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Rheumy vs. General doc??

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Lupus
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Posted 6/9/2007 10:48 AM (GMT 0)
as of right now i do not have a general doctor, i only have a rheumy. is it important that i have a "regular" doctor as well? or is it ok to just have a rheumatologist, seeing as i have appointments every month anyway...i appreciate any feedback!!
Posted 6/9/2007 10:58 AM (GMT 0)

Hi miscali, I am still working on getting a new rhummy and only ave a PCP. So mine is the other way around. My last rheumy told me that there were certain procedures he was going to leave up to my doctor to do. Plus I don't think my insurance would pay for me  to be seen by my rheumy for "normal" illness things. Since they charge more money. It's just my opinion but I beleive in my case my PCP is more accessible than most rheummies are.

hugs

carol

Posted 6/9/2007 1:45 PM (GMT 0)
misscali, in my opinion, I do think it is really important to have a good pcp (primary care physician). I always picture the pcp as my main doctor who helps me decide if I need to see a specialist and also deals with the "normal" kinds of health problems that the rheumy doesn't want to be bothered with. Even for my headaches my rheumy referred me back to my pcp. I am in the process of trying to find a new pcp since my old one quit and is moving away. Sometimes it can take a while to find a good pcp, but I do think it's really important.
Posted 6/9/2007 4:17 PM (GMT 0)
Its the same for me as the others misscali. My rheumy is extremely busy and he usually has his nurse screen what the problems are before seeing you (unless its a regular appt) to determine if the problems are caused by Lupus or not. If not, he will refer me to my PCP. I like that better anyway because I know that I can see my PCP the same day if need be where as my rheumy takes weeks to get an appt. Make sure you always keep a log of doctor visits though and why you went in so when its time to see your rheumy, you can let him know. I think its good to inform them of what other problems you are having that you would not normally think are related.

Take Care
Posted 6/9/2007 4:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Misscali,

  I agree thats it good to have a good PCP and a Rheumy. My PCP is actually a Internal Medicine/GI doc. He covers alot of bases my Rheumy doesn't. I see the Rheumy about every 3 months and if I have other issues I see or call the Internal med doc. I'm very lucky to have found two great doctors taking care of me.... :-) . I also have a great cardiologist!

  I wish you the best. Good luck and keep us updated. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

                                                                    Babs

Posted 6/9/2007 7:57 PM (GMT 0)
You need a doctor to look after your overall health and a rheumy for lupus.  I have an internist, 2 rheumys, and several other specialists to treat various conditions that have resulted.

A rheumy will have the most experience and best chance to treat lupus successfully.

If your insurance prevents this then you have to make the best choice...decide if lupus is the overriding health concern and find the very best doctor to treat that.  That is usually a rheumy.

Bill

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