What Is the Best Way to Find a Specialist?

Finding a specialist that best suits you is not always straightforward. Hear from a Keck Medicine of USC expert about how to approach your search.

Trying to find the right specialist to treat your condition can be stressful. Where should you begin? How do you decide?

An expert from Keck Medicine of USC shares his advice.

J. Dominic Femino, MD, chief, USC Sarcoma Program

Start by seeing your primary care clinician, especially if you have symptoms. Their insight will point you in the right direction.

It can be challenging to find the right specialist. You can start by looking at the websites of major medical centers because many specialists are affiliated with these institutions.

When choosing a specialist, make sure that they actually treat your problem.

“Do not settle for less than a specialist who makes you feel heard, respected and supported.“

J. Dominic Femino, MD

Look for specialists in your insurance network and consult advocacy groups for assistance.

For rare diseases, focus on centers specializing in your condition. For example, sarcoma patient outcomes are much better at sarcoma centers than places that only see a few sarcomas a year.

Finally, you will need to like the physician and staff. Do not settle for less than a specialist who makes you feel heard, respected and supported.

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