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Working With More Than One Doctor

Table of Contents


Overview

Many people see more than one doctor or health professional. Your primary care doctor, such as your internist or family doctor, may refer you to another doctor for a problem. You may see a specialist for another health concern. You may need a surgeon.

Having many doctors can help you get the best care, but it also can cause problems. If you don't talk often to your doctors, or if your doctors don't talk to each other, you may:

You can avoid or reduce these problems and make things easier on yourself by working with your doctors. Here are some things you can do.

Having a health care team

When you have many doctors, think of them as your team. Tell your doctors that you expect them to talk with the other doctors about your care.

Working with your health care team

Getting the right advice

Having more than one health problem can be confusing. You may have problems understanding what you're supposed to do for each health problem.

Here are some examples:

If you receive different directions from different doctors:


Credits for Working With More Than One Doctor

Current as of: August 6, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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