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Telehealth, What It Is, and Its Pros and Cons

• Telehealth Overview
• What It Treats
• Disadvantages
• Preparing for an Appointment

Telehealth is a way to receive healthcare services remotely through electronic devices like your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Telehealth services come in different forms, such as live video or audio appointments, secured text messaging with your healthcare provider, or remote monitoring devices that allow your healthcare provider to track things like your blood sugar.

This article describes how telehealth started and the different ways that telehealth can and cannot be used. It also explores the advantages and disadvantages of telehealth and whether it is the best option for you.

d3sign / Getty Images

Telemedicine vs. Telehealth

Telehealth is sometimes referred to as telemedicine, but there are subtle differences. Telehealth refers to a variety of services, like connecting providers (such as labs and pharmacists), providing remote training, coordinating staff (like home health workers), and handling remote admissions. Telemedicine is just one aspect of telehealth focused solely on patient care.

Telehealth Overview and History

Telehealth has been around since long before the COVID-19 pandemic, but it was arguably during the lockdowns of 2020 that telehealth came into the public's consciousness.

Telehealth, as we know it today, began over 50 years ago when NASA developed telehealth services for astronauts on long-duration missions.

By the 1990s, telehealth was introduced as a means to deliver remote care to specific occupations, such as a system called Mednet that connected healthcare providers with workers on ships. Remote devices were soon after introduced that allowed healthcare providers to monitor people with sleep apnea or keep track of people with Alzheimer's disease using GPS technology.

The advent of high-speed internet, webcams, video chats, and specialized smartphone apps spurred the rapid adoption of telehealth in the early-2000s.

Services became sophisticated so that by the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic , the federal government not only aggressively adopted and increased awareness of telehealth but passed legislation that allowed for Medicare coverage of many at-home telehealth services.

A 2020 review published in BMC Public Health concluded that telehealth improved the delivery of healthcare during the pandemic, minimizing COVID-19 transmission and potentially reducing morbidity and deaths.

Telehealth Today

Today, telehealth encompasses a variety of virtual services that you can access through personal electronic devices, secure web portals, or dedicated monitoring devices. Although many people associate telehealth with "virtual health visits," it has come to mean much more than that.

Today, telehealth can serve many different purposes, such as:

• Enabling real-time visits with multiple providers or patients (such as for group therapy)
• Taking and sharing photos or videos of a skin rash, eye infection, or other symptoms
• Allowing you to direct message your provider with questions or requests (such as about medication doses, refills, or side effects)
• Receiving an email, phone, or text reminder about prescription refills or recommended health screenings
• Providing you with video instructions on how to use a medical device, such as a self-injector or at-home dialysis machine
• Remotely monitoring your blood sugar, heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep patterns, and other functions
• Providing you immediate secure access to electronic health records (EHRs)
• Linking you with an urgent care provider to get immediate treatment for uncomplicated conditions (like a cold sore )

Telehealth is even being explored as a way for surgeons to perform remote robotic surgery (" telesurgery ") for conditions like kidney tumors.

What Can Telehealth Treat?

Due to advances in video and medical technology and online security, telehealth can be utilized in many fields of practice once thought unimaginable. These include primary care, dermatology, dietetics, mental health, cardiology, endocrinology, and others.

Common conditions treated or managed with telehealth include:

• Headaches or migraines
• Colds, flu, or stomach aches
• Skin conditions such as acne or rashes
• Musculoskeletal conditions such as backaches
• Recurring conditions such as urinary tract infections or herpes
• Mental health problems such as anxiety or depression
• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation
• Chronic medical conditions such as diabetes

Types of visits appropriate for telehealth include:

• Wellness visits
• Nutrition counseling
• Psychotherapy
• Physical or occupational therapy
• Some urgent or emergent care
• Obtaining referrals or prescriptions
• Fertility counseling
• Prescription management
• Lab test or X-ray results
• Post-surgical follow-up
• Follow-up appointments

Which Providers Use Telehealth Most?

According to the American Medical Association, the medical practitioners who utilize telehealth the most are radiologists (39.5%), psychiatrists (27.8%), and cardiologists (24.1%). The medical practitioners who utilize telehealth the least are obstetrician-gynecologists (9.3%), gastroenterologists (7.9%), and allergists/immunologists (6.1%).

Advantages of Telehealth

There are many benefits to telehealth as evidenced by its impact during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even after the pandemic officially ended, many of the benefits remain.

