For many people, the most familiar doctor is their personal or primary care physician (PCP). This is the doctor that coordinates all of your medical care routinely and continuously. Usually this doctor is a medical doctor (MD) who is a family practitioner, an internal medicine doctor (internist, for short), or a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO). There may be times when your doctor or you feel an “expert” opinion is needed in a certain area. Then your doctor will refer you to a specialist. These doctors help the primary care physician with proper diagnosis and treatment.
After completion of undergraduate and medical school in the United States (which usually takes from six to eight years), the physician enters an internship (first professional year) followed by a residency program (two years or more) at an accredited university program in the specialty chosen. The choice of specialty determines how long the doctor is in residency training. Family practitioners and general osteopathic doctors must complete three years of medical training in all areas of medicine. D.O.’s receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMT), which adds a holistic approach. Surgeons have three years of general surgery, including some general medicine. General internists train for three years. If a doctor chooses to specialize further, in a sub-specialty, there may be an additional two years or more of training.
Once training is complete, the doctor may take a test to become certified in the chosen specialty. This is an indication that the doctor has excelled in a particular field and is ready to provide the best, most up-to-date medical care. The doctor must possess a license to practice medicine for the state(s) in which she or he practices. This comes from the state licensing board, which also monitors physician conduct and competence. Doctors who do not follow the law are sanctioned by this board. The mission of the board of medicine is to protect the patient.
Patients are able to contact the state boards to determine if doctors are licensed and if any disciplinary action has been taken against the physician for wrongdoing of any kind. In addition to providing information about physicians, the state boards handle patient complaints about doctors. This can lead to hearings where doctors are “tried” as in court and may lead to discipline and loss of license. The public information collected by state boards can be found on some state health agency websites.
Choosing your PCP and specialists is crucial to your health care. Word of mouth is the best and most common way good doctors are found. The internet is also a great resource.
Best health!
Mostrando entradas con la etiqueta specialists. Mostrar todas las entradas
Mostrando entradas con la etiqueta specialists. Mostrar todas las entradas
martes, 20 de julio de 2010
miércoles, 6 de enero de 2010
Doctor Visit Tips
Going to the doctor can be quite a challenge. These tips will help you make the most of your doctor visit.
One of the first things you want to do is make a written or typed medical history* to take with you, especially if this is your first visit to a new doctor. Make a copy for you and your doctor. You both will be able to refer to it as needed. This will save valuable time, and give you and your doctor more time to talk instead of flipping through your medical record. It can be difficult trying to "remember" what test or procedure you had 10 years ago.
Start keeping a list of things you want to talk to your doctor about. Update the list before each visit. This way you will be able to keep track of what has been discussed, and what needs to be discussed. Try to talk about the most important things first especially those that need immediate attention. Each time you go for your visit, you can refer to your list and take up where you left off. Be sure to express your immediate concerns first. We all know how short a doctor visit can be.
Request copies of your medical records from all your doctors. "The medical record is the cornerstone of keeping track of everything pertaining to your health." You will be able to check the accuracy of your records, and bring any errors or absent information to your doctor's attention. Let your doctor know about anything you do not understand, or if there is something you are unable to read due to legibility. It is surprising to see how many doctors are often unable to read their own handwriting.
Stay on top of your health care with these tips. After all, great health is true wealth!
Click on "Comments" below to add your tips and questions.
by J. L. Richardson, MD, family medicine doctor and author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide, the perfect tool for helping you make your medical visits the best.
http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/
www.twitter.com/MD4U
www.blogtalkradio.com/drjfpmd
More tools to help you with your doctor visits:
http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/ - *medical history form on website.
Medical record release form - http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/TC010234611033.aspx?CategoryID=CT101433201033
Medical tests A to Z - http://www.medicinenet.com/procedures_and_tests/article.htm
Specialists A to Z - http://www.healthadvantage.org/body.cfm?id=85
One of the first things you want to do is make a written or typed medical history* to take with you, especially if this is your first visit to a new doctor. Make a copy for you and your doctor. You both will be able to refer to it as needed. This will save valuable time, and give you and your doctor more time to talk instead of flipping through your medical record. It can be difficult trying to "remember" what test or procedure you had 10 years ago.
Start keeping a list of things you want to talk to your doctor about. Update the list before each visit. This way you will be able to keep track of what has been discussed, and what needs to be discussed. Try to talk about the most important things first especially those that need immediate attention. Each time you go for your visit, you can refer to your list and take up where you left off. Be sure to express your immediate concerns first. We all know how short a doctor visit can be.
Request copies of your medical records from all your doctors. "The medical record is the cornerstone of keeping track of everything pertaining to your health." You will be able to check the accuracy of your records, and bring any errors or absent information to your doctor's attention. Let your doctor know about anything you do not understand, or if there is something you are unable to read due to legibility. It is surprising to see how many doctors are often unable to read their own handwriting.
Stay on top of your health care with these tips. After all, great health is true wealth!
