Best Doctors is a suite of services that enables people to draw on the knowledge of medical experts to make sure they have the right diagnosis, the right treatment and the right care. In the U.S., Best Doctors is offered by employers at no cost to employees and their families. It is also available from health plans as a policyholder benefit. Best Doctors helps its members:
Confirm a diagnosis or treatment plan through an expert review of their medical records
► Get expert answers to questions about a medical condition
► Receive support when making treatment decisions
► Find a local medical specialist
Our services are 100% confidential and provided over the phone and through our proprietary web platform. There is no need to travel or visit doctors' offices.
2. What is in-depth medical reviews?
Through our Inter Consultation service, a member's diagnosis and treatment plan are reviewed in detail by a leading physician expert. Our expert provides a comprehensive report, either confirming what the member has been told or recommending a change. It's like getting a second opinion, only better.
Members can get expert answers to basic questions about a diagnosis, treatment or a health condition. They call Best Doctors to discuss their concerns and we deliver their questions to the most appropriate specialist. We'll even help determine what questions to ask.
If a member needs to find a local specialist who is approved by his or her health plan, Best Doctors can help. We have a database of more than 53,000 medical experts in over 450 specialties and subspecialties. We'll find the doctor who's right for each member.
We help members understand all their treatment options, including drugs and medical procedures, before making a medical decision. We provide information, coaching and resources so that a member facing a medical challenge has a better idea of which step is best to take.
Best Doctors is a no-cost benefit provided by companies as part of their employee benefits package. It is also offered by health plans as a policyholder benefit.
7. Why do employers and health plans offer best doctors?
Because they recognize the challenges and stresses that can occur when someone is uncertain about a medical diagnosis or treatment plan. Best Doctors helps people make medical decisions with confidence and ensures that they are getting the right care. It supplements the work of the member's own doctor(s) and does not replace it.
Today, 34% of all medical diagnoses are wrong. 68% of treatment plans require a correction. 38% of surgeries are unnecessary. With Best Doctors, members can be sure their diagnoses and treatment plans are right - and they can be confident they're making the right decisions about their health.
8. What types of medical conditions qualify for best doctors?
Best Doctors provides services for a wide range of medical conditions. They can include everything from back pain and sports injuries to chronic diseases and life-threatening illnesses. Best Doctors does not provide services for mental health disorders as in-person evaluations are more appropriate.
9. How has best doctors helped its members?
There are many examples of Best Doctors helping patients with everything from minor surgery to life-threatening illnesses.
10. Tell me what are some of the attributes of a successful physician?
► A high level of knowledge and clinical skills
► Professionalism
► Leadership skills
► Ethics
► Compassion
► Communication skills with diverse patients and colleagues
► Commitment to continued professional development
11. Tell me what tests do I need to take to become a physician?
► Most medical schools require the Medical College Admission Test (MCATExternal Link)
► Medical school tests
12. Tell me what degrees do I need to hold to become a physician?
► Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) from a college or university. There are also combined programs where students can obtain the BA and MD degrees.
► Doctor of Medicine degree (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree (DO)
Many physicians may also hold other advanced degrees, such as:
► Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
► Master's of Public Health (MPH)
► Master's of Business Administration (MBA)
► Doctor of Jurisprudence, or Law (JD)
A DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) is a physician just as an MD is a physician.
A physician is an MD or DO.
With a doctorate degree (e.g., PhD, EdD, PharmD [pharmacist], or DDS [dentist]) is a doctor as well.
16. What information should I bring with me to the doctor visit?
Bring insurance cards, names and phone numbers of your other doctors, and the phone number of the pharmacy you use. Also, bring your medical records if your doctor does not have them.
17. Why is it important to communicate well with my doctor?
As you get older, it becomes even more important to talk often and comfortably with your doctor. One reason is you may have more health problems and treatments to discuss. It's also because your health can have a big impact on other parts of your life, and that needs to be talked about too.
18. What should I include when I describe a symptom to my doctor?
Your description should include what the symptom is, when it started, when it occurs, how long it lasts, how often you have it, and anything that makes it worse or better. Try to be as specific as possible.
19. What is palliative medicine?
Palliative medicine is a medical sub-specialty provided by doctors who offer palliative care for people who are seriously ill. Palliative care relieves suffering and improves quality of life for people of any age and at any stage in a serious illness, whether that illness is curable, chronic, or life-threatening.
Palliative care is whole-person care that relieves symptoms of a disease or disorder, whether or not it can be cured.
Hospice is a specific type of palliative care for people who likely have 6 months or less to live. In other words, hospice care is always palliative, but not all palliative care is hospice care.
22. Who provides palliative care?
Palliative care is provided by an interdisciplinary team that may include a doctor who specializes in palliative medicine, a nurse, pharmacist, social worker, dietitian, and volunteers.
23. What does a palliative doctor do that's different from what my other doctors do?
Your other doctors focus on your general health or treating your disease or condition. Palliative doctors concentrate on preventing and alleviating suffering, improving your quality of life, and helping you and your loved ones cope with the stress and burden of your illness.
Yes, of course. But palliative doctors have special training and expertise in pain management and symptom control, and specialize in helping patients and their families cope with the many burdens of a serious illness, from the side effects of a medical treatment to caregiver stress to fears about the future. Palliative doctors can assist you with difficult medical decisions, helping you weigh the pros and cons of various treatments.
25. If I receive palliative or hospice care, will I still be able to see my personal doctor?
Absolutely. Your palliative doctor coordinates care with your other doctors and helps you navigate the often-complex healthcare system.