Increased Accessibility

Telehealth is particularly beneficial for people in rural or isolated locations who might otherwise skip checkups or have limited access to urgent care. Telehealth is also more accessible for people who have mobility issues or are restricted to bed because of illness or infection.

Telehealth can also help people with conditions like agoraphobia or social anxiety who find it difficult to leave the house or those with long or inconvenient work hours who can benefit from a telehealth appointment after normal office hours. People with chronic illnesses that are often stigmatized like major depression or HIV/AIDS may also be more likely to seek care through telemedicine.

Telehealth may also be a faster way to access services. In many cases, a telehealth provider can see you right away, sometimes within minutes or hours of making an appointment.

Reduced Hospitalizations

Telehealth may lead to reduced hospitalizations, in part because people can access care earlier before severe symptoms develop.

A 2015 study in the American Journal of Managed Care reported that among people with a prior cardiovascular event, those who used telehealth for follow-ups had 31% fewer hospital admissions than those who didn't.

A 2020 review in the Journal of Medical Internet Research similarly concluded that high-quality telehealth reduces the risk of all-cause or condition-related hospitalization by 4.8% and 15.6% respectively.

Cost-Effectiveness

Generally, telehealth appointments are less costly than in-person because more patients can be seen in the same timeframe with fewer support staff.

Beyond the actual out-of-pocket costs, telehealth can also be more cost-effective. Research indicates telehealth can offer additional cost-savings such as:

• Less work absenteeism and/or loss of income
• Reduced childcare costs
• Reduced travel expenses

Telehealth is also linked to increased independent living and better quality of life for those who are older or frail.

Avoiding Waiting Rooms

During the COVID-19 pandemic, access to healthcare services through telemedicine was implemented to help limit the spread of the virus. This is still an important reason why you may want to choose telemedicine services over in-person visits.

By using telemedicine during flu season or at times when these viruses are known to be spreading in your community, you may be able to avoid exposure to COVID-19 and other illnesses such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This is particularly important for older people, people who are unvaccinated, or those who are immunocompromised.

Disadvantages of Telehealth

While telehealth may be more accessible for many people, it has its limitations and drawbacks that may make it less appropriate for certain groups.

Technical Barriers

Telehealth requires a certain level of technical literacy. Older populations and those with cognitive problems may not be able to utilize the services without a caregiver's help.

Older age is also associated with lower technology use. A 2022 study in Clinical Liver Disease reported that only 53% of adults 65 and over in the United States own a smartphone and only 59% have broadband access .

Other technical barriers include slow broadband speeds and unreliable internet service (particularly in remote regions) that can cause video calls to drop or interfere with streaming.

Telehealth requires a personal electronic device such as a computer or smartphone as well as internet access. Socioeconomic disparities alone may stand in the way of this.

A 2023 study from the University of Central Florida found that ethnic minorities and people with lower incomes are far less likely to access telehealth for economic reasons.

In Black communities especially, where poverty rates run high, people were less likely to engage in telehealth services than other ethnic groups. (In the same way, Black people are less likely to access healthcare in clinics due to cost and other social or economic reasons .)

Similarly, unemployed people are 15% less likely to access telehealth than those with a job.

Limitations in Care

There are also limitations as to what can and cannot be done via telehealth. In the end, some health services can’t be replicated virtually and require in-person visits.

These include appointments for:

• Blood and urine tests
• Physical diagnostic tests
• Physical examinations
• Shots or vaccinations
• Contraception placements
• Physical therapy

Because telehealth providers can't conduct a physical examination, there is also a greater risk of misdiagnosis associated with telemedicine services.

Regulations and Insurance Restrictions

Different states and insurance providers have different regulations and restrictions when it comes to telemedicine. For example:

• State regulations may create barriers to accessing telehealth, such as in-person visit requirements for people who need prescribed medication
• Health insurance companies may not cover telehealth services from providers located out of state
• There may be confusion about what types of telehealth services are covered by your provider

Privacy Concerns

Telehealth also comes with a broad range of privacy concerns, which may affect some groups more than others. For example:

• Data security can't always be guaranteed when using personal or public Wi-Fi networks, which means sensitive health information could be accessed by third parties.
• Some people do not have access to private spaces where they can use telehealth services.

There are steps you can take to ensure your privacy when using telehealth services:

• Make sure you are in a private location, such as a room with a locked door or a parked car.
• Turn off any devices that could record your conversation, such as security cameras, web cameras, smart speakers, etc.
• Avoid using a public computer, a work computer, or a public Wi-Fi network. Whenever possible, use your own device such as a phone, tablet, or laptop.
• Make sure your device has the latest operating system, including all recommended security updates.
• Choose a strong password when setting up your telehealth account. Your password should contain a mix of numbers, lowercase letters, capital letters, and symbols and should not be used on any other websites.
• Use encrypted email services when sending sensitive health information to your provider.

