Page 27 - Outstanding Women Friendly Physicians (2)

Ask Dr. Sudi
Ask Dr. Sudi

Q: Dear Dr. Sudi , Truly the best approach to finding the right physician, is by word
I was recently diagnosed with a serious condition, which will of mouth. Talk to people whose opinion you trust and ask for their
require surgery. With so much at stake, I want to find the best experiences. Ask about a doctor who is skilled, one who is willing
physician to perform the surgery and for follow-up care. A to spend extra time and effort toward your diagnosis and treatment
is the founding physician of the
few years ago, I found my primary care physician through the plan, and one who is willing to answer all of your questions.
Women’s Integrative Center for
is the founding physician of the
“Providers List” on my insurance company’s website, but with After choosing a specialist, it is critical for you to research your
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Women’s Integrative Center for
my new diagnosis I am determined to do everything in my medical condition and the treatment options that are available for
(WICOG) in Poway and
Obstetrics and Gynecology
power to find the best physician and surgeons for my care. So you. There are many internet resources available; here are some
Hillcrest.
you have any suggestions on how to go about finding the best of the best:
(WICOG) in Poway and
doctor? • For finding definitions of the diseases and medical terminologies,
Hillcrest.
An award-winning surgeon, she
An award-winning surgeon, she
Karen M. Poway, CA I recommend PubMed Health (select the PubMed database at
advocates integrative medicine: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). WebMD.com, or mayoclinic.com. San Diego
An award-winning surgeon, she
An award-winning surgeon, she
A: Dear Karen, • For asking questions about a specific topic, Google.com or Ask. Woman
inspired by her own in-depth
advocates integrative medicine:
You are faced with a difficult task. Not only is this an emotionally com will give you the most options.
journey through a woman’s
difficult time in your life, but in the midst of your turmoil you have to • To view surgical or procedural videos, or to find lectures on medi-
inspired by her own in-depth
mind, body, and spirit, Dr. Sudi
objectively search and make important decisions for your health. cal topics, I recommend searching on Youtube.com.
journey through a woman’s
brings together information
I would hope for you to find a doctor who is not only a skilled sur- • Finally, state-of-the-art information on any medical condition or 27
from many disciplines in order
mind, body, and spirit, Dr. Sudi
geon in the specific area of your needs, but also willing to answer any surgery can be obtained by subscribing to uptodate.com. Up-
all of your questions and concerns. At times it may be scary, but it todate is used by more than 700,000 clinicians around the world.
to comprehensively understand
to comprehensively understand
brings together information
is possible to find the right match for you. Subscriptions are available annually or for as small a span as a
and improve women’s health
from many disciplines in order
It is very convenient to search the insurance company’s website or week.
and well-being.
to comprehensively understand
to comprehensively understand
merely by zip codes for the doctor nearest you. However, doing so These resources will give you the tools to ask the right ques-
is a game of chance and will likely result in missing the opportunity tions to your healthcare provider at the time of your consultation.
and improve women’s health
to find the best physician to suit your needs. Even if your search Knowledge is power; by learning all that you can and knowing what
DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION
and well-being.
leads to a consultant who is out of network, he or she may very to expect, you will be better able to deal with all aspects of your
FOR DR. SUDI?
well be willing to charge a reduced rate. condition.
How can you find the best provider? If you are comfortable with Please remember that you are not obligated to go with the first con-
Questions regarding women’s
DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION
your primary care physician please consider his or her recommen- sultant you see. It is often wise to get a second and third opinion;
health may be sent to
FOR DR. SUDI?
dation seriously. Your doctor is most likely to recommend someone doctors are human and the first one you see may not have all of
drsudi@drsudimoein.com.
who is most compatible with his or her own philosophy of treat- the answers you need. If you were to buy a wedding gown would
Questions regarding women’s
ment. After seeing the consultant, don’t forget to give feedback to you pick the first one that you see in the first bridal store you walk
health may be sent to
your referring physician as this is the only way to improve his or her into? It is okay to shop around even if you eventually return to that
referral list. first store and buy that first dress after all.
drsudi@drsudimoein.com.
After finding a physician you may want to search their name online I wish you much luck in your quest.
and read other patient’s reviews of their experience. My advice is to
read them with a grain of salt; typically you will find reviews that are To ask Dr. Sudi a question please email her at
extremely good or extremely bad, and not necessarily objective. drsudi@drsudimoein.com