Psychiatrists, Cardiologists, Dermatologists, and More
Many of us have walked into our general practitioner’s (GP) office, list in hand, convinced we’re sick. More often than not it turns out to be nothing — but what happens if your doctor thinks it may be something?
If your doctor suspects you may have a condition, they will refer you to a specialist with a high level of training that area. These highly trained doctors will run tests to determine your diagnosis.
Working with your GP, they will then decide the best course of treatment and implement it.
Due to the fact that specialists are in high demand, you may have to wait some time before getting an appointment. These doctors also range in cost, depending on if they are public or private.
Researchers out of Harvard Medical School discovered that, between 1999 and 2009, doctor referrals to a specialist nearly doubled in the United States.
Some negative effects have resulted from this surge, such as an increased cost of health care and the possibility of undergoing unnecessary tests in your quest for diagnosis, but it does indicate positive change in patient care. Patients get state-of-the-art treatments from specialists, and are having more time dedicated to their care.
