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Title: Why referrals for specialists Post by kcakebread on Jul 28th, 2006, 7:55pm I don't mean to be a dunce, but why do so many specialists require referrals from other doctors. I've received three recommendations from fellow sufferers, but only one will talk to me without a referral from my doctor. My doctor has me pegged into a nice "stress puppy hypochondriac" box, so I'm reluctant to go through him for the referral. |
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Title: Re: Why referrals for specialists Post by LeLimey on Jul 28th, 2006, 8:01pm Its a courtesy thing for one, if a specialist is to see what is technically someone else's patient its nice to be invited to do so. Then there is the "I found it on the internet" syndrome whereby specialists could literally get inundated with people who found some symptoms and are convinced they have ebola from eating dodgy cornflakes. By getting a recommendation from a doctor at least the specialist knows something of your history. If you have a less than helpful general doctor then change him! Don't pay the wages of someone who isn't doing their best for you! I hope that helps a bit Helen |
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Title: Re: Why referrals for specialists Post by serendipity on Jul 28th, 2006, 9:12pm I've found that going to a specialist isn't really any more productive than going to my regular physician. I've seen several neurologists over the last seventeen years and none of them really helped me at all. What finally helped me was educating myself. I figured out what I wanted to try, told my regular doctor about it, and insisted that he work with me...and he did! I just accepted delivery of an ass-load of oxygen tanks this afternoon, as a matter of fact. Good luck to you, and don't be afraid to keep the pressure on until you get the results you need. The doctor works for you, not the other way around. |
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Title: Re: Why referrals for specialists Post by TxBasslady on Jul 28th, 2006, 11:33pm I have a good family doc. He'll never convince me that he knows about CH, but he does listen. I took lots of stuff I printed from this site. When I went last Dec to ask for 02, he ask me exactly what I needed....then admitted he had never written a script for 02. I've had pretty good luck with him, so far. Just seems that I know more than he does when it comes to CH. Good luck...I sure hope you get what you need. Jean |
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Title: Re: Why referrals for specialists Post by Skyhawk5 on Jul 29th, 2006, 12:48am I have a great family Dr. He said "I can't treat you for CH, I don't have the knowledge." I have no problems getting the referral's to my Neuro, just call the office. If you have Insurance it is a requirement to have a current referral before the Insurance will pay. If your family Dr. is reluctant to give you a referral then I suggest you do as TxBasslady or write your Dr. a letter demanding more help. Good luck always. Skyhawk5, Don S. |
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Title: Re: Why referrals for specialists Post by chopmyheadoff on Jul 31st, 2006, 4:24am your gp has no right to refuse you a referral to a neurologist unless he can treat you himself. Ask what he can do to treat your incredible pain and when he realises that he can do nothing then he must give you the referral,. As said above, its him that is working for you. go in and kick @ss !! :D good luck and pfd |
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Title: Re: Why referrals for specialists Post by Bob_Johnson on Jul 31st, 2006, 7:11am A number of messages here have made it clear that a significant % of neurologists have inadequate knowledge/experience in treating headache--and, especially, cluster which hits a very small % of the population. The best approach is to search for someone--regardless of their speciality label--who has experience. Here are some ideas: 1. Search the OUCH site (button on left) for a list of recommended M.D.s. 2. Yellow Pages phone book: look for "Headache Clinics" in the M.D. section and look under "neurologist" where some docs will list speciality areas of practice. 3. Call your hospital/medical center. They often have an office to assist in finding a physician. You may have to ask for the social worker/patient advocate. 4. http://www.achenet.org/physicians/ On-line screen to find a physician. 5. http://www.headaches.org/consumer/index.html Call 1-800-643-5552; they will send a list of M.D.s for your state.I suggest using this source for several reasons: first, we have read several messages from people who, even seeing neurologists, are unhappy with the quality of care and ATTITUDES they have encountered; second, the clinical director of the Jefferson (Philadelphia) Headache Clinic said, in late 1999, that upwards of 40%+ of U.S. doctors have poor training in treating headache and/or hold attitudes about headache ("hysterical female disorder") which block them from sympathetic and effective work with the patient; third, it's necessary to find a doctor who has experience, skill, and a set of attitudes which give hope of success. This is the best method I know of to find such a physician. |
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Title: Re: Why referrals for specialists Post by jon019 on Aug 2nd, 2006, 12:43am Poor results with my reg Doc. Set up appt with neuro on my own whose name I found on OUCH website. best results yet. No probs with insurance (which is a puzzler since they block me on regular basis in most other circumstance). Give it a try... Jon |
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Title: Re: Why referrals for specialists Post by kcakebread on Aug 2nd, 2006, 1:06am I made an appt at the one headache clinic I found in my area that did not require a referral. Unfortunately, they can't see me until Aug 22. Hopefully, this episode will be over by then. The good news: last night I slept through the night without drugs, pain, or red bull. Yay! It's been over a month since that happened. ;;D |
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Title: Re: Why referrals for specialists Post by TxBasslady on Aug 2nd, 2006, 2:06am Great to hear that you had a good nights sleep ;;D Go ahead with the doc visit...hopefully you'll get Rx's for the next cycle. Lots of luck, Jean |
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