Although there are many Doctors in Maui, finding one with the expertise, experience, and facilities that are required to make an accurate medical diagnosis might not be as easy as it seems. Fortunately, there are various things you can do that can help you find a good, trustworthy Maui doctor.
The Type of Doctor
Determine whether you need a specialty doctor or a primary doctor. A primary doctor can treat a variety of conditions and illnesses. He might specialize in a specific area, such as internal or family medicine. A specialty doctor, such as a cardiologist or allergist, was trained to treat a specific condition, disease or procedure. A primary doctor can refer his patients to a specialist if needed.
Referrals From Others
Ask around for referrals. If you’re a new Maui resident, ask neighbors, co-workers, or friends whether they know of a good doctor. You can also search online to find a doctor. Often this will result in finding patient reviews, which can also give you a good idea of a certain doctor’s office.
Website Visits
Browse the doctor’s website, because this can tell you a lot about the practice. You can most likely find out whether the doctor is board certified, where he went to school, and how long he has been practicing. You can also determine the hours of operation of the facility. Many medical facilities in Maui are conveniently open seven days a week.
The Doctor’s Services
Inquire about the services that are provided. These can range from sports, school and work physicals to wound care, immunizations and treatments for minor emergencies. Often kids, adults and the elderly can get treated at the same facility. Many Doctors in Maui list their services on their websites. The Wailea Medical Center and Urgent Care, for instance, has a full list of services that they provide. Click here to get an idea of what these include.
Appointment/Walk-In Policies
Check whether the doctor’s office has an urgent care that you can take advantage of when life’s unexpected emergencies get the better of you. Often these facilities have a walk-in policy, so patients don’t need to make appointments to get treated.
First Impressions
During your first appointment, see whether the Doctor’s office appears organized and clean. Determine whether the staff is helpful and knowledgeable, and most importantly, see whether the doctor listens to you, explains everything clearly, and gives the impression that he cares about you.