Click on "Comments" below to add your tips and questions.
by J. L. Richardson, MD, family medicine doctor and author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide, the perfect tool for helping you make your medical visits the best.
http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/
www.twitter.com/MD4U
www.blogtalkradio.com/drjfpmd
More tools to help you with your doctor visits:
http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/ - *medical history form on website.
Medical record release form - http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/TC010234611033.aspx?CategoryID=CT101433201033
Medical tests A to Z - http://www.medicinenet.com/procedures_and_tests/article.htm
Specialists A to Z - http://www.healthadvantage.org/body.cfm?id=85
miércoles, 2 de diciembre de 2009
Some Doctors Miss the Mark
For the past few years I have seen pain management specialists for chronic pain. Seeking relief after many, many years has indeed been a challenge. Each time I was referred to a pain management specialist for the neck and back pain (from arthritis and herniated discs), treatments offered were medicine (especially samples of new stuff), and invasive procedures like epidural spinals and trigger point injections. Alternative treatment was rarely offered, and if so was limited to 20-30 minutes physical therapy sessions for about six weeks every few years, upon my request.
Fortunately, my neurosurgeons saw the light. In efforts to achieve pain control and maintain function without surgery, other treatments such as massage and acupuncture were recommended. Sadly enough, these choices are not covered by my insurance. I am still waiting for over a year now for approval and payment for long term treatment (which works) instead of six weeks.
Even though some doctors miss the mark, there are others who are on the mark. As a savvy patient you must always recognize this. You have choices even if you must pay for medical services you need out of your pocket. It is a tough choice, but the best for your health. If there is something you need that is not covered by your insurance, you have choices. Make the one best for you, especially if your doctor misses the mark.
by J. L. Richardson, MD, family medicine doctor, patient advocate and author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
Read excerpts at Google Books http://books.google.com/books?id=kPmXiNrg1pYC&printsec=frontcover&dq=patient+handbook+to+medical+care
www.twitter.com/MD4U
Fortunately, my neurosurgeons saw the light. In efforts to achieve pain control and maintain function without surgery, other treatments such as massage and acupuncture were recommended. Sadly enough, these choices are not covered by my insurance. I am still waiting for over a year now for approval and payment for long term treatment (which works) instead of six weeks.
Even though some doctors miss the mark, there are others who are on the mark. As a savvy patient you must always recognize this. You have choices even if you must pay for medical services you need out of your pocket. It is a tough choice, but the best for your health. If there is something you need that is not covered by your insurance, you have choices. Make the one best for you, especially if your doctor misses the mark.
by J. L. Richardson, MD, family medicine doctor, patient advocate and author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
Read excerpts at Google Books http://books.google.com/books?id=kPmXiNrg1pYC&printsec=frontcover&dq=patient+handbook+to+medical+care
www.twitter.com/MD4U
jueves, 28 de mayo de 2009
Medical Specialists & Economic Stimulus
From the email bag for today's healthy belly laugh:
Apparently the American Medical Association has weighed in on the new
economic stimulus package....
The Allergists voted to scratch it, but the Dermatologists advised not
to make any rash moves.
The Gastroenterologists had sort of a gut feeling about it, but the
Neurologists thought the Administration had a lot of nerve.
The Obstetricians felt they were all laboring under a misconception.
Ophthalmologists considered the idea shortsighted.
Pathologists yelled, "Over my dead body!" while the Pediatricians said,
'Oh, Grow up!'
The Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness, while the
Radiologists could see right through it.
Surgeons decided to wash their hands of the whole thing. The Internists
thought it was a bitter pill to swallow, and the Plastic Surgeons said,
"This puts a whole new face on the matter."
The Podiatrists thought it was a step forward, but the Urologists were
pissed off at the whole idea.
The Anesthesiologists thought the whole idea was a gas, and the
Cardiologists didn't have the heart to say no.
In the end, the Proctologists won out, leaving the entire decision up to
the assholes in Washington.
Apparently the American Medical Association has weighed in on the new
economic stimulus package....
The Allergists voted to scratch it, but the Dermatologists advised not
to make any rash moves.
The Gastroenterologists had sort of a gut feeling about it, but the
Neurologists thought the Administration had a lot of nerve.
The Obstetricians felt they were all laboring under a misconception.
Ophthalmologists considered the idea shortsighted.
Pathologists yelled, "Over my dead body!" while the Pediatricians said,
'Oh, Grow up!'
The Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness, while the
Radiologists could see right through it.
Surgeons decided to wash their hands of the whole thing. The Internists
thought it was a bitter pill to swallow, and the Plastic Surgeons said,
"This puts a whole new face on the matter."
The Podiatrists thought it was a step forward, but the Urologists were
pissed off at the whole idea.
The Anesthesiologists thought the whole idea was a gas, and the
Cardiologists didn't have the heart to say no.
In the end, the Proctologists won out, leaving the entire decision up to
the assholes in Washington.
Suscribirse a:
Entradas (Atom)
