, NW, Suite 820 Washington, DC 20005 Phone: 202-347-9612 “The Best Doctors in America” Woodward & White Inc. Copyright 1995 129 First Avenue, SW Aiken, SC 29801 Newspapers and magazines often list the top doctors in their region. For example, the Washingtonian Online rank the top D.C.–area doctors by type of practice. Another example is New York Metro’s list. Make use of expert doctors in other ways Even if you are not able to travel to visit several doctors for appointments, you may still be able to get their opinions on your care. Often doctors will review your medical records (test results, biopsy, and scans) and consult with your personal doctor by phone. This can be a useful and cost-effective alternative if you do not live near a major medical center or teaching hospital. You may also try asking doctors at leading centers for recommendations of specialists who focus on your condition and who live in your area. People do not always think to write a letter or call doctors who are not their own providers. Doctors are often willing to help someone in need. Sample letter to a doctor When you are asking for input from a particular doctor, you may want help in figuring out how to talk to them. The following is a sample letter for how to approach new providers. Dear Dr. Smith: Paragraph I: Introduction and explanation of why you have chosen to write this particular doctor I apologize for writing without the benefit of an introduction, but do so on behalf of my mother who has been diagnosed with lung cancer. I read of your (insert reason why you think they are a fit: research on the drug Iressa, expertise in new drug development, expertise in a new surgical procedure) and write with the hope that you might be willing to help. Paragraph II: Summary of the medical situation My mother, (insert name), was diagnosed with stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer in June 2000. At that time, she underwent surgery to remove a portion of her right lung at ABC hospital in XYZ town. It was noted that the cancer had spread to the adjacent and even distant lymph nodes. As a result, my mother also underwent (specific details) eight weeks of radiation therapy and ten weeks of chemotherapy with the following drugs: (insert names of medications used if known). She then entered a remission. Paragraph III: Current concern and how the doctor can help Last week, we learned that my mother’s cancer has recurred in a single nodule in the remaining area of her right lung. My mother is eager to take all possible aggressive measures to combat this disease. I read of your recent work with a clinical trial (again, insert the reason you think they are a fit) and wondered if you would be willing to evaluate my mother as a candidate for participation in this trial. We understand that this is one of many such requests that come across your desk and greatly appreciate any guidance that you can lend. Thank you, in advance, for your help. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
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