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You're in good company if you can't find a doctor. It's happening more and more in the country for a variety of reasons. Locating a physician who provides the type of treatment you need can be downright daunting, in fact. Many observers believe that there could be a substantial shortage of primary care physicians as early as 2014. That makes it even more important that you find a doctor you trust so that you can establish a relationship. There are some who feel that upcoming governmental reform will result in a flood of patients that will be too large for existing physicians to handle. Adding to the problem is the fact that many medical practitioners are leaving their private practices for the security of large hospital systems. Some are moving to employer-based clinics while still others are moving toward treating only patients who are willing to pay premium prices. What Can You Do? The tried and true "word of mouth" approach still works to some extent as people rely on the recommendations of friends, co-workers, and family members. There are several other services that you can rely on as well if you are ready to take advantage of the digital age. Many medical websites have doctor reviews; however, relying on Internet reviews alone can lead you down a somewhat slippery slope. You can never be sure who may be posting the reviews you see. It could be a disgruntled former employee or a competitor who is providing negative opinions. Even positive reviews need to be looked at with a skeptical eye, because most sites have no sort of regulatory oversight whatsoever. There are other Internet options, though. People can also search for state medical boards to find any information regarding any complaints or pending legal actions against physicians. Many physicians themselves have their own sites that detail their credentials and experience. As the healthcare industry evolves and practitioners scramble to stay ahead of the changes and challenges, people trying to obtain the best care possible are looking to more advanced technological tools. This is not to say that the old word of mouth method has disappeared. However, in order to have the best picture possible of the available physicians in their area, many people will need to rely on other means as well. In a lot of ways, your relationship with your primary care physician is like a spouse. You have to choose carefully, because you'll more than likely be with that professional for a long time. You'll have to be able to communicate freely and express all of your concerns. That is why you will need to commit a great deal of time and effort when the time comes for you to find a doctor. Get a doctor with the knowledge to help. Lear more at: http://www.locateadoc.com.
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