The Future of Telehealth

Telehealth was popular during the COVID-19 pandemic when lockdowns kept people confined to their homes and the healthcare system was overburdened. By 2022, however, telehealth use was significantly down, with an overall usage of around 31% compared to around 39% the previous year.

Other studies have found that there is still a preference for in-person telehealth services, with around 80% of providers saying they would rather provide limited or no telehealth services in the future, and only 36% of patients saying they prefer telehealth over an in-person visit.

Some analysts believe this indicates a trend towards limited telehealth services in the near future, though changes in access and improvements in home-based diagnostic tools could change this.

How to Use Telehealth

Before scheduling a telehealth appointment, speak with your provider and ask what platform or service they are using. It may be FaceTime on your iPhone, a Zoom call on your computer, or a secure portal on the internet.

If possible, do a test run to see if you can use the platform without freezing, dropped lines, sound problems, or pixelation (when the image breaks up).

How to Find a Telehealth Provider

If you have insurance, check directly with your insurance carrier when looking for a provider to see if they've partnered with any organizations that provide telehealth.

Some health insurance companies also provide searchable directories of healthcare providers with telehealth options. The providers in your health insurer's directory should also accept your insurance, though it's always a good idea to confirm this with the provider.

If you have Medicare or Medicaid, make sure that the service you plan to use is covered. While most telehealth services were covered by Medicare and Medicaid during the COVID-19 pandemic, some of those emergency concessions have since been withdrawn.

How to Prepare for a Telehealth Appointment

Once you are comfortable with the technology and out-of-pocket expense, you can prepare for the appointment by:

• Finding a private space where you can speak openly and confidentially
• Locating a well-lit spot so that your healthcare provider can see your face clearly
• Turning down any background noise
• Closing all other applications on your smartphone or laptop before the appointment begins

As with all other appointments, you can better prepare by writing down any symptoms or concerns you'd like to discuss. It is also important to be patient if your provider is running late as the same can happen with an in-office visit.

Telehealth involves the use of technology to deliver medical care remotely. This not only includes virtual visits on your smartphone, laptop, or tablet but also the sharing of electronic records, management of prescriptions and lab results, and the remote monitoring of conditions like diabetes.

The advantages of telehealth include convenience, generally lower costs, and more consistent management of medical conditions. Disadvantages include a lack of access to technology, a lack of technical literacy, the cost of telehealth for low-income people, and privacy concerns.

There are also limitations to the types of conditions that telehealth can and cannot treat.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration. A brief history of NASA's contributions to telemedicine .

Cuffia A. The Medical Library Association guide to developing consumer health collections .  J Hosp Librarianship . 2019 Jan;19(1):84-5. doi:10.1080/15323269.2019.1568127

Telehealth.HHS.gov. Telehealth policy changes after the COVID-19 public health emergency .

Monaghesh E, Hajizadeh A.  The role of telehealth during COVID-19 outbreak: a systematic review based on current evidence . BMC Public Health . 2020;20(1):1193. doi:10.1186/s12889-020-09301-4

Li J, Yang X, Chu G, et al. Application of improved robot-assisted laparoscopic telesurgery with 5G technology in urology . Eur Urol. 2023 Jan;83(1):41-4. doi:10.1016/j.eururo.2022.06.018

American Medical Association. Which medical specialties use telemedicine most?

Hirko KA, Kerver JM, Ford S, et al. Telehealth in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: Implications for rural health disparities . Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association . 2020;27(11):1816-1818. doi:10.1093/jamia/ocaa156

Obisike EE. The effectiveness of telemedicine on stigmatization and treatment burden in patients with health compromising lifestyles and chronic diseases: A critically appraised topic . Open Sci J . 2018;3(1).

Pande RL, Morris M, Peters A, et al.  Leveraging remote behavioral health interventions to improve medical outcomes and reduce costs .  Am J Manag Care . 21(2):e141-e151

Peters GM, KooijL, Lenferink A, van Harten WH, Doggen CJM. The effect of telehealth on hospital services use: systematic review and meta-analysis . J Med Internet Res. 2021 Sep;23(9):e25195. doi:10.2196/25195

Avidor D, Loewenstein A, Waisbourd M, Nutman A. Cost-effectiveness of diabetic retinopathy screening programs using telemedicine: a systematic review . Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation . 2020;18(1):16. doi:10.1186/s12962-020-00211-1

White-Williams C, Liu X, Shang D, Santiago J. Use of telehealth among racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States before and during the COVID-19 pandemic . Public Health Rep . 2023;138(1):149-156. doi:10.1177/00333549221123575

Price JC, Simpson DC. Telemedicine and health disparities . Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken). 2022 Apr;19(4):144–7. doi:10.1002/cld.1171

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Telehealth in rural communities .

