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Specialists as PCPs
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11/18/2008 22:57
SHP
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 I am a 33 yr old woman and was diagonized and treated for SLE when I was 16yrs. I was completely out of medication and have stayed clear of any symptoms since 18 yrs including 2 successful pregnancies. I am from India and although I did not have any renal related problems I was being treated by a Nephrologist there due to the fact that my mom had SLE w/ renal problems and was being treated by the same physician(nephrologist).

Since I now reside in the US, I would like to know what kind of doctor should I choose for a PCP. Should I go in for a General practitioner / family practice or should I see a specialist as a PCP even for routine health checks.

Any advice reagarding this is appreciated since I am new to healthcare system in this country and I am not sure where to make a start.
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11/19/2008 08:51
redhairali
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 I go to a gp for day to day stuff. She works in conjugation with my rheumatologist. For a while I was treated by a nephrologist. I do have kidney involvement. But I think most people here see a rheumatologist for their lupus issues.
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11/19/2008 11:37
fibroforever
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 I see a general physician for all my basic needs (i.e. colds, flu, high blood pressure, etc.). They work well with my rheumatologist, neurologist, and psychologist. Those doctors spealize in my other specific needs. Your general physician can refer you when necessary to the specialist. Which is great, cause they help in assisting in choosing an appropriate one.

If you have insurance, be sure to check with them about providers. They often have a limited list of who they let you see.

"When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place." ~Unknown
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11/19/2008 11:40
Tillie
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 I do the same as redhairali-It would be great if you could find a PCP to do it all-but I'm not aware of if most docs are willing. ANd sometimes it's good to have specialists so you know you are well taken care of for individual problems. Of course, try to get docs who are wiling to work together and COMMUNICATE... I think that's some of the biggest issues-you get 12 different opinions and then it makes it harder to figure out what is best for you...

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11/19/2008 12:11
SHP
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 Thanks a lot for all your replies. They were really helpful in making up my mind. I am planning to make an appointment with a GP and probably get references from him/her for other necessary specialists their office could communicate and work with.
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11/25/2008 08:58
fibroforever
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 So glad we could help you. Let us know how your first visit with the GP goes.
"When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place." ~Unknown
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