A Doctor You Click With

Sites to help you find the best match

A new clue to what puts patients at ease: Research from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore found that people were more satisfied with the care they received when they and their doctor were of the same race, perhaps because they felt freer to confide. Background should be only one factor in your selection, however, says study author Thomas LaVeist, Ph.D.; you should always verify that a physician is board-certified. Below, a few ways to fine-tune your search.

For an African-American M.D. versed in concerns of the black community, go to BlackDoctor.org. Search for physicians by ZIP code. Learn about diseases prevalent among African Americans, such as diabetes.

For an M.D. familiar with gay or lesbian issues, go to GLMA.org. Use area code and specialty to search for docs from the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association.

For an M.D. who is bilingual, go to your insurance company's website. Many provide search tools; check with yours. Seeing a doc who understands your complaints will speed you to a cure.