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Departments |
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How To Find The
Right
Medical Specialist
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Did you ever notice that physicians seem to be
specializing in ever-narrower niches? If this
keeps up, there will be a specialist for thumbs,
another one for index fingers, and of course the
pinky finger specialist will soon follow behind.
Since the medical niches are growing ever
narrower, just about everyone is going to need
to consult a medical specialist at least once in
a lifetime.
If you find yourself or a loved one in the
emergency room, or in the hospital, you'll
probably have to accept either the specialist
physician on duty or the one called in by your
primary physician. You probably won't have time
to shop.
On the other hand, if you have a problem that's
not an immediate emergency, you'll have some
time to look around for the right medical
specialist. If you have the time, it's important
to find a specialist that not only has the
specialized knowledge you need, but with whom
you're comfortable and who will not be retiring
in the next few years. You'll want your doctor
to be available for many years, if necessary.
Most people start with a referral from their
primary care physician. As a matter of fact,
many managed care organizations require that you
start with a referral from your PCP. However,
you're not required to see the first doctor your
PCP suggests. Do a little more research to be
sure that this is where you want to go.
Call the closest medical school and ask for the
names of two or three physicians who specialize
in your condition and who are actively treating
patients. Some medical school physicians are
involved in research and teaching, but they
don't maintain a private practice.
If there is an association or a group related to
the condition you're exploring, such as the
American Heart Association or the Parkinson's
Disease Association, for instance, give them a
call and ask for the names of specialists in
your area they might recommend.
Once you have collected a few likely names it's
time to do a little additional research. You
will want to identify which hospital each doctor
uses. You will also want to know whether the
doctor maintains more than one office, and how
often he or she sees patients in the office most
convenient to you. If your medical condition is
one that will require you to see several
specialists, are all of the specialists located
fairly close to each other? You may want to know
if the doctor participates in clinical trials.
And, of course, you will want to know whether
the doctor participates in your particular
medical insurance plan.
You can find some of this information from
consulting the
Medicare website (click on "Find a
Physician") or from the
American Medical Association website . You
will still have to call each physician's office
for the answers to some of your questions.
Calling the doctor's office with your questions
before you make an appointment will give you an
idea of how well he and his office staff
communicate with prospective patients.
Once you have decided which specialist you would
like to consult, call to make an appointment as
soon as you can. There is often a long wait to
get an appointment with a medical specialist. If
you need a written referral, and the doctor you
have selected is not the one originally
suggested by your primary care physician, be
sure you get a new referral. Your PCP should not
have any objection if you have done your
groundwork.
You may even need or want to see a second
specialist for another opinion if you have any
questions or concerns about the treatment the
first doctor recommends. Except for emergency
surgery, many health insurers require a second
opinion before they will agree to cover certain
treatments. Medicare will cover most second
opinion consultations. If your health insurance
requires a second opinion it should be covered.
Be certain to verify your coverage before you
visit. |
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