Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I find a good Physician and ensure I receive good medical care?

1. Ask Questions -if you have concerns regarding your health condition or recommended services by the physician. Choose a physician who you are comfortable talking with and who listens to your concerns. Take a relative or friend with you to help you ask questions and understand the options of care provided to you.
2. Make sure you Understand and Agree - with your physician, in particular if surgery is being recommended. You should be aware of exactly what will be done during the operation or your plan of treatment. Who will manage your care, while you are in the hospital? Exactly what will he/she be doing? How long will it take? What will happen after surgery or treatment procedures? Can I expect a full recovery? Be sure to alert your physician and other physician’s or staff members involved with your procedure about any allergies, bad reactions to anesthesia, and any medications you are taking. Also, ask if there are any other options available besides surgery.
3. Take time to Research- your medical condition and the procedure(s) recommended. Know what the recommended treatment plans are for your condition and understand how the diagnosis was determined. This information may be found through such resources as Medline Plus and the National Institute of Health websites. These website links are located within the Browse MD Patient Health Information pages for your convenience.
4. View your Physician’s License- prior to your visit. The “Patient’s Right to Know Act” now makes it mandatory that each State Medical Licensing Board require physicians to verify and report information about their educational training and practice specialty. You will also be able to see if your physician’s license is currently active, or if he/she is currently receiving disciplinary action by your state medical board. Browse MD provides a link to evaluate your physician’s profile through the Physician’s Profile link located to the right of each Physician listed. This gives you direct access to the State Medical Board of Georgia.
5. View your Test Results - without delay. Never assume that your results are fine when you do not receive them when expected. Call your physician and ask for your results if you have not received them by mail, phone, or in person when expected. Ask what the results mean and how it may or may not have an effect on your overall plan of care.
6. Evaluate the Hospital- to which your Physician has privileges. If there are multiple hospitals to choose from, research in advance which hospital produces the best care and results for your condition. We have provided the Georgia Hospital Association’s Hospital Price Check and Hospital Quality Check as a resource to assist you in your decision making. This link may be found on the main search page for Hospitals and Medical Centers.
7. Keep a Medication List- with you of all the medicines you are taking on visits to a physician or pharmacist. In order to minimize the risk of medication errors and complications resulting from combining certain medications. Be sure to inform them of prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking. Also, inform them of any drug allergies you might have. Ask about the side effects and what to avoid when taking your medication. Be sure to read the label when you obtain your medication; including all warnings. Inspect your medication and alert the pharmacist if it looks different than what you usually expect. Also, be sure you know how to take the medication prescribed by your doctor and understand the purpose for it being prescribed.

2. How do I choose an Insurance Plan and what Plans are available?

We have provided a link below to the America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) Consumer Guide as a consumer resource in your decision making process. The AHIP’s goal is to provide a unified voice for the health care financing industry, to expand access to high quality, cost effective health care to all Americans. (Consumer Guides)

3. How do I choose a Hospital?

If there are multiple hospitals to choose from, research in advance which hospital produces the best care and results for your condition. We have provided the Georgia Hospital Association’s Hospital Price Check and Hospital Quality Check as a resource to assist you in your decision making. This link may be found on the main search page for Hospitals and Medical Centers.

4. How should I use the Patient Health Information page?

Research your medical condition. Know what the recommended treatment plans are for your condition and how the diagnosis was determined. This information may be found through such resources as Medline Plus and the National Institute of Health websites. These website links are located within the Browse MD Patient Health Information pages for your convenience.