How to Choose a Sports Medicine Doctor

Continued...

What to look out for

How can you tell if you are in the hands of a quack? There are a number of tip-offs:

The promise of miraculous results is almost a sure sign you're being conned.If your clinician claims to be the "only one" performing a certain remedy beware: you may be getting experimental, unproven, useless or even dangerous treatment.Another clue is the physicians' sale of expensive pills, herbs, vitamins, medication or machines directly to you through her office.A doctor who discourages you from getting a second opinion is also suspect. Legitimate practitioners are usually eager to disseminate knowledge among colleagues. In fact, your insurance will often require a second opinion for surgery. Even if it is not required, a second opinion on any surgery is advisable. Quacks are usually secretive and out of the mainstream. Often they will consider agencies such as the American Medical Association or the Food and Drug Administration to be their enemies; useless organizations that are inhibiting research and innovation. Ask if your treatment is FDA-approved. The answer can tell you a great deal about the legitimacy of your health care. If the response is evasive, be careful.

Ask questions about any medications that are prescribed. Your physician should tell you about any potential side effects of drugs that she wants you to take. If you have any lingering doubts, ask your pharmacist or go to the library and look up the drug in the Physicians' Desk Reference.

Your sports medicine doctor should be someone you can talk to openly and confidently about your medical problems. Select someone you like, who makes you feel comfortable.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. You are paying for the consultation, and the doctor's response will tell you a lot about what kind of person she is. Don't hesitate to keep looking for a doctor with whom you can establish a rapport. Medical care is too important and expensive to be left to chance.

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About the authors: Carol L. Otis, M.D., is Chief Medical Advisor to the Sanex WTA and UCLA student health physician. Roger Goldingay is a former professional soccer player. They are married and the co-authors of The Athletic Woman's Survival Guide.

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