Williams C, Shang D. Telehealth usage among low-income racial and ethnic minority populations during the covid-19 pandemic: retrospective observational study .  J Med Internet Res . 2023;25:e43604. doi:10.2196/43604

Holčapek T, Šolc M, Šustek P. Telemedicine and the standard of care: a call for a new approach? Front Public Health . 2023;11:1184971. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1184971

American Academy of Family Physicians. Legal requirements for using telehealth services .

Houser SH, Flite CA, Foster SL. Privacy and security risk factors related to telehealth services - A systematic review . Perspect Health Inf Manag . 2023;20(1):1f.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Telehealth privacy and security tips for patients .

Shilane D, Lu TH. Declining trends in telehealth utilization in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic . J Telemed Telecare . 2023:1357633X231202284. doi:10.1177/1357633X231202284

SteelFisher GK, McMurtry CL, Caporello H, et al. Video telemedicine experiences in COVID-19 were positive, but physicians and patients prefer in-person care for the future . Health Aff (Millwood) . 2023;42(4):575-584. doi:10.1377/hlthaff.2022.01027

By Sarah Bence, OTR/L Bence is an occupational therapist with a range of work experience in mental healthcare settings. She is living with celiac disease and endometriosis.

How to Choose a New Primary Care Doctor

Finding a primary care physician is the first step you can take towards your good health. Here are some tips to look for in order to choose the best care provider doctor for you.

This article is based on reporting that features expert sources.

How to Find a Primary Care Doctor

Getty Images)

When it comes to navigating the health care system, it can be confusing and overwhelming with the various types of doctors.

While there are many types of specialists , like a cardiologist or oncologist , that provide care for specific cases and instances, the one type of doctor everyone should have is a primary care doctor.

Primary care doctors serve as your first point of contact for your general health needs and concerns.

Key Takeaways

• A primary care provider, or PCP, is a doctor who handles your routine health care. They can monitor different aspects of your health and refer you to specialists for more specific problems. 
• There are a variety of ways to find a primary care doctor for you. You can start by talking to family and friends, using an online search tool and checking online reviews. 
• After finding a doctor you’d like to try, consider things like wait time, office environment, whether they are covered by your insurance and the provider’s communication to decide whether they’re a good fit for you.

Why You Need a Primary Care Physician

Although some people use urgent care or the emergency room for their primary care needs, that doesn't allow you to build a trusted, long-term relationship with one provider, says internal medicine physician Dr. James Wantuck, chief medical officer and cofounder of the telehealth platform PlushCare.

By building a relationship over time, your provider becomes a detective to find out what's wrong when something isn't right with your health. They can monitor changes or trends in your health over time to diagnose, treat and prevent any new health problems that may arise.

General and preventive care and services primary care providers offer include:

• Annual physicals and checkups
• Blood tests
• Health screenings
• Routine vaccinations
• Common and/or minor health issues, such as colds, flu , ear infections, rashes and insect bites
• Chronic conditions, including allergies , asthma, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and skin conditions.
• Women's health care , such as birth control, pelvic exams and Pap smears.

If you have a complex or specific medical condition that requires particular expertise, your primary care physician can refer you to see a medical specialist.

Types of Primary Care Physicians and Providers

There are several types of doctors who work as primary care physicians. Here's a breakdown of the types of doctors who are PCPs.

Family medicine physician

A family medicine physician cares for the whole person through all stages of life, from birth to older age. They will focus on seeing you as a whole person rather than just one specific health problem, says Dr. Ada Stewart, board chair of the American Academy of Family Physicians and a practicing family physician in Columbia, South Carolina.

A family medicine doctor will earn their four-year undergraduate degree, a medical degree and then take part in a three-year residency program.

Internal medicine physician

Also called internists, an internal medicine physician specializes in care for adults age 18 and over. This includes diagnosing, treating and helping to prevent health problems.

An internal medicine doctor will earn their four-year undergraduate degree, a medical degree and then take part in a three-year residency program.

Pediatrician

A pediatrician cares for children and young adults. Many pediatricians offer care through age 21, but some may advocate that you try to find a new provider around the age of 18.

