Turn a search result into a question

Search for the concern as well as the label

Try your own care question with your town or state. If “longevity” is the only word you have, ask each practice what it means by that word.

Look for a person you can check

Ask for the doctor’s full name. Then use the state medical board’s own record search.

Use the board record to check the licence status and any public board actions. Those entries do not tell you how well the doctor fits your needs.

Treat the ad as a claim

The Federal Trade Commission, a consumer-protection agency, says government agencies do not approve ads before publication.

Ask for the evidence behind the page’s promise. Write down the exact outcome it claims and the source offered for it.

• Ask what the evidence shows ↗

Request the terms before comparing

Ask what the visit includes, which costs are separate and what happens after the first payment. Keep the answers beside the care question.

Ask for a written reply if a headline leaves these points unclear.

• Prepare the cost questions ↗