[alex-]

Having moved to the US from a country that had a universal health care system, the idea of choosing a doctor was quite strange to me.

Luckily I have not really had a need, however my colleges have suggested that when the time comes looking to high profile clients is a good indicator of quality. i.e. if you have a knee issue goto the people that your local NFL/NBA team use for knee issues.

The idea is that they, and their team, have done more extensive research than an individual can. Of corse this assume that these Doctors are affordable.

To further complicate this suggestion I have heard that some sports people are willing to sacrifice longer term results (once their careers are over) for short term results (at the height of their careers) and so choose physicians accordingly.