what doctor should I choose?

[tinchariot]

I am a stable T6 complete para (6 yrs post) moving to Phoenix in July. I am not sure what kind of doctor to look for when I move there. My current doctor is a rehab specialist and I have been very happy with her even though I rarely see her.

Should I choose a neurologist or a rehab specialist? Should I choose someone who specializes in SCI?

I don't have any real special needs as I am very stable and healthy. I may be interested in getting into sports in the near future.

Any advice?

Mark D Watson

[SCI-Nurse]

Mark, I would recommend finding a physiatrist (rehab physician) who does primary care for SCI. This would ideally be a physiatrist who also has board certification in Spinal Cord Medicine. You might check with your current physiatrist to see if they know someone there they could refer you to, or could ask colleagues for recommendations for you. If she cannot do this, you may need to call around to the physiatrists you find listed in the Phoenix yellow pages and interview at least 3 prior to making your selection.

I did check on members in the Phoenix area who also belong the ASIA (the American Spinal Injury Association) and unfortunately found none.

I assume you are not a military veteran. If you are, the SCI Support Clinic at the Phoenix VAMC is also available as a reliable source of care.

(KLD)