Picking the right specialist for your health needs

Are you comfortable with your primary care physician, but are now faced with having to visit a specialist? Maybe you need someone to take a closer look at your heart, or perhaps those lymph nodes need a second opinion from an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor. Setting about to find someone you can trust may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.

While your primary care doctor will generally be able to recommend a trusted specialist, there may be situations where you have to do your own research. But don’t worry, we’ve got the inside scoop on what you need to know.

• Make a list: Before you do anything else, the first step is making a list of available candidates. Try asking friends, family members or co-workers if they have any recommendations. There’s also a number of organizations you can tap into to get a list of resources.
• Investigate: Try to learn more about your chosen specialist’s background or expertise. Never hesitate to ask a doctor about their background, training, interests, or any other information that relates to your concern.
• Hospital privileges: If you are looking for treatment at a specific hospital, try narrowing your search to specialists who have admitting privileges at that hospital. Take a look at how many surgical procedures of the type you need are covered by hospitals each year.

Once you have identified a specialist, the next step is setting up the appointment. When you visit with your specialist for the first time, make sure to bring a list of pressing questions. It can be difficult to remember everything you’ve wanted to ask at the appointment, so writing a list down in advance is helpful.

Since you’ll be working closely with them on your treatment, an immediate measure of trust is required. So next time you set about finding a specialist, do a little special investigation yourself.