How do I see a specialist if I can’t see my primary doctor?
Reach out to an internist in your area first. Internists specialize in internal medicine, and may be able to figure out what the problem is. If the internist can’t pinpoint the problem, they can recommend a certain specialist. An internist will have special insights into some good specialists you can visit.
Bring a note from your internist when you visit the specialist. At your appointment, your internist will write down your medical history, along with all of the exams and studies they completed during your appointment. They’ll also include their personal thought processes, which may help give your new specialist some background and context.
What do I do after I see an internist?
Visit physicians associated with an academic medical center. If you live near a university or medical school, look for the medical center attributed to that school. Doctors at academic medical centers often have the most up-to-date knowledge of different diagnoses.
Schedule appointments with specialists who are skilled in certain treatments. If your diagnosis requires specialized treatment or surgery, it’s definitely worth traveling to a doctor or surgeon who has a little more experience. However, don’t go from doctor to doctor to get a second opinion—this isn’t an efficient or effective way to figure out what’s going on.
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