Which type of doctor should I consult?

Which Doctor to Consult

You should start with your primary care physician (general practitioner) who can evaluate your condition and provide appropriate referrals to specialists based on your specific medical needs.

Initial Consultation Approach

• Begin with a general practitioner (GP) who serves as the entry point for medical care and can assess your symptoms, provide initial management, and determine if specialist referral is necessary 1
• Your GP will consider multiple factors when deciding on specialist referral, including the need for diagnosis, investigation, treatment, or reassurance 1

When Specialist Referral is Indicated

Your primary care physician will refer you to specialists based on specific clinical scenarios:

For Diabetes-Related Complications:

• Ophthalmologist or optometrist if you have diabetes and need eye screening (initial examination at diagnosis for type 2 diabetes, or within 5 years for type 1 diabetes) 2
• Nephrologist if you develop advanced kidney disease (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m²), have uncertainty about kidney disease etiology, or experience difficult management issues like resistant hypertension or electrolyte disturbances 2

For Eye Problems:

• Ophthalmologist for urgent referral if you have macular edema, severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, or any proliferative diabetic retinopathy 2
• Pediatric ophthalmologist, orthoptist, or neuro-ophthalmologist for diplopia (double vision) complaints 2
• Neuro-ophthalmologist if strabismus is associated with other neurological signs and symptoms, requiring neuroimaging 2

For Gastrointestinal Issues:

• Gastroenterologist if IBS diagnosis is uncertain and symptoms remain refractory to primary care treatment 2
• Specialist gastroenterology dietitian for dietary triggers, nutritional deficiencies, unintended weight loss, or dietary modification needs 2
• Gastropsychologist for moderate to severe depression/anxiety, suicidal ideation, impaired quality of life, or motivational deficiencies affecting self-management 2

For Urological Problems:

• Urologist for treatment failure, persistent urinary symptoms, findings suspicious for prostate cancer, recurrent urinary retention, hematuria, abnormal PSA, or severe obstruction (Qmax < 10 mL/second) 3

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not bypass your GP to self-refer to specialists, as this can lead to fragmented care and missed diagnoses 1
• Ensure clear communication about your symptoms and expectations during the referral process, as unmet expectations lead to dissatisfaction 1
• Avoid telephone-only consultations for new problems without a prior face-to-face evaluation, as essential diagnostic cues may be missed 4

Practical Steps in Chennai

• Schedule an appointment with a general practitioner who can perform initial evaluation including detailed medical history, physical examination, and basic investigations 3
• The GP will provide a referral letter with adequate patient history and specific problems to be addressed by the specialist 1
• Choose specialists based on medical skill, communication quality, office location, and your preferences, as discussed with your GP 1