**The following post is from my guest blogger, Natalie Langley, MSW.  She is a Geriatric Care Research Analyst for SCANS (for more on SCANS, please see Eric Tinsley's blog by clicking here).**

Where can I go to find the right doctor for me?

Finding the right physician is one of the most important health decisions you will make.  Whether you do not currently have a doctor or you are unhappy with your current doctor, there are several resources available that can help you find the right health care provider for you.  To start, you want to make sure the physician you choose is in your insurance network.  If not, you may call the insurer and ask if they would consider adding this physician to their list. Whether you are a senior looking for yourself or a caregiver looking for your aging loved one, the following is a list of helpful websites for locating a physician. 

American Medical Association 
www.ama-assn.org   

National Institute on Aging – Age Page on Finding a Physician
http://www.nia.nih.gov/NR/rdonlyres/67530CA6-7AC1-4C45-BB8D-27D0E3C54A65/7441/Choosing_A_Doctor.pdf

American Board of Medical Specialties
www.abms.org 

American College of Surgeons
http://www.facs.org/public_info/yourhealth/findadoc.html

Diabetes and Heart/Stroke Physician Recognition Program
http://recognition.ncqa.org/

Healthfinder
www.healthfinder.gov 

Medline Plus
www.medlineplus.gov

American Geriatrics Society Foundation for Health in Aging
http://www.healthinaging.org/public_education/physician_referral.php