After getting their medical degree, a pediatrician takes part in a three-year residency program for specialized training related to caring for children.

An OB-GYN can be a primary care provider for some women, particularly young, healthy women. However, OB-GYNs specialize in reproductive health and aren't equipped to handle problems like strep throat, COVID-19 or other health issues beyond women's health. Also, many family medicine and internal medicine physicians will handle routine gynecological care, such as Pap smears.

Nurse practitioner or physician assistant

A nurse practitioner or a physician assistant can be a primary care provider. Although they are not medical doctors, they work closely with physicians and will refer to their supervising doctor, says Dr. Susan Besser, a primary care provider specializing in family medicine at Mercy Personal Physicians at Overlea in Baltimore. In many states, nurse practitioners have the same prescriptive authority as doctors and can prescribe medications, but there are certain states that only allow medical doctors to issue certain prescriptions.

MD vs. DO Degrees

When you see a primary care physician, you may notice that some have an MD (doctor of medicine) degree, while others have a DO (doctor of osteopathic medicine) degree. Both receive similar training, but DOs study 300 to 500 hours of osteopathic manipulation, which is a hands-on approach used to treat the musculoskeletal system.

General Practice vs. Internal Medicine

A general practice and an internal medicine practice will both provide primary care near you. Both general practitioners and internal medicine doctors have an undergraduate degree, go to medical school and complete a residency.

However, a general practitioner provides general primary care for all ages. An internal medicine doctor will focus on primary care for adults age 18 and older. If you begin to see an internal medicine doctor as an adult, your children wouldn't be able to see the same doctor.

Choosing a New Primary Care Doctor

If you have to choose a new primary care doctor because of a change in health insurance , a move or changing medical needs, consider these following tips.

1. Ask friends or family.

Many referrals to a primary care provider come from friends or family members. Their recommendation can be helpful because that person knows you well.

However, a stamp of approval from a friend or family member doesn't always mean the doctor is a good match for you. You'll have different health issues than your friend or family member.

Plus, the personality mix of the doctor and patient together is the real key to a successful relationship, says Dr. Ruth Brocato, a primary care provider specializing in family medicine at Mercy Personal Physicians at Lutherville, Maryland. If a friend or family member likes a doctor, ask what they like about that provider. This will help you determine if there's a potential match for you.

2. Check online reviews.

Online reviews are popular, but they should only be a starting point when choosing a new primary care provider. It's always helpful if you see mostly positive reviews, as that likely indicates the doctor cares about his or her public image. However, negative reviews may not always be accurate, and all reviews are anecdotal.

Use U.S. News's doctor directory to find a doctor near you. U.S News uses patient experience ratings and provider expertise to help patients choose a doctor.

3. Check the doctor's background credentials.

This is usually easy to find on the practice's website. You can use their online information to check the following:

• Is the doctor licensed in your state? You can find out where a doctor is licensed to practice and their education background at the Federation of State Medical Boards website .
• What is the doctor's specialty: family medicine or internal medicine?
• Is the doctor board certified? Board certification refers to a special exam that doctors can study for and pass after completing medical school. Doctors aren't required to complete board certification, but it adds an extra layer of testing of knowledge. Board certification also requires courses that refresh the doctor's knowledge every few years.

If it's important to you, you'll also want to take into account if the doctor is male or female.

4. Ask about health insurance coverage.

You can whittle down costs when you see a primary care provider who's covered by your private health insurance plan or Medicare or Medicaid. Many health insurance plans will require you a copay for each appointment, and the plan will cover the remaining cost. Insurance plans have online tools to help you verify which local primary care providers accept your insurance.

You can also contact your insurance company (by phone or online) to find providers in your area. If you find a primary care provider you like, but their office doesn't accept your insurance, talk to the provider's staff. They may be able to arrange an affordable self-pay option. The same is true if you don't have any health care coverage. If you have health insurance, your plan still may pay for a portion of the appointment as an out-of-network visit.

5. Consider the office location.

How close is the office to your home? Beyond that, find out if there's parking or if the office is close to a bus or subway line. If you or a family member has special needs, ask in advance if the office has an elevator and ramps for wheelchairs and walkers, Stewart advises.

6. Ask how long it takes to get an appointment.

You can do this by calling the office and simply asking them how quickly a patient can usually get an appointment. You'll also want to ask if they have same-day appointments in case you get sick and need to be seen urgently.

It also can be helpful to know how the doctor handles after-hours emergencies and non-emergencies, Stewart says. For example, is there another on-call physician, or does the office use an answering service to field nighttime calls? Another consideration nowadays: Does the office have telehealth appointments?

