Diagnosed in 2016
Selecting Healthcare Providers
Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable, long-term disease. It is critical that you feel comfortable with your healthcare team. This will help you work together with them to manage your MS and treat your symptoms.The Find Doctors & Resources tool can help you find professionals in your area. The tips below will help you check whether or not they are a good fit for your needs.
Research Providers
- Do they have specialized training in MS?
- How long have they been treating MS?
- How much time do they spend seeing people with MS compared to people with other health issues?
- Do they participate in MS research or clinical studies?
- Can the doctor give you a referral for other services, such as care for bladder infections, help with emotional challenges or a driving evaluation?
- Will someone on staff help manage your care, including referrals to other providers and orders for lab work or MRIs? Will they send you the test results and communicate with you about them?
- Can they connect you with chances to take part in clinical trials or research studies?
- If your provider is not available, who helps with urgent matters like new symptoms?
- Will you see the same provider for follow-up visits, or will you see someone else in the practice, like a nurse practitioner or physician assistant?
- What is the provider’s approach to lifestyle choices, like nutrition and exercise?
- Does the provider take your insurance?
- How far are they from your home or work?
- Is the office accessible?
- Do they speak your language or use a translation service? If not, can you bring a translator with you? Can you request a man or a woman, if that’s important to you?
- Will the office need a list of your medications, recent lab reports, MRI scans or other records?
- Do they limit how many people can go with you on visits?