This guest blog post is contributed by Boomerater, a free online resource for Baby Boomers helping you find everything from a Los Angeles financial advisor to great trips with your grandkids. Seniors for Living contributes its senior housing properties to Boomerater’s local directories including New Jersey independent living communities, Texas Assisted Living and more.

A new Q&A discussion from Boomerater’s forums appears here each Friday. In this week’s post, members share their experiences about how to find a good doctor.

Boomerater Question:
I have recently changed insurance providers and the new company does not include some of my doctors. It is upsetting in that I really like and trust my current doctors and am worried about making a bad decision. What is the best way to find a competent and caring doctor?

Responses from Boomerater members:
When I went from United Health Care to Aetna I learned my doctor’s office would not take Aetna. I was upset that I had to leave my doctor, but I asked if she would refer me to another doctor in our area that took Aetna. She was very understanding and referred me to three doctors. I followed her advice and am happy with the choice. I have recommended friends to both my current and past doctors and everyone has been very pleased with the care they receive.

• While online sites with doctor listings may give you a snapshot about a potential doctor’s credentials, I would be wary of trusting the reviews on these sites. They are not necessarily legitimate.  I went to a highly rated dentist and had a dreadful experience.  Also, some doctors are forcing patients to sign waivers that forbid them from posting negative reviews on online sites.  I would not trust a doctor that made me sign a waiver.
• Make sure any doctor you go to will take Medicare or you could end up switching again. If you go to Internet Health Pilot you can check your doctor through your state medical board. They give information on what plans they take including whether they participate in Medicare. They also tell if there was any disciplinary action against them. The site has other helpful links for other concerns.
• If you go to a new doctor and are diagnosed with a serious illness, or one that could require extensive treatment, get a second opinion from a doctor who is not associated with your doctor’s practice.  This is also important if there are different treatments for your condition and you need to decide upon one course of action.

To read more responses from Boomerater members and to share your own experiences, go to the Boomerater post: Finding a new doctor.