Just Moved? - Looking For A New Doctor & Best Hospitals?

If you are new to the area or are simply looking for a new doctor, it is important to find the right doctor for your needs. Personally, one of my needs is to find a doctor who is respectful of my time. I seek out doctors who do not make me wait an unreasonable period of time because patients are backed up in their waiting room. I found a primary care doctor with extensive credentials and in his practice for many years who believes in short patient wait times. How, simply by asking questions of receptionists when I called to discuss the doctor's behavior. Some were not willing to discuss the wait time nor bed side manner issue at all (perhaps because they knew they would be in trouble if they answered my questions honestly.)

You might also want to read patient reviews of several doctors before making your selection. Here are a few helpful websites that can aid you in finding a great doctor.

DOCTORS:
Find local doctors in the yellow page: SuperPages.com

Find good doctors for people over 50 at: AARP Doctors

Read patient reviews of doctors
Find additional doctor ratings and reviews

DENTIST:
1-800-Dentist
Zipfeldentist

CHIROPRACTOR:
AllChiropractorClinics

Compare Hospitals too. This site lets you search hospitals nationally by:

Geography: What services are provided by which hospitals

Procedures: Find which hospitals are know for specific medical procedures like heart attack, abdominal surgery...

Process of care: See how well hospitals are rated for specific procedures

Outcome: Includes in-hospital and 30 days after discharge mortality rates for heart attack & heart failure.

Patient experiences: See what patients say about their hospital care

Cost & payment: Learn the average charges for specific procedures as compared to national averages

For example, in the Denver area:

National Jewish Health (University of Colorado Hospital) was named the nations best respiratory hospital for the eleventh year running. Craig Hospital is once again in the top 10 nationally for rehabilitation for the 19th consecutive year.