1. The traditional starting point in the search for a specialist has been through general practioners, and this is definitely the first point of call. GPs get a feel for who does what and who does it well. They often get feedback from patients and use it for future information. Ask your GP if they actually have met, heard or spoken to the specialist. It’s an encouraging sign when the GP feels comfortable enough to phone the specialist, that you will feel comfortable as well. 2. Word of mouth. Many specialities are different but in women’s health, where I practice, patients talk. Listen to others’ experiences and feed off them. You know your friends and it is probable that if they had a positive experience, so will you. More than GPs, your friends will know how the specialist interacts with patients. 3. Ask the nurses. Nurses are the backbone of the health system. They see the specialists at work and see how they cope under pressure. While never talking officially, many unofficially will give friendly recommendations, so if you know a nurse ask them for their opinion. Women ’s Health 4. Use the Gen Y approach and look online. Almost every doctor has a website and many are a reflection of their personality. Are they there as a help to patients with lots of information or do they serve as advertising only? Be careful when seeing comments about no complications, as you already know they are not truthful. 5. Ask the receptionist. Phone the rooms and ask the receptionist is this what the specialist deals with? Immediately you will get a feel for how well the rooms are run and how you will be treated at the specialist visit. 6. Ask the questions you thought you were afraid to ask. When at the specialist appointment ask directly at the first visit. How many procedures have you performed? What is your complication/success rate? The first visit is very important for your confidence and long term relationship together. There is no perfect way of finding your specialist; doctors are human and many are great at some things and not at others. Not every specialist can have every skill of their profession. Use these few simple steps to find the one that’s right for you. pm
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Two
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