Who do you go to for a sore throat?

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afraidofsurgery

afraidofsurgery

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 12, 2005
Messages
199
Location
Chicago Western 'burbs
A better title might be, "how many specialists can one have??"

I have my cardiologist, OB/GYN, psychiatrist (for past depression - gee, there's a coincidence), opthamologist (past detached retina), dentist, I think that's it.

But who do y'all go to for a sinus infection, sore throat, etc.? Sometimes I ask my cardio to call in an antibiotic Rx for a sinus infection, this is the easiest.

I'm resisting getting an internal medicine MD or a family practice MD because I rarely get sick, I spend far more time managing my cardiac issues. I'm also resisting having a family practice MD do my OB/GYN care, seems yucky.

Any ideas???:confused:
 
I have an internist that I see for regular (non-cardio) checkups, sore throats, insomnia, backaches, etc. My current cardio resists dealing with such issues although he has prescribed for infected tooth problems which I guess he considers as cardiac related (as do I).
 
Patty, I see a PCP for the minor stuff and well visits. (I know, a raging sore throat is only "minor" when its some one else.:eek: ) I usually have something come up once or twice each year.

I also consult with my PCP about all the other stuff - cardio, onco, gastro, podio, opthamo. I have lab and test results copied to him. The next time I see him (for something else - not a special trip), I review those results. Sometimes he charges me for an extended visit, but I like the peace of mind - kinda like a second opinion.

Seems like anybody will prescribe antibiotics for dental work.
 
We have a family practice guy. I used to go to him for PAP smears until a few years ago when I felt that a Gyno would probably be a good idea as I approached menopause time. So I know how you feel with all the docs. We've had our family practice dr for probably 15 years when we were required to have a PCP by our insurance company and my cardio and gyno weren't considered PCP. I do think it's a good idea to have an internist or FP dr. for all the general health issues. But I also know the feeling of "Just what I want, yet another doctor!" The insurance we have now does not require a PCP for referals.
 
Patty:

I go to my PCP; he's the one who picked up on my MVP in 1990.
I can usually get in to see him ASAP if I tell the appointment person that "I have a mechanical heart valve, am on Coumadin and I get bronchitis really really easily." His nurse practitioner formerly worked in a cardiac practice, so I feel comfortable seeing her if Dr. Murphy's unavailable that day.
I only see my cardio once a year and he's in a very big, busy practice at Baylor hospital near downtown Dallas.
My PCP is very knowledgeable about anticoagulation issues and seems to stay up on general health issues, advancements, etc.
 
I go to our Family Practice doctor. He's treated me for 25 years and was invaluable in helping me locate a good cardiologist.
 
Before I went on Medicare last summer. I went to my PCP...every 6 months. AFTER my surgery...He wanted to make sure my b/p, ect. was fine. He also does my yearly woman thing....Now, he makes sure I will be covered..and not come as often...My Cardio scrips my coumadin and my dentist scripts my Amox. for dental visits.We have a small walk-in clinic in my county...Went to them the last time I had a bad cough...They did my Protime the first 3 months post-op..( Then, I got the home Protime machine) In the South ..we have many walk-in Med places for simple ailments ( sore throats, ect)in larger towns...Most will precribe antibodies if you need them......Thankfully, I have not been sick enough to have to drive the hour to see my PCP..but, I know he would take me the same day...if I was really sick. Bonnie
 
If my medical doctor hadn't made me go back to the cardiologist, I would never have known my valve had deteriorated. A good family practice doc. or internist is invaluable. You don't have to use them for gyn issues.
 
I have a lot of ologists too...cardiologist, urologist, gynecologist, otolaryngologist. The oto one is Ear, nose, throat. I tried to go to him two weeks ago because I had a salivary gland infection. He was in surgery all day, and so was his partner. I go to him because I have chronic salivary stones and recurrent infections. I wound up going to my gp first who started me on the antibiotic. So, the specialist for a throat is ear, nose, throat but the one who helped me was my GP. The ENT asked me who my cardio was. I asked the ENT about salivary gland infections becoming systemic and he said it was very unlikely but anyone with valve problems should be overcautious with them. So I think he cc:'d my cardio.
 
:D I too have a long list of Docs I go see for all sorts of stuff...

I go to my Neurosurgeon when my back is playing up , the Rheumatologist for arthritis :rolleyes: Cardio for heart-stuff....and the list goes on and on...

BUT the most important of all these specialists is my GP/PCP who has the biggest file on me and knows all my troubles...
he's also the most accessible and knows me the best out of all my docs. I get refills on my scripts etc from him and he takes care of all the day-to-day health-care for me...I can discuss with him also any issues I may be having with the care I am getting or whether or not to seek a second expert opinion or not...

My GP is the most valuable member of my team ...

If and when I have a sore throat he is the guy I go see...

I dont know how anyone could manage without a GP/PCP ;)
 
There you have it Patty!

You need a PCP to 'steer the ship' and keep the BIG PICTURE in mind. Many heart patients prefer to use an Internist as their PCP rather than a family practicioneer, unless you happen to have a 'tried and true' family practicioneer who you just adore.

Ask your 'specialists' who they think would be a good PCP for you to interview and whether they think and internist would be better than a FP / GP.

'AL Capshaw'
 
I've been seeing an internist for the PCP. I'm not so sure I'm so happy with him anymore. He didn't catch the problem with my BAV and the cardiologist who saw me said that I should have known for years I had a problem. Internist has been treating me for High blood pressure for the past 14 years.
He's a nice guy, but nice doctors can kill you.
 
I always start with my PCP. He's my pillar. He knows everything about me and if a specialist is needed, he makes the appointment for me and sends me off. He has sent me to cardiologist, nephrologist, skin dr, etc. He has sent my bro off to a whole bunch of specialists. If your PCP refers you somewhere, the referred dr sends a report back to your PCP. He's da man, imho.

Your PCP has all the other dr info in one place - your folder in his/her office.

Nobody has mentioned podiatrist and proctologist? Ophthalmologist?
 
To PCP or not to PCP

To PCP or not to PCP

I've had PPO insurance for a long time, so I haven't been required to have a PCP. My valve problems were picked up by an internal medicine doc while I was in grad school, (actually for a college physical before that, then forgotaboutit) but haven't had one since then. Might just have to go shopping for one, seems like a good idea now that I'm "high risk" in just about everything from the BAV!

Then again, maybe I'll go to an ENT specialist instead....:D

Thanks for your feedback - sounds like there are some excellent PCP's - and patients - out there!

Patty
 
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