Navigating the HealthCare System can be Confusing

We all have occasional aches and pains but when problems persist or interfere with daily life, it is time to consult a doctor. The question often is “who should you see?” For answers, Medical experts weigh-in on a recently published article from The U.S. News & World Report.

Before you begin, start with understanding the role of your primary care physician and his/her expertise. Primary care physicians are typically internal medicine doctors, family medicine doctors or pediatricians. Internal medicine doctors, also called internists, handle common and complex illnesses in adults and older adults. Family doctors care for people of all ages from birth to end of life, and pediatricians specialize in the care of children.

Experts say when you schedule a visit to your primary care doctor; they can help decide whether you need the expertise of a medical specialist. Dr. David Cutler, a board-certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, explains upwards of 95% of cases can be taken care of with good primary care and the referral is the exception.

The exceptions for the services of a medical specialist include when the patient’s chronic disease requires a special test such as a colonoscopy, stress test or an Upper GI Series test. If results show a need for treatment, the specialist may take over. Another reason a specialist is used is when the patient’s symptoms are eluding their primary care doctor; or the patient wishes for a second opinion.

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Source:

health.usnews.com/health-news/best-hospitals/articles/types-of-doctors-and-medical-specialists?