Why is it so hard to find a new doctor?

I have been with the same doctor for several years and he is ok but he is extremely traditional.  I live in a smaller town with 3 gastrointeroligists.  The one I see, my nieghbor, and a rookie fresh from med school.  So I have been looking in Springfield IL., St Louis MO, Columbia MO, Iowa City IA. all of them within two hour drive from me.  I can find their names and where they went to school but how do you find out if they are any good? I've been searching the web for some type of rating site for doctors but have not found anything, do any of you know of a site?

http://www.ratemds.com/social/

:)

Hi Fimk,

A rookie might be more willing to consult with others who know more. Have you looked at the CCFA website for doctors? www.ccfa.org These doctors claim to know CD, but I would try to find info on them. University and teaching/uiversity hospitals often have good websites where doctors list their specialties. Teaching docs tend to consult more with each other in order to keep op on advancements. Also, search the intranet for scientific papers (Pub Med). Another thing to do is to call and talk to the doctors assistant (nurse or physian's assistant -- someone with medical training) and ask them questions about who would be a good doctor for what you have. They may be candid with you. Some docs may actully call you back if you leave them a message explaining that you are hours out of town and need a doctor who knows about what you have. Its worth a shot rather than driving 2 hours to see a lame doc.

Hope it goes well!!