What TYPE of doc treats your IBD?

[aliciars]

I'm currently working with 2 different GI's - one is in my insurance group and one is not. The one my insurance will pay for, seems baffled by my CD. The one insurance does not cover, well, she's 2 hours away and EXPENSIVE.

I know some people work with general MD's, some with internist, etc....looking for options that my insurance will cover as I need a better doc for sure. I've looked at the Crohns Colitis Foundation page for docs that specialize in CD, but none of them are in my insurance coverage. UGH.

So, what is the type of doc you work with??
Thanks!

 

[dreamintwilight]

That really stinks, Alicia.

My doctor is a gastroenterologist that specializes in Crohn's disease. I have no idea how I lucked out in finding him! MY GP referred me to him.

 

[ameslouise]

I have a GI. I think you really need to use a GI to treat bowel disorders. You need to have someone experienced with the diseases and the treatments.

Good luck - Amy

 

[slightlysilly]

I have a Gastroenterologist as well. He is within my insurance plan. Have you called your insurance company and asked about someone who specializes in Crohns?

 

[aliciars]

I have called my insurance company, and they are all but useless if helping me find a doc. She couldn't even tell me if a doctor was in my network??? She directed to me the on-line site, and then the online site says "this information may not be correct." ???? Geeesh.
One of my good friends who had UC (she had her entire colon removed so effectively she's cured) used a colorectal cancer doc. Another lady I know, who's husband has CD, uses an internist (I think....I'm too lazy to get up and go get his info right now). I would think a GI is the logical choice too but wanted to double check with every one on here.
Thanks for the responses.

 

[hawkeye]

I have a gastroenterologist, and was referred last September (2010) after a trip to the ER and a couple of visits to my former family doctor. Things got active again in November 2009.

Just wondering how long people have been under the care of their gastroenterologist and how often they follow up, especially when the symptoms are at bay / in remission? I saw my original gastroenterologist when I was first diagnosed from 1990 for 14 years. Things were quite well managed from about 1991 onwards with meds and the specialist saw no need for annual office visits from 2004 onwards as there were no issues, just a colonoscopy in 2005 and every 5 years after that.

It’s somewhat different in that I have a specialist but no family doctor / GP, but on the local waiting list for one.

Mark

 

[ThanksP]

I have a GI doc and also my primary physcian. Depending on the issue, I'll go to either one.

Lately I have been seeing both once a month. But when I'm in remission, it was years before I went to my GI except for a colonoscopy.

 

[Crohn's 35]

I have a Gi and he is also the "scope king". I do have a Doctor but only because he is the company doctor or I would be doctorless too. My Gp never mentions my crohns , because my GI is the one to treat me. Trying to get pain meds from him is easier to pull out all my teeth lol. We also have a surgeon for Cancer/bowel removals that is an expert in his field so I am covered pretty well.

 

[MkAngelo]

No NHS doctor could diagnose me,I saw one private doctor,they got me in on the NHS for a colonoscopy and thats how I found out.Sadly NHS GPs can only prescribe predisolone,yet they cant take me off it or five me anything else so im waiting to see the private doctor again to get what tablets or treament I may need next