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+--- Thread: [OT medical Question] what specialist should I see, an Orthopedist? Rheumatologist? (/showthread.php?tid=123064)
[OT medical Question] what specialist should I see, an Orthopedist? Rheumatologist? - space-time - 09-03-2011
my shoulder hurts a little bit and pain didn't go away for a while now, so I think I need to see a doctor; I am looking for a new Primary Care Physician anyway since the former practice moved too far away. But until I settle on a PCP, I think I would like to see a specialist first (no referral needed with my insurance). So I think I need to see an Orthopedist, is that the best choice? I see them listed under surgeons, I hope I don't end up having surgery
or perhaps I should look for a rheumatologist?which one of these is my best choice? This is the list from my insurance's website.
Thanks
----Primary Care Physician--------
Family Practice
General Practice
Internal Medicine
Obstetrics (no Gyn)
Obstetrics/gynecology
Pediatrics
----Specialist Care Physician--------
Acupuncture
Adolescent Medicine
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Audiology
Cardiac Electrophysiology
Cardiology, Interventional
Cardiovascular Disease
Child Abuse Pediatrics
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Licensed Practical Nurse
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Re: [OT medical Question] what specialist should I see, an Orthopedist? Rheumatologist? - rgG - 09-03-2011
Orthopedist first.
While orthopedists can operate on you, that doesn't mean that they will. Many times you will need physical therapy or some other non-invasive treatment.
Re: [OT medical Question] what specialist should I see, an Orthopedist? Rheumatologist? - lafinfil - 09-03-2011
"I think I would like to see a specialist first"
Problem is that you are not trained to evaluate which one, so you will most likely need to see a primary first. Unless there is a history or symptoms/tests that point you towards rheumatology you will likely get bumped to an orthopedic practice which may or may not mean surgery. Many times physical therapy can fix the issue but many docs are not tuned into PT as a solution. A good ortho practice usually has PT referral on speed dial.
Re: [OT medical Question] what specialist should I see, an Orthopedist? Rheumatologist? - space-time - 09-03-2011
thanks folks
Re: [OT medical Question] what specialist should I see, an Orthopedist? Rheumatologist? - cbelt3 - 09-03-2011
Shoulder injury or pain... the possible causes are myriad in nature. I'd agree that a good General Practitioner would be a good start. Unless it's an injury, there are other things that happen that lead to a diagnosis. Except on TV, of course.
If it's an injury, I'd start with a sports medicine specialist. They're awesome with shoulders and knees.
Re: [OT medical Question] what specialist should I see, an Orthopedist? Rheumatologist? - Jimmypoo - 09-03-2011
a rheumo-ornathologist.
Re: [OT medical Question] what specialist should I see, an Orthopedist? Rheumatologist? - Jimmypoo - 09-03-2011
while you're at it... go ahead and see the Plastic Surgeon and get that nose fixed!
Re: [OT medical Question] what specialist should I see, an Orthopedist? Rheumatologist? - Black - 09-03-2011
rgG wrote:
Orthopedist first.
While orthopedists can operate on you, that doesn't mean that they will. Many times you will need physical therapy or some other non-invasive treatment.
^^agree. The web has become a very useful tool for evaluating docs before you see them.
If your insurance doesn't require a referral there's absolutely no point in going to a generalist.
I get a number of folks referred directly to therapy from PCPs with no diagnosis and no imaging. While I'm more confident in my own diagnosis than that of some referring physicians, it's still not an appropriate role for a therapist to be in.
Re: [OT medical Question] what specialist should I see, an Orthopedist? Rheumatologist? - RgrF - 09-03-2011
rgG wrote:
Orthopedist first.
While orthopedists can operate on you, that doesn't mean that they will. Many times you will need physical therapy or some other non-invasive treatment.
I recently had a similar problem with my left shoulder, My primary referred me to an ortho, who, although he does joint replacements sid up front, he'd never recommend a shoulder replacement.
A cortisone shot and therapy were prescribed.
First get a primary who will have more of a sense of who's who than will the yellow pages or Google.
Re: [OT medical Question] what specialist should I see, an Orthopedist? Rheumatologist? - Grateful11 - 09-03-2011
You said, "my shoulder hurts a little bit and pain didn't go away for a while now", is it gone now, in other
words is there all the time, intermittent or just when you do certain things? I'm not Dr. but I've had very
similar pain in my shoulder.