I think doing a google search before making the first appointment can be very helpful. You can identify if they have a web page, then go there and learn their philosophy and approach to care, if they take your insurance, and it can help you learn if they would be a good fit, etc. That may help you decide if you should make an appointment or not.

I would also do a provider search at my state dept of health website so I could see if they have any complaints against them, have had their license suspended at any time, etc.