For many newly diagnosed patients, finding a doctor who understands sarcoidosis can be difficult. Although the disease can be diagnosed and treated by family practitioners, internists and general practitioners, many patients try to seek the help of a sarcoidosis specialist.

There are a number of ways to find a doctor who treats patients with sarcoidosis. If you have a primary care physician or a family doctor, ask for his or her help. Your doctor may be able to refer you to a local sarcoidosis specialist.

If your doctor cannot help you, you can contact the nearest university hospital or academic health center and ask for the department that cares for patients with sarcoidosis. Some hospitals have a separate sarcoidosis center. In others, the department will vary. For example, in some cases, the department of pulmonary and critical care medicine treats patients with sarcoidosis. In other medical centers, the appropriate department may be internal medicine or rheumatology.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, (AHCPR) part of the US Department of Health and Human Services provides helpful information on choosing a doctor. For more information visit the Links section of this site under 'Finding a Doctor'.

Understanding Certification and Medical Specialization

Currently, there is no single physician specialty dedicated to sarcoidosis, nor is there a specific certification program for those who treat the disease.

Some doctors may indicate they are 'board certified' in a particular medical specialty. A board certified physician is someone who has completed training and passed a test designed to measure the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to provide quality patient care in that specialty. For example, a doctor who indicates he or she is 'Board Certified in Family Practice' has passed a test given by the American Board of Family Practice. For information on how to verify whether your doctor is board certified in a particular specialty, visit the Links section of this site under 'Finding a Doctor'.

'Diplomate' is another way of indicating that a physician is board certified in a particular medical specialty. For example, a doctor who indicates he or she is a 'Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine' has passed a test and is considered a specialist in internal medicine.

Some doctors may be paying 'members' of certain specialty or professional societies. In many societies it is necessary to be board certified to be eligible for membership. Some associations list a directory of members on their Web site. For a list of professional organization physician directories visit the Links section of this site under 'Finding a Doctor'.

A doctor who indicates they are a 'Fellow' in a specialty society may have achieved a certain number of years as a member, or years of work in the specialty or their status may be based on professional recognition by peers. For example, the letters 'F.A.C.P.' after your physician's name mean that he or she is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, a professional society of internists.

Medical Specialists Who Treat Sarcoidosis (in alphabetical order)

Since sarcoidosis is a multi-system disorder that can affect many different organs, patients often seek treatment from a doctor who specializes in treating the particular organ or system that is affected. Therefore, a variety of medical specialists treat patients with sarcoidosis.

Cardiologist—is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disorders. Patients may see a cardiologist for cardiac (heart) sarcoidosis. Cardiologists can also treat heart attacks, hypertension and congestive heart failure. After medical school, cardiologists complete three years of hospital-based training (or residency) in internal medicine and additional fellowship training in cardiology. A board certified cardiologist is someone who received board certification in internal medicine and then completed additional training and passed the American Board of Internal Medicine cardiology test. A doctor using the acronym 'FACC' is a Fellow of The American College of Cardiology, a professional association for heart specialists.

Dermatologist—is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders. Patients may see a dermatologist for cutaneous (skin) sarcoidosis. Dermatologists can also treat skin cancer, eczema, psoriasis and cutaneous (skin) lupus. A board certified dermatologist has completed four years of additional training and passed the American Board of Dermatology test. The American Academy of Dermatology is the largest professional organization for dermatologists, a directory of practicing dermatologists in the United States and Canada can be found on-line at the AAD Web site, for more information visit the Links section of this site under 'Finding a Doctor'. A doctor using the acronym 'FAAD' is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Neurologist—is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the nervous system (including the brain, nerves and spinal cord). Patients may see a neurologist for neuro (brain, nervous system) sarcoidosis. Neurologists can also treat headaches, strokes, Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis. After medical school, neurologists complete an internship and three years of specialized training in neurology. The American Academy of Neurology is an international professional association of neurologists, a directory of practicing neurologists in the United States and in other countries can be found on-line at the AAN Web site, for more information visit the Links section of this site under 'Finding a Doctor'.

Ophthalmologist—is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of vision and eye disorders. Patients may see an ophthalmologist if their sarcoidosis affects their eyes. After medical school, ophthalmologists complete three years of hospital-based training (or residency) in ophthalmology. A board certified ophthalmologist has completed additional training and passed the American Board of Ophthalmology test. The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the largest national membership association of ophthalmologists, a directory of practicing ophthalmologists in the United States and in other countries can be found on-line at the AAO Web site, for more information visit the Links section of this site under 'Finding a Doctor'.

Pulmonologist—is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of lung disorders and breathing problems. This is the doctor often seen by sarcoidosis patients because sarcoidosis affects the lungs in over 90% of patients. Pulmonologists can also treat asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis and tuberculosis. After medical school, pulmonologists complete three years of hospital-based training (or residency) in internal medicine and additional training in pulmonology. A board certified pulmonologist is someone who received board certification in internal medicine and then completed additional training and passed the American Board of Internal Medicine test in pulmonary disease.

Rheumatologist—is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the joints, muscles and bones. Rheumatologists can also treat arthritis, certain autoimmune diseases and disorders of the skeleton including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, osteoporosis and fibromyalgia. After medical school, rheumatologists complete three years of hospital-based training (or residency) in internal medicine and additional training in rheumatology. A board certified rheumatologist is someone who received board certification in internal medicine and then completed additional training and passed the American Board of Internal Medicine test in rheumatology. The American College of Rheumatology is the professional organization of rheumatologists, a directory of practicing rheumatologists in the United States and in other countries can be found on-line at the ACR Web site, for more information visit the Links section of this site under 'Finding a Doctor'. A doctor using the acronym 'FACR' is a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology.