Finding a great allergist
My son’s allergies and asthma are treated by both his pediatrician and a pediatric allergist. Each bring something different and valuable to the table. The pediatrician has been with my son since since birth and treats the whole child. I trust her instincts, but she’s not an expert on allergies and knows when to defer to the allergist. They work together, and I step in as needed. When we’re all working together to keep my son happy and healthy, that’s when medical care is at its best.
But it’s not always easy to find the right doctor or allergist. These tips will help ease the process:
*Ask for a referral from your primary care physician. It’ll likely be to someone your doctor trusts or has heard good things about. It also increases the chances that they will work together for you.
*Ask for a referral from friends or family. Sometimes word of mouth is the best way to find a doctor. People you know will give you an honest opinion. You can’t always be sure your own doctor will be candid about a fellow colleague.
*If you can’t get a referral, visit this page from the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology to find a board certified allergist in your area.
*Once you’ve selected a candidate, check to make sure his practice is part of your insurance plan. There’s nothing worse than getting a bill you didn’t expect. Also find out what lab the practice uses for lab work and that your plan covers it. I’ve been burned on that one myself.
Before your first appointment, take the time to make a list of your questions and concerns. A good doctor will allot a fair amount of time for each patient to ask questions, but they don’t have all day. If you’re prepared and organized, you’re more likely to get what you need. Go here for a sample list of questions you can use as a base upon which to add your own. I usually type out my questions and leave space to jot down specific answers during the appointment. This way I don’t forget anything.
After the appointment, if you feel that the doctor didn’t spend enough time with you, or didn’t take you seriously, don’t be afraid to try another doctor. You are your own best advocate.
For more information about finding an allergist, visit the WEGO Health Allergy Immunology Doctor page and the WEGO Health Allergy Asthma Associates page. Both are filled with great information.
But it’s not always easy to find the right doctor or allergist. These tips will help ease the process:
*Ask for a referral from your primary care physician. It’ll likely be to someone your doctor trusts or has heard good things about. It also increases the chances that they will work together for you.
*Ask for a referral from friends or family. Sometimes word of mouth is the best way to find a doctor. People you know will give you an honest opinion. You can’t always be sure your own doctor will be candid about a fellow colleague.
*If you can’t get a referral, visit this page from the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology to find a board certified allergist in your area.
*Once you’ve selected a candidate, check to make sure his practice is part of your insurance plan. There’s nothing worse than getting a bill you didn’t expect. Also find out what lab the practice uses for lab work and that your plan covers it. I’ve been burned on that one myself.
Before your first appointment, take the time to make a list of your questions and concerns. A good doctor will allot a fair amount of time for each patient to ask questions, but they don’t have all day. If you’re prepared and organized, you’re more likely to get what you need. Go here for a sample list of questions you can use as a base upon which to add your own. I usually type out my questions and leave space to jot down specific answers during the appointment. This way I don’t forget anything.
After the appointment, if you feel that the doctor didn’t spend enough time with you, or didn’t take you seriously, don’t be afraid to try another doctor. You are your own best advocate.
For more information about finding an allergist, visit the WEGO Health Allergy Immunology Doctor page and the WEGO Health Allergy Asthma Associates page. Both are filled with great information.
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Comment by Adrienne on October 16, 2008 at 10:06am -
Great tips Janeen. They really apply to finding all types of specialists. I'm curious - did you have to interview more than one allergist to find the right fit for your family?
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Comment by Janeen on October 22, 2008 at 5:21pm -
No I didn't. The Dr. on call at the hospital gave us a list and I called the allergist in his number one slot and that's who we've been seeing. I like him. But not everyone does. He has a very dry bedside manner and can be harsh at times. But I like that. My sons LIFE is the issue here. I don't need touchy feely I need "reach out and smack me" if I'm doing something wrong. And he can verbally do that. But we get along very well and work together very well and he trusts me and I trust him.
Some people have told me that he made them cry and to me I just don't understand that. Your child could die if you don't listen to what he says so he doesn't mince words. He's a New Yorker too so I think he still has that New Yorker way of doing things.
But if you can't work with him or he upsets you that much then I tell people it's best to move on and find someone you can relate too.
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