1. Bring a notebook to your first appointment with questions written in advance. Leave ample space under each question for you to write notes.
2. See if the doctor answers your questions to your satisfaction and thoroughly -- in a way you can understand it.
3. Observe the doctor's body language. See if the doctor maintains excellent eye contact, and when you bring up your concern, whether he/she seems in a rush or simply sits down and talks with you. In addition, see if the doctor is distant from you emotionally and physically. If the doctor is comfortable being physically close to you while answering questions, that's a good sign.
4. Give the doctor an emotional prompt on a topic that really concerns you, such as: "I'm really worried about my cholesterol levels." If the doctor is empathetic and great at putting you at ease, that's a great sign.
5. Call the doctor back the day after your appointment to bring up another real concern. If he or she calls you back promptly and reassures you/answers your questions, that's a sign that the doctor is vested in your emotional and physical well-being and respects you.
These methods aren't foolproof, but they really are crucial in your quest to find the doctor who's right for you.