7. When visiting, consider how long your wait time is.

You usually can expect some waiting at any doctor's office, but you'll want to make sure you're comfortable with the average wait time. That comes with a caveat.

"Obviously, wait time is important, and I aim to be on time, but realize that I may have been delayed because I was comforting a new widow, talking to a parent whose child is struggling in school or even giving a patient a new cancer diagnosis," Brocato explains.

8. Evaluate how well the primary care provider listens.

Does the doctor take the time to listen to your concerns? Do you feel comfortable opening up to him or her?

As part of this, find out about their philosophy of medical care to see if you agree with it, Besser advises.

For instance, do they prefer to prescribe medications, or are they more interested in starting with lifestyle changes? Which do you prefer? The doctor's focus on prevention of chronic diseases, rather than only treating something once a condition develops, also can be important.

If you have a preexisting condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure , ask if the doctor regularly treats patients with your condition.

Some patients may also wish to ask if the doctor regularly treats LGBTQ patients.

9. Take cues from the office environment.

Staff friendliness and office cleanliness can help indicate the type of care you'll receive.

When choosing a new primary care physician, you can set up a meet-and-greet visit to get a better feel for that person and the office. You'll find out more information during that visit to help with your decision. You also can ask the doctor's office if they offer a trial period, so you can see over a few appointments if you feel comfortable going there. Even if they don't formally offer this, you should still be able to look for a new primary care provider when you want to switch to someone new.

Bottom Line

As you try to pinpoint the right primary care provider, keep in mind that it's an ongoing, collaborative relationship. You don't want to contact the provider only when you're sick.

Stay in touch for preventive care appointments, immunizations and when you need emotional or mental health support. By staying in touch, the provider gets to know you better, which helps to build a stronger relationship.

What Makes a Good Doctor?

The U.S. News Health team delivers accurate information about health, nutrition and fitness, as well as in-depth medical condition guides. All of our stories rely on multiple, independent sources and experts in the field, such as medical doctors and licensed nutritionists. To learn more about how we keep our content accurate and trustworthy, read our  editorial guidelines .

Besser is a primary care provider specializing in family medicine at Mercy Personal Physicians at Overlea in Baltimore.

Brocato is a primary care provider specializing in family medicine at Mercy Personal Physicians at Lutherville, Maryland.

Stewart is president of the American Academy of Family Physicians and a practicing family physician in Columbia, South Carolina.

Wantuck is chief medical officer and cofounder of the telehealth platform PlushCare.

Tags: doctors , patient advice , patients , health care

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How to Find a Good Doctor

9 steps to help you find the right doctor for you and your family, sharing is nice.

We respect your privacy . All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story.

Choosing a primary care doctor is one of the most important health decisions you'll make. And thanks in part to the Affordable Care Act, which has dramatically increased the number of people with health insurance, more people than ever are now searching for a physician they can call their own.

"Unfortunately, it's hard to find reliable, easy-to-understand information about specific doctors or practices," Doris Peter, Ph.D., director of the Consumer Reports Health Ratings Center, said. "Sure, you can check out physician reviews on sites such as Yelp and Angie's List, but do you really want to find a doctor the same way you do a restaurant or plumber? Probably not."

Still, there are strategies and resources that can help you find a new doctor or check up on one you already have. Here's why it's so important to find a good primary care doctor, what to focus on in your search, and where to go for the information you need.

Get a Go-To Doctor

More and more insurance plans require that you choose one physician to serve as your main resource. That go-to person can not only help you with day-to-day health problems such as the flu or a sprained ankle but also refer you to specialists when necessary and, important, oversee all of the care you get.

"It may seem like a burden or restrictive to have to choose a primary care provider," Orly Avitzur, M.D., medical director at Consumer Reports, said. "But everyone needs a project manager, so to speak, to help you navigate our confusing health care system."

Growing research suggests that people who have a strong relationship with a physician not only report greater satisfac­tion with their care but also may enjoy better health. That makes sense, because having good communication and col­lab­oration with the doctor who oversees your care can help make sure you get the tests and treatments you need, and avoid common problems, such as getting duplicative or contradictory treatments from a legion of specialists.

