Question: Dr. Hibberd, thank you for your advice column, which I really enjoy reading. I recently moved to a new area and need to find a new doctor. What is the best way to find a good doctor and what qualities do you think are important?

Dr. Hibberd's answer:
Call friends and family if they can recommend someone in the new area. This is the best way of getting a doctor who is competent and has a good reputation in the community. Your health plan may suggest a list of doctors. You could go online, and search on this link http://doctor.webmd.com/physician_finder/home.aspx?sponsor=core, especially if you have special needs and are seeking a specialist.
If you are looking for a family doctor, and you have the names of a few doctors, call their offices to get more information. You should ask them if they accept your insurance, their office hours, which hospital the doctor uses, and how many doctors are in the practice. Once you find a doctor who meets your needs, schedule an appointment so that you can meet and talk to the doctor.
During the appointment, make sure that you are comfortable talking to the doctor, that he/she answers all your questions, explains things so that you can understand, and spends enough time to ask all your questions. Remember, it is important build a relationship with your doctor.