How to find a doctor?

[SheWolf]

I need help. My dad has serious arthritis in his back and an orthopedist just told him to live with the pain until he feels like he wants to die then come back to him and he will discuss the surgical options. That is unacceptable! I live in South Jersey, so how do I go about locating a reputable spine specialist to to give my Dad a second opinion? I tried one in PA already, but they don't take my Dad's insurance.x(

 

[catwoman88]

I would try and find a good chiropractor. I know you are not in Indiana, but if you don't mind calling an Indiana chiropractor for a referral, then call Gallagher Chiropractic at 317-571-1480. Michael Gallagher is my chiro and he might be associated with some organizations that he might be able to point you to for guidance.

You could also try a naturopath or acupuncturist. These people can work miracles. I know, because an acupuncturist was able to completely alleviate my monthly menstrual cramps, which had become debilitating and had lasted for several years.

As a sidenote, I am soooo disgusted with this country's medical professionals. Most of them simply want to treat the symptoms (rather than the problem), or do nothing at all, as in your case.

I sure hope you find a doctor who can (and is willing to) help. Doctors like this seem to be in short supply in the United States.

 

[story1267]

First think I'd do is get in touch with his insurance company to get a list of providers who are covered.

Then you can take those names and google them to find out more, and also you can look each one up on a site like this one.

http://www.physicianreports.com/?cid=425176106&dist=S&mkwid=JYvX421u

Good luck! Remember that finding a doctor is like shopping for a car these days. You have to be very careful to do your research and treat it like you were buying a big ticket item.

 

[SRP]

Do you have any nearby large hospitals with specialties in neurology, neurosurgery or orthopedics -or maybe even rheumatology? Some large hospitals also have pain clinics that can help people with pain that would otherwise be unmanageable, like cancer patients, etc. You could start there and check out their staff directory. It's going to take a lot of foot work.

I just find it mighty odd that your dad's orthopedist said that. Is the arthritis too severe for the usual arthritis medications? I sure hope you find something!

 

[trish k]

I would ask some friends that I trust who their parents see, or if you know someone who is a nurse locally, all the better, the nurses know who is good and who has a good bedside manner or not.