One of the most important decisions you'll face in your quest to be well-informed is making certain you're visiting the right provider for you. Making that decision prior to an illness will allow you to select based on your overall needs rather than desperation. The following steps can assist you:

• Look for a provider that participates in your health plan. Both your Plan Administrator and Human Resources Department at work should be able to confirm participation
• Ask friends and relatives for referrals to providers they trust and have given them good medical care
• Search for a provider who is competent to handle all of your general health needs, as well as one you can relate to
• Find out which hospital(s) the provider sends patients to and make certain it is a facility you are comfortable with
• Ask how payments are handled, what are the regular office hours, and how after-hours calls are responded to