HOW TO FIND A DOCTOR
Find
a Doctor or other Healthcare Provider
Using NOF's
Professional Partners Network®
DirectoryFor
many people, finding a healthcare
provider with expertise in osteoporosis
can be difficult. Healthcare providers
include doctors, nurse practitioners,
physician assistants, physical
therapists and other health
professionals. There is no single type
of healthcare provider or medical
specialty that focuses on osteoporosis.
Also, there is no certification program
for health professionals who treat the
disease.
Over time, some healthcare providers
in different medical specialties
have gained the knowledge and expertise
to diagnose and treat people with
osteoporosis. These specialties include
endocrinology, family practice,
geriatrics, gynecology, internal
medicine, orthopedics, physical medicine
and rehabilitation, and rheumatology.
Not all healthcare providers within a
given specialty, however, have expertise
in osteoporosis.
There are a number of ways to find a
healthcare provider who treats patients
with osteoporosis. If you have a
primary care physician or family doctor,
discuss your concerns with him or her
first. You may find that your own
healthcare provider is quite
knowledgeable about osteoporosis. If
not, your doctor may be able to refer
you to someone who specializes in
osteoporosis.
If you are enrolled in an HMO or
managed care plan, consult with
your assigned doctor. This healthcare
provider should be able to assist you or
refer you to a specialist.
Your own doctor or healthcare
provider, regardless of the
specialty, may be the best person to
treat you. Your own healthcare provider
already knows your medical history,
lifestyle and special needs. If you do
not have a personal doctor or your
healthcare provider is not able to help
you, try contacting your nearest
community hospital or medical
center. Ask if there is a
department or program that
cares for patients with osteoporosis.
This department varies from hospital to
hospital. In some cases, the department
of endocrinology or metabolic bone
disease treats osteoporosis patients. In
other cases it may be the department of
rheumatology, orthopedics or gynecology.
Some hospitals have a separate
osteoporosis program or women's health
clinic that treats osteoporosis
patients. Not all hospitals, however,
have departments or programs that focus
on osteoporosis.
To help you locate a healthcare provider
to prevent, diagnose or treat
osteoporosis, the National Osteoporosis
Foundation has developed a
Professional Partner’s Network® (PPN)
directory. To access this directory,
click above on “Find a Doctor Using
NOF’s Professional Partners Network®
Directory.” Use the pull-down menu for
the listing in your state. This
directory does not necessarily include
all professionals in any geographic
area. NOF is unable to recommend or
endorse these healthcare providers,
healthcare organizations or the quality
of services offered.
Because many hospitals now have
physician referral services, you may
want to ask whether your local hospital
has a referral service. Let the referral
service know that you are seeking a
healthcare provider who has specialized
knowledge in treating patients with
osteoporosis. If you prefer a healthcare
provider in a specific specialty, such
as endocrinology, tell the referral
service that you would like an
endocrinologist who diagnoses and treats
patients with osteoporosis.
You also may want to check the Web
sites of your local hospitals. Many
hospitals list the doctors and
healthcare providers that are on staff
under a “Find a Doctor” section of the
hospital’s Web site. Take a look at the
information about each healthcare
provider. Often, additional information
is provided, such as the other clinical
interests of the healthcare providers or
their sub-specialties. In addition to
bone health or osteoporosis, you may see
the term “metabolic bone disease,” which
includes the treatment of osteoporosis.
Once you find a healthcare provider, you
may also want to ask about the
qualifications and reputation of the
healthcare provider. Ask whether he or
she has specialized training in
osteoporosis and how much of the medical
practice focuses on osteoporosis.
MEDICAL SPECIALISTS WHO TREAT
OSTEOPOROSIS
(in alphabetical order)
Endocrinologists treat the
endocrine system, which includes the
glands and hormones that help control
the body's metabolic activity. In
addition to osteoporosis, conditions
often treated by endocrinologists
include diabetes, thyroid disorders and
pituitary diseases.
Family physicians have a broad
range of training that includes surgery,
internal medicine, obstetrics and
gynecology, and pediatrics. They place
special emphasis on caring for an
individual or family on a long-term,
continuing basis.
Geriatricians are family
healthcare providers or internists. They
have additional training on the aging
process and are able to evaluate and
treat the common conditions and diseases
that may occur among the elderly,
including ongoing health issues,
incontinence, falls and dementia.
Gynecologists diagnose and treat
conditions of the female reproductive
system and related disorders. They may
serve as primary healthcare providers
for women and follow their patients'
reproductive health over time.
Internists have training in
overall care of general internal
medicine. They diagnose and treat all
diseases of the body. Internists,
however, do not perform surgery.
Internists also provide long-term
comprehensive care in the hospital and
office, and they are often consultants
to other specialists and can have
expertise in many areas including
cardiology, neurology and pulmonology.
Orthopedists are healthcare
providers with training in the care of
patients with musculoskeletal problems.
They treat patients with congenital
skeletal deformities, bone injuries and
infections, and metabolic disturbances.
Also called orthopedic surgeons, they
are surgeons who operate to correct, fix
or replace joints and limbs.
Physiatrists are healthcare
providers who specialize in physical
medicine and rehabilitation.
Physiatrists evaluate and treat patients
with injuries, disabilities or pain
arising from musculoskeletal,
neurological or other system problems.
Physiatrists focus on restoring the
physical, psychological, social and
occupational functioning of the
individual.
Rheumatologists diagnose and
treat diseases of the joints, muscles,
bones and tendons, including arthritis
and collagen diseases. The
rheumatologist may work closely with
other specialists such as orthopedists,
physiatrists and physical therapists.
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
Nurse practitioners are
registered nurses with advanced
education and
training who can treat patients in
collaboration with physicians.
Physical therapists, with
experience in osteoporosis, are
resources for patients who need guidance
on safe exercises and activities.
Physical therapists can perform balance
assessment and training that is
important for preventing falls. They can
also help patients with posture, body
mechanics and safe movement. Patients
usually need a referral (also called a
prescription) to see a physical
therapist.
Physician assistants can treat
patients under the supervision of a
physician.
Dietitians help patients with
nutrition information and special
dietary needs. Most hospitals have
dietitians on staff, and many offer
outpatient instruction.
New members of the NOF Family receive
our quarterly newsletter, Osteoporosis
Report, and a copy of our newly revised
100-page handbook, Boning Up on
Osteoporosis. Renewing members receive
NOF's quarterly newsletter.
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