Re: PD specialists

[Barbara Mallut <Barb_MSN@xxxxxxx>]

Mary.... I've had PD for 21 years.  In all the years since my DX (14 years),
the ONLY time I feel I've had even remotely knowledgable medical help has been
from neurologists who SPECIALIZE in or otherwise treat a huge number of
Parkinson's patients.  Most "average" neurologists don't know diddly about the
nuances of this disease.  In fact even some neuros who treat a significant
number of Parkies still seem to be in the Dark Ages!

Have you told our health insurance carrier yet that you'll go to the press and
the media if they won't cooperate?  I've had some terrific results in
threatening THAT (and followed thru on a coupla occasions).

Best of luck....

Barb Mallut,
barb_msn@xxxxxxx

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From:   PARKINSN: Parkinson's Disease - Information Exchange Network on behalf
of Mary Sheehan
Sent:   Thursday, August 29, 1996 1:53 PM
To:     Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN
Subject:        PD specialists

Does anyone have any thoughts on the importance of seeing a Parkinson's
specialist as opposed to a general neurologist.
I have been battling Lifeguard regarding payment for a visit I made to a
Parkinson clinic.  They have turned down my first two appeals,stating that
any neurologist is capable of treating Parkinson's Disease. My final appeal
is this Wednesday.
I had a terrible experience with the first Lifeguard- authorized neurologist
that I saw and felt I needed the expertise of a specialist for a second
opinion and course of treatment  Any comments?
Mary
(MPSHEE@xxxxxxx)