Finding Doctor Right…

...the choices are not always so black and white...

Finding Doctor Right…

…the choices are not always so black and white…

Your lower back hurts when you wake up and you can’t lift the kids. Maybe your nose has been running for months, and you suspect more than an allergy. Or, you’ve been consuming over-the-counter antacids for years and your stomach still hurts. The question crosses your mind:

Is it time to see a specialist?

“That’s a tough question for patients who have been putting up with either new or chronic conditions for years,” acknowledges John B. Dooley, M.D., administrator for the Mississippi Valley Surgery Center based in the Quad Cities.

“I give patients these rules of thumb: For a new complaint, your physician should have a working diagnosis by the end of the first visit. And, after one or two visits and two courses of treatment (approximately 1-2 months), if you don’t see noticeable improvement for your symptoms, it’s time to consider a specialist.

“Basically,” explains Dr. Dooley, “You should know at the end of two weeks whether a certain treatment is going to work. If your doctor says ‘I don’t know what’s the matter with you’ in the first couple of consultations – that is not a diagnosis and it’s not the way it should be.”

Recurring symptoms over a period of years require a different approach. In many cases, patients may finally decide to see a specialist when their conditions provoke enough frustration to conclude “I’ve had it. Anything is better than the pain I endure every day.”

Fellowship trained Orthopaedist John Hoffman, M.D., Orthopaedic Specialists, and member of the Mississippi Valley Health Network, sees this occur countless times with total joint replacement patients. “I have people tell me they can’t go to the store; play their usual round of golf; lift their grandchildren.

Only when their life shrinks, will they finally consider surgery to correct the problem.”

Dr. Dooley concurs. “Our specialists see patients daily with chronic conditions like arthritis, sinusitis, and a host of other issues – the only way you will get it fixed is when you’ve had enough misery and want to get back to life.”

Patients can choose their own specialists

Fortunately, Quad Citians have many choices regarding specialists who are board-certified and fellowship trained in a number of disciplines. They are also dedicated to getting you back to life with economical, minimally invasive procedures that allow you to recover faster at home.

Says Dr. Dooley: “We formed the Mississippi Valley Health Network of specialists in partnership with the Mississippi Valley Surgery Center so that patients could make their own choices regarding the quality of care they receive in a setting respectful of their time and circumstances. Every one of our partner specialists is dedicated to providing health care as it should be, with a focus to employ the most effective treatments that get patients back home and recovering quickly.”

Contrary to conventional wisdom, most patients can choose their specialist. “It used to be that the insurance companies required their primary care physician refer them to certain or preferred specialists,” says insurance and billing expert Alison Beardsley, Mississippi Valley Surgery Center. “But now, most insurance plans allow patients to choose and secure their own specialist directly. Patients can call many in our Network without a referral.

“For example, if you are over 50, it is strongly recommended you get a colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer. Most insurers allow you to pick your own gastroenterologist. The Mississippi Valley Health Network has two gastroenterologist practices that are board certified to perform this and other procedures, and yes, you can call them without a referral,” Ms. Beardsley explains. (You can find the entire list of Network practices on this magazine’s back cover for a comprehensive specialist directory.)

Finding dr. right: certification Matters

If you’ve concluded it’s time to call a specialist, how do you make the right choice? Specialists are basically doctors who are experts in specific parts of the human body – from the ophthalmologist (eye doctor) to the otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat physician). “Board certification and experience level are the most important qualities you should look for,” advises Dr. Dooley. “Board certification means that doctor is dedicated to providing exceptional patient care through a rigorous, voluntary commitment to lifelong learning.”

According to the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), “Board certified specialists participate in an ongo- ing process of continuing education to keep current with the latest advances in medical science and technology in his or her specialty, as well as best practices in patient safety, quality healthcare and creating a responsive patient-focused environment.

“To maintain board certification, physicians participate in an extensive process that involves completing accredited education and specialty training and periodic oral and written exams to demonstrate competency.” In many cases, physicians go beyond board certification to reach for the higher standard of subspecialty certification and fellowships. For example, at Orthopaedic Specialists, P.C., each surgeon is board certified in a specific body part and performs hundreds procedures related to that part of the anatomy. “We are proud that all of our surgeons are fellowship trained,” says Angie Van Utrecht, OS Director of Operations. “Each is specially trained on surgeries related to hips, knees, hands, the spine, feet and ankles. After consultation, we refer our patients to the right doctor for the right procedure.” how to Find the right specialist Certification: Ensure the specialist is board certified and fellowship trained. Is the specialist subspecialty-certified if appropriate?

Experience: Consider the specialists’ experience levels. How often does your specialist perform certain treatments or surgeries?

Care: Will the specialist provide all of your care for the problem?

Be Aware: Check with your state medical board to make sure the physician’s license is valid, and whether he or she has faced disciplinary action.

Helpful Organizations

Note: Some specialties require recertification every six or eight years. You can check on certification status with the American Board of Medical Specialties, the organization that oversees 24 specialty boards (http://www.abms.org), and at Web sites like HealthGrades.com and Docfinder (docboard.org).