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12 Tips to Help You Make the Most of a Visit with a Specialist Physician
Did you know that primary care doctors often refer their patients to specialist physicians? By understanding what a specialist does and taking an active role in preparing for that interaction, your visit will be more satisfying and productive.

A specialist has undergone the basic training of all medical doctors that includes four years of education in a college or university followed by four years of medical school and an M.D. degree, and at least three years of training under supervision called a residency. Physicians who elect to specialize in a particular area of medicine then continue their training for an additional two to five years.

Two examples of specialists include the following:
Cardiologists
They have special training and skill in finding, treating, and preventing diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
Endocrinologists
They have special training and skill in the glands and hormones of the body and their related disorders including diabetes, thyroid diseases, osteoporosis and hypertension.

Here are 12 suggestions to help you make the most of your time with your specialist physician.
1. Be sure you have a good understanding of why your primary care doctor is referring you to a specialist and what information he/she hopes to gain from that visit. What type of specialist are you seeing and what is their expertise?

2. Be sure to fully understand the requirements of your health insurance. Are you required to receive a referral or plan approval for specialty care? If so, be sure the appropriate paperwork has been completed and is sent to the specialist. Ensuring administrative issues are in order will prevent future claims payment issues.

3. Be sure your primary care doctor has communicated relevant information to the specialist both in writing and verbally. It should include a review of your medical history, current medications and dosages and the reason for the referral. It should also include all relevant diagnostic testing results. If you had x-rays or a CT scan, you may be required to request the actual films from the diagnostic testing facility and hand carry them to the specialist. Ask your primary care doctor for a copy of the referral letter and take it with you to your visit.

4. Request that your primary care doctor’s office set up the appointment with the specialty physician. Be sure you are comfortable with the amount of time between your visit with your primary care doctor and the specialist.

5. Be sure you have a follow-up visit scheduled with your primary care doctor to discuss the treatment recommendations of the specialist. Remember, your primary care doctor knows about all of your medical conditions, the treatment plan for each of them, all your medications, dosages and drug interactions. Any new recommendations require integration with your current plan of care.

6. Bring your list of medical conditions, noting your understanding of the treatment plan for each of them. Also bring your list of medications with you to the visit with the specialist. Remember to include the dosage for each and how often you take each medication. Be sure to include prescriptions and over-the-counter medications and supplements.

7. Make a list of any physical observations or changes in your medical status (symptoms) that led to the referral to the specialist. Also make a list of questions that you feel are relevant to the specialist and bring them with you to your appointment.

8. Have someone you trust accompany you to your appointment. They can take notes and help you remember the details of your discussion.

9. Call the specialist a few days in advance of your appointment to ensure they received all relevant information including the referral, your medical history, the reason for the referral and all appropriate diagnostic testing.

10. Once you get to see the specialist, describe what you want to get out of the visit at the beginning of your appointment. For example: “Dr. Jones, I want to review my condition of diabetes and understand your recommendations for treatment. Will you be managing my diabetes going forward or will my primary care doctor manage my condition?”

11. At the end of your appointment, summarize the discussion you had with the specialist to be sure all your questions are answered. Be sure he/she made suggestions for future care. Also be sure the specialist communicates back to your primary care doctor in writing. Request a copy of the letter for your files.

12. Be sure you have a thorough understanding of how your care will be managed in the future. Will you continue to see the specialist and will he/she co-manage your care with your primary care doctor? Or, will information from the specialist visit be relayed to your primary care doctor for him/her to continue to manage your care?