href="#fb3_img_img_8c9f0311-e326-5b1b-bd0b-1e30b2553d50.jpg"/> Feet and leg check (skin, circulation, and feeling)
After the visit, consider how it went. If the checkup wasn’t thorough or the conversations didn’t go well, this may not be a good sign for when you have an urgent need or problem in the future.
NEIGHBORLY ADVICE
When choosing a doctor, common sense has you looking to neighbors and friends for a recommendation. This is indeed a good idea, as long as you also keep in mind that a friendly personality does not always mean quality care. When you get a recommendation, follow up by asking your neighbors and friends to describe their diabetes control. They might have a nice, friendly doctor, but if that physician is allowing your neighbor to have a long-term A1C higher than 8% or continuous unsolved glucose swings, well, it should raise some red flags.
PICK THE BEST
Fortunately, there are established standards of care that exist for diabetes management published by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). You may want to get to know these standards by visiting the ADA website (www.diabetes.org), calling the toll-free number (1-800-DIABETES), or asking a certified diabetes educator (CDE). Physicians who have met these established national standards can apply for a unique voluntary status known as “American Diabetes Association Recognized Provider.” This rigorous application signifies that the physician has achieved and maintained national standards of care in diabetes. Something else to note—this is a volunteer process that takes time and effort. The mere fact that the physician felt it important enough to pursue can say a lot. To find a physician who has achieved this recognition, go to http://recognition.ncqa.org.
FINDING PHYSICIANS ONLINE
To find an endocrinologist in your area, try the following websites, which have physician search options.
| Web Address | Site Sponsor |
| www.ncqa.org | National Committee for Quality Assurance |
| www.diabetes.org | American Diabetes Association |
| www.dlife.com | dlife Incorporated |
| www.aace.com | American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists |
| www.ama-assn.org | American Medical Association |
| www.healthfinder.gov | U.S. Department of Health and Human Services |
| www.abms.org | American Board of Medical Specialists |
Many insurance providers have online physician finders that also list affiliations and accreditations. These finders offer the benefit of looking specifically for doctors that accept your insurance. Finally, your state medical association should also have information online.
INVESTIGATE THE RECORDS
Find out what your potential provider’s qualifications are and how long they have had them. The local state medical board may be able to provide you with information about physician status and previous outcomes. In the near future, doctors may also have “report cards” available on the Internet that will provide you with information about quality of care. In addition to the physician, do your homework on the other staff members. Some offices use physician assistants or nurse practitioners to help with the growing numbers of patients. These health care professionals also have state licensing boards that can be contacted for researching information.
WHERE WILL THEY SEND YOU?
Consider the hospital or diagnostic centers your potential physician is affiliated with. If you are not impressed with the facilities to which they will refer you, it could add undue stress when a need or emergency arises. Check to see if the center or facility has a CDE on staff (search for individual CDEs at www.aade.net), or has achieved American Diabetes Association Recognition (search for recognized sites at www.diabetes.org). Also ask where you will receive diabetes education classes—a pamphlet on “diet” and a free meter won’t do.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
This may seem like an unimportant detail, but the location of your doctor’s office can affect how willing you are to make appointments. You will more than likely require several checkups or “well visits” during the year, so carefully evaluate the location of the physician (including their parking areas!). Make sure you have reliable and accessible transportation to the office. If you have a good relationship with your doctor, it may be worth a longer trip. However, don’t set yourself up for a long drive if you feel it will keep you from making regular appointments. Missing check-up appointments will disrupt your physician’s ability to perform preventative assessments and interventions for your future health.
ONCE YOU’VE DECIDED ON A DOCTOR
BE CONSIDERATE
Remember the doctor-patient relationship is a two-way street. No-show appointments are a pain for physician offices, as they are lost time that could have been made available to another person in need. Be considerate. If you make an appointment, stick with it, or call well