Let the Search Begin

If you know a doctor, nurse, or healthcare professional, ask for the names of doctors or practices in your area whom they like and trust. That can be more in­sightful than recommendations from friends or family. You should also consider what kind of doctor you want. Someone who can care for your whole family? Someone who focuses on women or older people (see below)? Here are some other things to consider as you search for Dr. Right:

• Check your insurance: Use your insurer's directory or search on its website for doctors in your network. Because doctors often add or drop plans, call the office to verify that the doctor still accepts your insurance.
• Consider hospital affiliation:  Your choice of doctor can determine which hospital you go to, if needed, so find out where the doctor has admitting privileges. Then use our  hospital ratings  to see how that facility compares with other hospitals in your area.  
• Look for board certification:  Being certified through the American Board of Medical Specialties means a doctor has earned a medical degree from a qualified medical school, completed three to seven years of accredited residency training, is licensed by a state medical board, and has passed one or more exams administered by a member of the ABMS. To maintain the certification, a doctor is expected to participate in continuing education. To see whether a doctor is certified, go to  certificationmatters.org.
• Watch out for red flags:  They include malpractice claims and disciplinary actions. Even good doctors can get sued once or twice, but "you certainly don't want someone who has had a lot of malpractice claims," Avitzur says. Common reasons for being disciplined include substance abuse and inappropriate sexual behavior, though it can be hard to know exactly why a doctor was sanctioned. Most states let doctors prac­tice while they receive treatment.  
• Consider compatibility:  More than half of Americans focus on personality and relationship when choosing a physician, according to a 2014 survey from The Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. (Just 29 percent said the delivery of care or the patient's health outcome was most crucial.) Use your first visit as a litmus test. Some factors to consider: Does the doctor listen to you without interrupting? Does she fully answer your questions? Does she explain your diagnosis and treatment, and specify a date for a follow-up visit?
• Ask about drug reps:  Many doctors let representatives from pharma­ceutical companies into their offices to pitch their drugs. That not only takes up a lot of the doctor's time but also may inappropriately influence his choice of drugs. "That can get patients started on a brand-name medication that may be more expensive or may not be the best one for them," Peter said. Moreover, a doctor's attitude toward drug reps can indicate how committed he is to practicing according to the best evidence, not pressures from industry.
• Find out about office policies:  Ask how long it takes to make an appointment for a routine visit (it should be less than a week), whether they offer same-day appointments, and how long patients are kept in the waiting room. Once you're a patient, if the reality doesn't meet your expectations, consider shopping around. That's important not only to save you time but also for your health. In practices that waste patients' time, research shows that "patients are less likely to follow up on recommendations to prevent or manage chronic conditions," said L. Gordon Moore, M.D., chief medical officer at Treo Solutions, a data analytics firm.
• Scrutinize the staff:  They are the people who will schedule your appointments, check you in and out, give the doctor your messages, and address insurance concerns. Look for a staff that's friendly, efficient, and respectful. "Health care is a team sport," said Lois Margaret Nora, M.D., J.D., and president and CEO of the American Board of Medical Specialties. "People should expect quality in their doctor and the system in which the physician practices."
• Factor in technology:  Electronic health records let your doctor track your medical history, share info with spe­cialists, and monitor all of your drugs. Many doctors also have a patient portal, a secured website that gives you 24-hour access to your health information, al­lowing you to book and track doctor appointments, get lab results, request prescription refills, and e-mail questions to your doctor. The government requires that health information be protected with passwords, encryption, and other technical safeguards. Still, ask how your information will be safeguarded. (Read our article " The Doctor Will E-mail You Now .")

Where to Go for Doctor Information

Consumer Reports has started to rate primary care doctors, using data from physicians, health plans, employers, hospitals, and consumers. But the effort is now limited to four states—California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. We also provide ratings of heart surgery groups , using data from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.  

Here is a quick guide to some other sites that provide information on doctors.

AMA DoctorFinder.  Basic information on more than 814,000 physicians in the U.S. You get information on specialty training, board certification, and more. But there is no information on patient outcomes, disciplinary actions, or communication skills.

AngiesList.com . User reviews on an A through F scale, sometimes based on a limited number of responses, for categories such as availability, punctuality, staff friendliness, and effectiveness of treatment. Requires an annual membership fee ranging from $3.50 to $10, depending on services you select.

Castle Connolly.  Ratings of "top doctors" based on peer nominations, research, screening, and other factors. Search by name, location, hospital, specialty, or insurance.

Healthgrades.com . Comprehensive, easy-to-use site that allows searches by name, procedure, specialty, or condition. Includes info on education, affiliated hospitals (and ratings on the hospital itself), sanctions, malpractice claims and board actions, office locations, and insurance plans. Ratings on topics such as patient satisfaction and wait time are based on patient feedback, which can be limited.

