Start your own home medical file by asking the nurses or physician s assistants in your primary care and other doctors offices for copies of your past medical records. Then, every time you go to a doctor for tests, prescriptions or diagnoses, ask for a copy of the paper work. Ask a nurse for doctor referrals. Doctors are generally the source of referrals to other doctors, but an overlooked resource is the nurse. Nurses who work within a group practice or a hospital get a front-line view of how different doctors operate and relate to patients.
Nurses can offer an educated opinion of a doctor s technical and people skills.
Surf the Web. The bonus is you can access this information quickly and cheaply. The downside is correct and incorrect information can be found on the Web, so check other sources to corroborate your information. Look before you swallow. Do some homework before taking medication.