If you're over the age of 50, you probably have at least one doctor. As a matter of fact, most of us probably have two or three. I've had pretty much the same doctors for the past 20 years. They know me quite well and have seen me at my best AND worst during that time. Earlier this year I saw a survey in AARP Magazine that caught my attention because it was about how people go about selecting the best physicians for themselves.
The survey was conducted by the University of Michigan in conjunction with AARP. Of the 2,256 people who participated, a whopping 93 percent said the most important critical factor in selecting a doctor was whether or not he/she accepted the medical insurance they're covered under. I can see why that's important because no one wants to incur additional expenses if they don't have to. If your physician isn't covered under your private health insurance plan, you'll end up paying 100 percent of the cost. If you are retired or underemployed, the added medical expenses could become a burden. The IRS will allow you to claim medical expenses if you are itemizing your deductions if you have unreimbursed expenses BUT they have to be more than 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income. For example, if your AGI is $50K for example, the first $3750 of qualified medical expenses (7.5 percent of $50K) don't count for deduction purposes.
On the other hand, it may not matter if you find a doctor you believe gives you the absolute best care, has a bedside manner second to none, and you don't go to the doctor that often.
After knowing whether or not the doctor is covered under your plan, survey participants listed the following as other important elements:
Ease in getting appointments: 61 percent
Doctor's years of experience: 42 percent
Recommended by family/friends: 23 percent
Medical school attended: 17 percent
Same gender as patient: 6 percent
Same race/ethnicity: 2 percent
So now that you've seen this list, what are YOUR Top 3 choices for selecting a doctor? '
Ease in getting appointments: 61 percent
Doctor's years of experience: 42 percent
Recommended by family/friends: 23 percent
Medical school attended: 17 percent
Same gender as patient: 6 percent
Same race/ethnicity: 2 percent
So now that you've seen this list, what are YOUR Top 3 choices for selecting a doctor? '
To learn more about deducting medical expenses go here: IRS