National Committee for Quality Assurance . Reliable information on doctors who meet important standards in measures such as being a patient-centered medical home, care for heart disease, diabetes, and back pain. NCQA verifies a doctor's licensing, but other data is self-reported.

Physician Compare.  Information from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for people looking for health care providers who accept Medicare. Provides information on board certification, education, and group and hospital affiliations.

RateMDs.com . Search for doctors by name, sex, ZIP code, state, and specialty. Includes information on training as well as patient ratings on staff, punctuality, helpfulness, and knowledge. It has links to medical board records where you can get information on disciplinary actions. Patients can post questions and answers about doctors. Ratings are based on patient reviews.

Vitals.com . Find doctors by specialty, condition, insurance, name, and more. You'll get the lowdown on a doctor's awards, expertise, hospital affiliations, and insurance as well as patient ratings on measures such as bedside manner, follow-up, promptness, accuracy of diagnosis, and average wait time. There's also a patient-comment section.

U.S. News & World Report . No ratings of doctors, just basic info on a physician's years in practice, hospital affiliation, training, certification, licensure, insurance, and awards.

Yelp.com.  User reviews that give doctors one to five stars. Doctors can't pay to alter or remove their reviews, though it is hard to tell what the reviewer's relationship is to the doctor and doctors can get high ratings with just a few responses.

Editor's Note:  This article originally appeared in the October 2014 issue of  Consumer Reports on Health .

Getting good, affordable healthcare shouldn't be so hard. I've helped consumers navigate the system—exposing scams, reining in hype, and identifying what really works—for more than 20 years, focusing especially on doctors, hospitals, and health insurance companies.

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Screen Rant

The devil's hour season 2 reveals first look at doctor who star's return to thriller show with 95% rt score.

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The 30 Best TV Shows On Amazon Prime Video (August 2024)

How silo season 2 will be different from the book explained by showrunner, one tree hill sequel show in development at netflix with 2 original stars returning.

The Devil's Hour season 2 offers the first look at the return of Doctor Who star Peter Capaldi in the Prime Video supernatural thriller with an almost perfect Rotten Tomatoes score. Created by Tom Moran with fellow Doctor Who alum Peter Moffat as showrunner, the six-episode show debuted in October 2022. It follows a social worker who wakes up every day at 3:33 AM, experiencing strange visions at the so-called devil's hour. It has already been renewed up to a third season, which will be its last.

RadioTimes.com has now unveiled the first photos of The Devil's Hour season 2, ahead of the release of new episodes on October 18 .

The images offer a glimpse of The Devil's Hour cast returning to their roles. That includes Capaldi as Gideon, the mysterious criminal that can remember his future. Jessica Raine, meanwhile, plays the central social worker. Nikesh Patel plays Ravi, a detective with a fear of blood. Ted Lasso 's Phil Dunster portrays Mike, Lucy's estranged husband and the father of her son. New cast member and Top Boy actor Saffron Hocking plays Sam Boyd, a sergeant detective.

What To Know About The Devil's Hour

Season 2 teases an elusive monster.

The story of The Devil's Hour follows Lucy Chambers, a social worker who deals with personal and familial troubles. She wakes up every night, at exactly 3:33 AM after she sees horrifying visions. Having a withdrawn son and other concerns related to her mother as well, Lucy's name is linked to a string of brutal murders, and she's pulled into the hunt for a serial killer .

The Devil's Hour season 1 has an average rating of 7.10/10 based on 20 reviews, and 88% audience approval, on Rotten Tomatoes.

According to the official synopsis for The Devil's Hour season 2, Lucy will have to form a reluctant alliance with Gideon in the hopes of preventing a recurring tragedy and also with the goal of capturing an elusive monster. But as new mysteries unfold, one explosive moment threatens to unleash havoc on the lives of all the characters.

Amazon Prime Video is one of the fastest-growing streaming services in the market, offering incredible original shows such as The Boys and Fleabag.

With a cast that also includes Benjamin Chivers, Alex Ferns, Barbara Marten, Thomas Dominique and Rhiannon Harper-Rafferty, The Devil's Hour season 3 has already been filmed. That means viewers can jump into the series, which has been praised for excellent performances and a strong balance of tones, without having to worry about a cancellation that ends on a cliffhanger .

Source: RadioTimes.com

The Devil's Hour (2022)

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Lucy Chambers wakes up at 3:33 a.m. every night, haunted by terrifying visions and a feeling that something is wrong. As she investigates the connection between her dreams and a series of brutal murders, she unravels a dark mystery that challenges her understanding of reality and time.