These sites allow you to search for the best doctor and health advocate for your health issue.

There are informative articles at the bottom on how to make the best of your doctor visits and to evaluate a doctor.

Find doctors certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties

Research over 600,000 physicians nationwide

Requires free online registration for information on a doctor.

Find a doctor/hospital site

From the U.S. Library of Medicine &

The National Institutes of Health

Health Grades

Search and compare doctors and find new doctors. The cost for a report on a specific doctor is $29.95.

National Institutes of Health and the National Library of Medicine

Medlineplus doctors directory site

You should also insure your doctor understands the special health issues of your age group. Please note this article on doctors who specialize on older patients. 

Geriatric Doctors Lag in Age of High Tech Medicine

New York Times

October 18, 2006

(Requires free, one time registration)

Health Advocates

There are a number of options for health advocates.  Before choosing one, make sure you understand  the fees you will pay and the services they will provide:

Center For Patient Partnership

From the University of Wisconsin

For patients with chronic or life-threatening illnesses

There is no cost

Healthcare Navigation

Helps with medical bills and insurance issues

There is a fee

HKS Patient Advocates

Specializes in medical decision making

There is a fee

M.D. Can Help, P.C, formerly Palliative Care Associates

Works with patients with chronic and incurable diseases

There is a fee

Patient Advocate Foundation

Helps patients with chronic of life threatening illnesses resolve insurance problems.

There is no fee.

HELPFUL ARTICLES

Making the Most of Doctor Visits

The Wall Street Journal

(Access may not be available to everyone)

October 30, 2007

Measuring a Doctor’s Quality Remains an Art

The Wall Street Journal

January 29, 2008