Do I need an internist or family practitioner?
Jan 19, 2017 18:43:41 GMT
linda72 and jamescat1 like this
Post by ladymajky on Jan 19, 2017 18:43:41 GMT
My family practice primary care physician takes care of annual physicals and pap smears and flu shots and just general wellness visits. If it's something urgent (I have to see a doctor TODAY) I usually end up with the Nurse Practitioner. Whenever DH or I have had some more complex condition, she has been quick to refer us to a neurologist or urologist or podiatrist or orthopedist or ear-nose-throat guy or gastroenterologist or whatever. All her referrals are part of the same overall medical group and they easily share records back and forth.
When I was hospitalized, the hospitalist came to my room. The hospitalist actually sat and chatted with me long enough to spot an underlying condition that she reported back to the primary care physician for follow-up.
So, to me, the important issues are 1) do I like the primary care doctor and have confidence in her and 2) is the primary care doctor part of a larger group or affiliation that includes many specialists.
I'm on Medicare and have a Medicare Supplement health insurance plan. Although I could go to any specialist without a referral, I prefer to have a referral as leverage to get me in the door a little sooner.
When I was hospitalized, the hospitalist came to my room. The hospitalist actually sat and chatted with me long enough to spot an underlying condition that she reported back to the primary care physician for follow-up.
So, to me, the important issues are 1) do I like the primary care doctor and have confidence in her and 2) is the primary care doctor part of a larger group or affiliation that includes many specialists.
I'm on Medicare and have a Medicare Supplement health insurance plan. Although I could go to any specialist without a referral, I prefer to have a referral as leverage to get me in the door a little sooner.
