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. |