Finding a good doctor is essential, whether you are receiving treatment at home or travelling abroad. A doctor who truly cares about his or her patient is not hard to find, and the process is made easier if you follow these steps.

Step One - Which Specialty?

The first step towards finding a good doctor is to know what type of physician is trained to offer your particular treatment. There is little point in making an appointment with a cardiologist if you have an inguinal hernia. However, the distinction between different specialities is not always clear. A carpal tunnel operation, for example, can be done by both an orthopaedic surgeon and a neurosurgeon. So before you start to look for a good doctor, find the right doctor. You can do this by asking yourself some questions:

•    Do I need an operation, or am I looking for another type of medical therapy?

•    Do I need a diagnosis first, or am ready for treatment?

•    If you are planning on having the surgery done abroad, which type of doctor would your local physician refer you to if you stayed at home?

•    Is your treatment extremely specialized and only available in a few hospitals or clinics?

Once you know the answers to these questions, you will know exactly which type of doctor you need. It is time to find a good one.

Step Two – Where Does a Good Doctor Work?

When looking for an empathic, conscientious, and highly-skilled doctor, you should also take the environment in which he or she works into account. Even the best doctors are limited to the equipment, staff, and facilities, their hospital or clinic provides. If you can find a specialist centre for your type of treatment, all the better. This means the right equipment is available, and the staff is knowledgeable about your treatment path. Larger establishments usually have larger budgets, too. It is also worth looking into hospitals that work together – otherwise known as hospital affiliations- these work as a group, referring patients to partner clinics and specialists according to their specific needs.

Step Three – First Contact

Once you have found one or more hospitals which offer the treatment you need, it is time to make an appointment with the first choice on your list. This has become much easier in the digital age, even from a distance. An online consultation can often be arranged, usually for the price of an on-premise appointment. The only disadvantage is that a doctor will not be able to carry out a physical examination at an online consultation. However, your step three task is to find a good doctor before you start treatment.

This step requires a little preparation. You have probably already researched your therapy and know a little bit about it. Before your initial consultation, write down all of your questions. It is very tough to remember everything you want to ask once your consultation has begun. Question examples might include how long your treatment lasts, when will you be able to go back to work, what alternative therapies can the doctor offer, or what medications will be used.

Step Four – Spotting the Red Flags

A specialist who can fit you in for an appointment tomorrow morning might not be the right one for you. If you are offered an immediate appointment, try to find out how this was possible. Perhaps the doctor had a cancellation, in which case there is no need for concern.

A doctor who sees fifty or more patients a day is unable to have a long discussion with them all. A good doctor will put aside at least twenty to thirty minutes for an initial consultation. In a twelve hour working day, with an hour’s break for lunch, he or she will be able to speak (and listen) to between 20 and 30 patients a day.

Some red flags might pop up during your initial consultation. Does the doctor seem hurried, or talk over you? Perhaps it feels as if the physician is using scare tactics to force you into making a decision, you are not yet ready to make. A good doctor treats his or her patients with respect, understanding, and empathy. He or she will also:

•    Explain both the pros and cons of treatment

•    Make you feel comfortable

•    Give you the option to make your own decisions

•    Show an interest in your medical history

•    Take the time to explain until you fully understand everything that is discussed

•    Listen and take notes

•    Encourage you to ask for a second opinion if you have any doubts

Step Five – Ask For Proof

A second opinion is one method of finding out whether the recommended therapy is the right one for you. No doctor of quality will deny you this right; quite the opposite, a good doctor will encourage you to find out more.

A good doctor will also be happy to provide his or her credentials. Feel free to ask for proof of qualifications, and ask the doctor where he or she trained and for how long. How often has the doctor performed your type of surgery or therapy every month, or every year? What is his or her rate of success? Many of us feel that it is impolite to ask such straightforward questions, but a good doctor will answer your questions honestly and will not think your enquiry is rude.

Step Six – Contact Remedazo

Remedazo understands the importance of finding a good doctor. Not only does this mean you receive the best medical help, but it also means you are given more peace of mind. This is why we include a free e-consult early on in your treatment plan. We always take the time to find out exactly what your expectations are.

Remedazo works together with specialists carefully chosen for their levels of experience, knowledge, and work ethic. These experts work in well-equipped hospitals and clinics that are often members of affiliated groups, and therefore able to provide a broader range of specialities and therapies.

Finding a good doctor doesn’t have to be hard - especially when you arrange your medical journey with Remedazo. Contact us today and discuss your medical tourism journey with someone who truly cares.