Talking with Your Doctor
Talking with a Specialist
Your doctor may send you to another doctor called a specialist if he or she does not know a lot about your health problem or does not know what the health problem is. You can also ask to see a specialist, but your insurance plan may require you to have a referral from your doctor.
The Visit May Be Short
A visit with a specialist may be short. Often, the specialist already has information about your health from your primary doctor. For example, the specialist may already know your symptoms and medical test results.
Make Sure You Understand
If you do not understand something that the specialist tells you, ask questions. For example, you might say, "I do not know very much about the condition you said I have. Could you explain what it is and how it might affect me?" Also, have the specialist explain your treatment options.
It may be helpful to ask for written materials to read. You can also call your primary doctor to clarify anything you did not understand or that does not make sense to you after your visit with the specialist.
What Your Primary Doctor Needs to Know
Ask the specialist to send information about your diagnosis or treatment to your primary doctor. This will help your primary doctor keep track of your medical care. Also, during your next doctor visit, you should tell your doctor how well the treatment or medications prescribed by the specialist are working.
