Monday, Oct. 06, 2008
Too Many Specialists
Sore throats, backaches, headaches and bronchitis do not need to be treated by a separate ENT, orthopedist, neurologist and pulmonologist, unless the internist fails to make the symptoms better. When you insist on a specialist for something that the generalist can handle, you usually end up with tests and treatments you don't need, excess anxiety and usually a delay in treatment, since you have to wait for the appointment with the specialist (while your bronchitis turns into pneumonia). You also erode your bond with your internist, who is the single most important bulwark against disease in your life.