Finding a doctor

[MarcoAviator]

I need to find a specialist but I have never had a need to look for one. I found my family doctor by chance 10 years ago and that was only for a cold anyway. I liked her and I stuck with her.

But this is different and more serious (not to mention humiliating), so I am finding myself torn here.

My doc suggested a specialist but it appears that this specialist is not in my network (means that I need to pay up to 500 dollars by myself I decide to go with her ... after the first 500, it's covered 70%).

On the other hand I can pick a specialist off the insurance company's web site.

I don't really know what to do.

I obviously would prefer to go with my family doctor's reccommendation but if it's 70% of 10000 dollars, that's 3000 dollars. I don't exactly find money growing on trees.

Are doctors just doctors? Does it matter who I go with? Did you guys and gals ever just pick a doctor off the insurance company director and went with it?

I have never had the need for "special care" and this is the first time for me.

Sorry for freaking out.:(

[noflyingfan]

Why not try explaining your predicament to your family doctor and see if he/she can recommend someone else?

Unless whatever you are dealing with is highly rare or it is something majorly serious and only the person your family doctor recommended can treat you for it, then I say go with someone in the network. While you can't put a price on your health, there is no reason to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket for a certain doctor if you can get your insurance to cover you for a doctor who will do the same work.

[Barb-SAN]

Are doctors just doctors? Does it matter who I go with?

There's one advantage to female Drs. in this case...smaller hands...:tongue:

I try to research the Dr. on the web ahead of time if it's someone new (you know, Google!:rolleyes: ) ...sometimes there will be photos, a bio, etc...then the Dr. doesn't feel like a total stranger for our first meeting. You could also show the insurance co. list to the family Dr. and see if she knows the reputation of any of the Drs. on it.

[noflyingfan]

There's one advantage to female Drs. in this case...smaller hands...:tongue:

Yes, but also usually colder.

[StPeteMark]

You will be seeking a gastroenterologist if you're referencing the need for a colonoscopy. While they are a specialist, there are plenty in most areas and there should be some very experienced/qualified ones on your provider's list. Call the offices of the gastros on your list and try to talk with their nurses to get experience info, how many procedures they performe each week, etc.

While I respect my own doctors' recommendations, I have found they tend to refer those in their circle of friend's. If they do not personally know a doctor, they usually will not say anything.

I just found this link...talks about the procedure:

http://www.thedoctorslounge.net/gastroenterology/procedures/colonoscopy.htm (http://www.thedoctorslounge.net/gastroenterology/procedures/colonoscopy.htm)

Before my first, I was more worried about what they would find, more than the procedure. I finally realized it's better to know sooner than later. Really, this procedure is nothing to worry about!
.

[WillFlyToDisney]

Marco,

I think you are pretty safe going with a doctor on your health insurance list. When a doctor applies to accept a certain type of health insurance then they have to go thru a process called credentialing where their record is pulled and any complaints or lawsuits against them are taken in front of the board of directors of the health insurance company before they approve or deny them.

I guess it is nice to know that your health insurance company has at least done a background check on them.

Good luck!
Kelley