Is there any advantage to seeing a specialist who works for a hospital rather than one who is just affiliated with that hospital? I have this notion that a hospital doc might have more access to other opinions and equipment and stuff, but maybe I have just been watching too much TV. Any thoughts?
I tried posting this on a couple of Reddit subs, including askReditt, and it got booted. I think their algorithms are off.
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Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.If only the real doctors were as skillful as the TV doctors.
nicknotes
Level 8
Apr 25, 2020
1
I really don't fully trust any of my docs. After all, they are only human.
In today's world it pays to use your computer to research your symptoms and treatment. @itsmedammit
@nicknotes Of course, already done.
Drs who work in the hospital (eg surgeons who have an office in the hospital) tend to order more tetsts and charge more. Maybe you don't care, becauae like many of us, "more" seems like "better" when ir comes to healthcare. But outside of that, its really about which dr you feel like you can communicate with. Sometimes its even just the office staff that makes rhe difference.
MarkiusMahamius
Level 7
Apr 25, 2020
1
Anything done in the hospital costs more, but I don't necessarily think the doc orders more, but that is a thought.
"its really about which dr you feel like you can communicate with."
I agree but in order to find with whom I communicate best, I'd have to see them in person. That requires multiple expensive first visits. I'd hate for the insurance company to pay for all those. I'm just trying to narrow it down some, and it might not come down to comfort level.
@itsmedammit a drs visit is nothing if it helps keep you healthy and out of the hospital/ not getting necessary procedures like surgery. Absolutely get second or third opinions if needed. Office visits cost pennies compared to other stuff.
Nurse Practitioner working in hospital medicine here. At my hospital we have a mix of employed physicians and docs from outside groups. When I'm seeing a patient, the biggest advantage when they see docs that are all within the system is that I have total access to every lab, note, and imaging study. We are on Epic (common medical software), which means that if a patient sees a doc on epic in another state, I can still access the record. Some systems, like the VA, are notoriously hard to get records from. This means we often end up repeating tests they may have recently had. With that said, I will continue to choose the best doc for my needs. If I have to physically print my labs from one provider and take them to another, I'd rather do that than see a shitty doc just because he/she is in the system.
Emerald
Level 7
Apr 25, 2020
1
Thank you, that is very informative. The system I am on now "talks" with a couple of other systems.
I am just trying to find some way to narrow it down. The real way to find the best doc for me is to go and see a bunch, but I wouldn't want my insurance company (and me) to pay for multiple expensive first patient visits. Plus I really don't like going to doctors anyway.
I have an undiagnosed neuro issue and I live about an hour away from Northwestern Memorial which is highly ranked for neuro and am just trying to decide if it is worth it to go there. I have seen plenty of incompetent or otherwise crappy practitioners, and want to try and avoid them up front. Unfortunately I had been in an ER because of the neuro thing. Not only did they not figure out the cause, they also did not entirely remedy the situation, a couple were rude assholes, and I was released while in a disorientated state. I was alone and the hospital didn't even call my emergency contact.
@itsmedammit that's unfortunate. If you were in my area (Atlanta) I could give you some recommendations.
That is a good question. Maybe look for a university study? You can add "site:.edu" (without the quotes) in a google search to limit the results.
bingst
Level 8
Apr 25, 2020
1
Maybe. I had a neuro related episode which is probably somewhat uncommon. A research place might want to look at it.
Whoever you feel comfortable with. I think you need to evaluate both on how they will take care of you.
Buddha
Level 8
Apr 24, 2020
1
I agree, but hat would require expensive first visits to multiple doctors. I am trying to figure out a way to avoid the crappy ones with out having to see them. Even though I have insurance, I don't want them to have to pay for extra visits while I am shopping.
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