How to find a good doctor

Here are some things to consider when choosing a physician (doctor):

• Ask friends and relatives for recommendations. If you are moving and changing doctors, ask your current doctor to refer you to someone in your new community.
• Check with area hospitals. Many of them offer referral services.
• Check with your county medical society. They will give you the names of several doctors.
• Ask your insurance company, health maintenance organization or managed care plan if they have a list of doctors.
• You can check if they are licensed: https://www.op.nysed.gov/verification-search 
• You can check if they have been in trouble: https://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/doctors/conduct/

Once you have the names of several doctors, you can do some additional checking to help you make a final decision.