I have had diabetes my entire life, and I am very thankful for the fact that modern medical discoveries have helped me live a happy, healthy life despite my disease. I have had to watch what I eat and take medications daily for most of my life, and while i used to feel like I was "missing out" when other children were able to eat sugary candy and I wasn't, I eventually learned that sugar-free candy tastes great. I am always keeping up on the latest diabetes research, and while researching, I have also learned about many other diseases and ailments and how they are treated and controlled. I know others are too busy to browse a bunch of medical websites, like I like to do, so I decided to start a blog that others can visit that contains information on a variety of medical topics all in one place!
Modern Medicine Saves Lives Every Day
3 Medical Conditions That Require A Family Physician To Recommend A Specialist
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Your family doctor, such as Friedrich Tomas J MD, is a general practice physician that treats a broad range of medical problems. You may see your doctor to treat the flu, get a physical, or to diagnosis your condition when you are feeling sick. Once your doctor makes a diagnosis, he or she can prescribe medications to treat your illness. However, there are times when you may be given a diagnosis for a condition that requires a more narrow focus to treat it properly. This is when you should ask your doctor to refer you to a specialist.
1: Cancer
When a patient receives a cancer diagnosis, the primary care doctor will refer him or her to an oncologist. An oncologist is a specialist who treats cancer patients. One person may have several types of oncologist to help treat the cancer. The three main types of cancer doctors include medical, surgical, and radiation specialists.
Oncologists perform many roles in treating the cancer patient. They explain the cancer diagnosis and stage, discuss treatment options with the patient, and help manage cancer-related symptoms, like pain, constipation, vomiting, and fatigue. Other doctors are also involved:
- Pathologists interpret laboratory results and conduct evaluations of cells and organs to diagnose disease.
- Radiologist in this specialty perform and interpret x-rays, ultrasounds, and other imaging tests.
2: Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis causes painful joint inflammation and, if left untreated, can lead to joint damage. If you are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and traditional treatments are not relieving symptoms, your doctor may refer you to a rheumatologist.
Doctors who specialize in this field treat patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other types of rheumatic diseases. The doctors help patients live the best possible quality of life and base treatment on a patient assessment. This assessment includes a physical exam, determining overall function, and looking over lab tests and medical images.
After the initial exam, the rheumatologist discusses treatment options with patients, recommends further lab tests if needed, and prescribes orthopedic aids or corrective surgery if needed.
3: Neurological Disorders
Neurological disorders include conditions that affect the brain, spine, and nerves that connect them. This includes a variety of diseases, including Parkinson's disease, brain tumors, migraine headaches, and epilepsy. Patients with neurological disorders undergo a physical exam that includes testing coordination, strength, sensation, reflexes, and mental status.
Neurologists use different types of medical procedures to diagnose patients and determine the best treatment. Neurological patients may undergo CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans to help the doctor determine the best treatment options.
Any time you receive a diagnosis that you feel may require the expertise of a specialist, do discuss this with your family physician. Your doctor wants you to have the best care, so he or she shouldn't hesitate to recommend one for you. Even while under a specialist care, you can still make appointments with your primary care doctor for regular physicals and other general care.
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