Questions to ask before you choose a doctor

A short phone call can save you money and stress. The best doctor for you is one you can afford to keep seeing, because a regular doctor helps you stay healthy over time. Here are the questions worth asking any cash-pay or direct primary care practice before you sign up.

About cost

• What does a visit or a monthly membership cost?
• What does that price include, and what costs extra?
• Is there a sign-up fee, or a minimum number of months?
• How do I cancel if I need to?
• What do common lab tests and medicines cost through your practice?

About access

• Are you taking new patients?
• How soon can I usually get an appointment?
• Can I reach the doctor by phone, text or video?
• What happens if I need care at night or on a weekend?

About the doctor

• Is the doctor board-certified, and in what specialty? Board-certified means the doctor passed extra exams in that field of medicine.
• What happens if I need a specialist or an X-ray?

You can confirm that any doctor holds an active license by searching your state medical board's website.