Your Tips on How to Get Off to the Best Start with a New Specialist

Posted by Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung, Nov 2, 2018

I'm looking for your best tips.
Starting a relationship with a new specialist can be daunting. You want to get off to a good start and ensure that you establish mutual respect and are able to develop trust. You want to know you're in good hands. What is their expertise and experience? What research are they doing? Will they listen and consider your input?

How do you get off to the best start with a new provider? What suggestions would you tell a friend who is going to see a new doctor?

+++UPDATE+++
Your tips in action: Tips shared in the discussion below made this video. It's great advice: For patients by patients.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Visiting Mayo Clinic Support Group.

cmeadows09 | @cmeadows09 | Nov 10, 2021

In reply to @jrbuff "Has anyone had a si joint fusion. ?" + (show)

Yes. It’s been 4 years since my right SIJoint fusion, After having L2-L5 fused. Although my pain eased up for some time and I returned to the workforce. I am currently having a lot of pain and muscle tightness in the lower back, butt, hip into my knee. So I’m back to the drawing board.
The only medication I take is lyrica for nerve damage and spend a lot of time with ice packs on my lower back and si joint area.
I do see my dr this week so maybe some answers…. Look up and don’t give up.