When you're looking for a new doctor, sticking a pin in the Yellow Pages probably isn't the best way to go. Using directories and other referral sources is a bit better (see Part 1 for two possibilities). Getting suggestions from friends is even better.

However you gather names, you still don't know whether you'll have a good fit until you do a little more checking. This time it will involve actually meeting the doctor and his staff.

A patient- (and consumer-) savvy doctor should be willing to give you a short "get acquainted" appointment without charge. Don't expect that this appointment will be very long, as doctors are insanely busy with patients. Be prepared with your written list of important questions and things you want to observe. Don't hesitate to take notes - you might not remember everything after you leave the office.

Here's a starter list. Add any additional items important to you:

Physical Location:

•  Convenient parking

•  Easy entry, with a good wheelchair ramp and roomy elevator

•  A safe place to sit while someone gets the car if it's raining or too cold/hot

•  Room to maneuver a wheelchair inside the office

The Office

•  Staff is friendly and welcoming

•  Office is clean and neat

•  Convenient office hours (evenings? weekends?)

•  How long is the wait for an appointment?

•  Are patients usually seen close to their appointment time?

•  Who returns calls to the doctor (doctor, nurse, other)?

•  Is there a particular time of day when calls are returned?

•  Does the doctor ever communicate by email?

•  How are requests for prescription refills handled?

Other Practice Details

•  How many physicians are in the practice?

•  Are there multiple specialties in the practice?.

•  If yes, what specialties are represented?

•  Is the physician affiliated with one or more hospitals?

•  Which hospital does the physician prefer to use?

•  Does a nurse practitioner or physician's assistant sometimes see patients instead of the
   doctor?

•  Does the physician see and treat patients in the hospital?

•  Does the physician see and treat patients in the emergency room?

•  Who covers for the physician at night, on weekends or when he/ she is away?

Financial Details

•  Does the doctor accept Medicare assignment?

•  If not, will the office take care of filing Medicare claims on the patient's behalf?

•  If the doctor is asked to complete other forms will there be a charge?

The Doctor

•  Medical school attended

•  Special medical interests

•  Board certification(s)

•  Treats the patient with respect

•  Makes good eye contact and listens well

•  Allows sufficient time

•  Answers questions completely and clearly without medical jargon

•  Has a personality that is a comfortable fit with the patient's needs

Pay attention to your feelings during your get acquainted meeting. How you feel about your doctor will play a large part in how you both communicate and how well you and your elder follow through on his or her recommendations. If you like and trust the doctor you are much more likely to take his or her advice to heart. If you don't, odds are you are much more likely to be "noncompliant."