Evesasser,
JMO--I wouldn't go to a doctor if I knew they had suspended hospital privileges. How do you actually find out about that, though? As far as I know, the rheumy I see has not had his hospital privileges revoked or suspended, but it's not like something he would advertise? You can check the board of rheumatology and see his credentials. I know he graduated from Harvard medical school, so he's no dummy. One other thing I learned about him is that he is 100% devoted to clinical practice. Many specialists with his credentials get involved with academia, become affiliated with big teaching hospitals in the area (e.g., Georgetown, George Washington, Johns Hopkins, etc...) and split their clinical practice with lecturing and researchy activities. He does not do that. Plus, he said something the other day that I've never heard from a doctor, much less a specialist. "I believe what I see, not what theoretically should be." In other words, just because someone doesn't match a textbook dx, which is rather rare in this whole AI thing, doesn't mean they should be dismissed. Many specialists don't support this notion, and I think it may very well be the eventual downfall of western medicine as we know it. He also mentioned that medicine is in a "bit of trouble" these days, and doctors today will not take time with their patients. I think we've all been on the short end of this stick before. In my attempts to find a new primary, I called a practice in my area yesterday. I was told that all of the doctors were accepting new patients, but they will only take new patients in a month. Why? Because they have to double and triple book their schedules, and a new patient takes 30 whole minutes of their precious time. The routine patient only takes 15 minutes. I swear I'm getting very cynical about medicine in general, but my high opinion of my rheumy has never wavered. See what you think of him. You made an appointment, right?
You can always check the board of rheumatology website to find out whether he's affiliated. They may have more info. on that website as well?
Please let me know how it goes--it is very hard to find new doctors that are both qualified and conscientous.
El