Los Angeles Oncologists Los Angeles, CA

10 questions to ask your Los Angeles doctor

A visit to a physician can be a complex, intimidating experience, especially if you’re dealing with unfamiliar symptoms. As awkward as the situation may be, remember, it’s business. You are paying for a service, and you have the right to be informed.

If looking for a Los Angeles doctor, sign in to Angie’s List to read member reviews of area doctors and recent services. Whether you’re looking for an ENT, oncologist, urologist or primary care physician, Angie’s List contains listings for doctors and specialists to meet your needs.

If starting with a new Los Angeles doctor – or if you’ve seen the same physician for years – here’s a list of 10 questions you should ask the doctor, office personnel or insurance company before, during and after each visit.

1. Do you accept my insurance?
Many insurance providers have a list of specific doctors in their network who accept the payment and terms of the insurance provider. Double check with the doctor to make sure he or she still accepts that insurance because some will refuse to work with certain providers after problems with claims.

2. Can I have a copy of the bill to compare it against what the insurance company is billed?
Doctors and their staff are only human and sometimes make mistakes. Giving the bill a once over helps ensure that your insurance company is billed properly, which helps keep everyone’s premiums lower.

3. If I don’t have insurance, do you accept payment arrangements and what are the terms?
Some offices allow you to make direct payment arrangements, and others offer information on more formalized loans through third parties. Make sure to check the interest rates against those at your bank or credit union because you may be able to get a signature loan that’s cheaper in the long run.

4. What pre-approvals do I need for services before I come in, and how do I go about securing them?
Most insurance companies require pre-approvals for certain treatments. If they don’t approve it, it doesn’t mean you can’t have the treatment, just that you will have to pay for it out of pocket.

5. What do I need to know about my diagnosis and long-term healing prospects?
The doctor should be able to tell you about your condition in terms you understand, including the seriousness of the conditions, your treatment options and your overall prospects for recovery.

6. What are the pros and cons of the various treatment options?
Depending on the medical diagnosis, there may be several treatment options. The effectiveness of the treatments can vary, depending on different factors such as the patient’s age and physical condition.

7. What do I need to know about my medication?
Before filling a prescription, make sure you understand how often you should take the medication and if there are any side effects or and potential interactions with other medications or supplements. Alexandra Mislin says highly rated Dr. Richard Berkson of Berkson & Mack MDs in Long Beach, Calif., helped her get back on track during a recent office visit.

“He did a fantastic job helping to figure out just the right level of medication for my condition after there had been some changes to my system,” she says. “He is a rare find in today's medical system and he is a brilliant doctor.”

8. Does my treatment require a change in routine or diet?
Some injuries, for example, may prevent you from lifting items of a certain weight, and others may require you to eat certain foods or at certain times to bring about the desired outcome.

9. What additional symptoms do I need to look for?
Sometimes when there is a diagnosis, a patient has had no or few symptoms and can expect more to appear. Some symptoms may be benign, and others may require treatment.

10. What’s my next step?
If being referred to a specialist, ask whether you or the office staff is responsible for making arrangements. If it’s up to you, don’t forget to get the name, number and other necessary information for the care provider.

Angie’s List member Cheryl Tapella said when working with highly rated Dr. David Margileth of Hematology-Oncology Medical Group in Orange, Calif., he and his staff was helpful when offering referrals.

"His staff is great. If you need something they are there to help you,” Tapella says.

Remember to schedule any follow-up appointments before leaving your doctor’s office. If you’re leaving with a serious diagnosis, consider getting a second opinion.

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