Make Your Health Care a Team Effort
Your primary care doctor takes care of your general health. But to manage your whole health — over your whole life — you’ll likely need to assemble a “team” of health care providers.
For instance, you may need to call in a specialist
for a particular concern. “These doctors,
who are experts in specific fields, can focus
more narrowly to solve medical problems,” explained
Ralph Capone, MD, FACP, chief medical officer,
Excela Health. “They have additional education and
training in a particular area, such as orthopedics or
gynecology.”
Family medicine, pediatrics and internal medicine — which includes physicians who care for adults and children — are considered specialty areas, too. There are actually 130 different specialty areas from which a physician can choose.
Field Your Team
Other specialists you may need in your lineup include:- Allergist for allergies
- Dermatologist for skin problems
- Obstetrician for prenatal and birth care
- Ophthalmologist for eye care
- Otolaryngologist for ear, nose and throat problems
- Urologist for kidney and urinary tract diseases
Dentists, too, should be part of your team. A healthy mouth is essential to health throughout life. Regular checkups can detect early signs of problems and prevent them from developing into conditions that can affect your health adversely.
Keep Primary Care Doctor in the Loop
When you have a medical problem that requires specialty care, your primary care doctor will probably recommend a specialist. Or you can ask your doctor for a referral to a specialist if you believe you need one. If you’re in a managed care plan, check that the specialist participates.“If you use a specialist, be sure to let your primary care doctor know about any treatments you’ve received, including any medications you’re taking,” noted Dr. Capone. “You also should relay pertinent information to other doctors on your team.”
To help you take charge of your care, maintain a written file of all medications and treatments. “When going to any hospital or doctor’s office, always bring your medical history and current medication list,” said Dr. Capone. “Keep in mind, too, that it’s important to update that list regularly and maintain a list of any allergies you have.”
