A specialist is a physician who focuses on a specific field of medicine. They have extensive additional training and education beyond their basic medical or surgical training to become experts in their specialty.
Tips & Links
- Learn about different types of specialists and the type of care they provide from Healthlink BC.
- Your physician or nurse practitioner is the initial point of contact for patients. When a medical issue requires specialized attention, you should be referred to a specialist. Physicians and nurse practitioners may refer to you a specialist that is best suited to your needs, who is closest to your community, and who is taking patients.
- If you have an appointment with a specialist, it’s especially important that you learn how to make your physician or healthcare visit effective and productive with suggestions from Healthlink BC.
- Bring your health advocate with you to the appointment to take notes and to remind you of your questions and concerns for the visit.
- Know that if you need to see your specialist for a new medical issue, you may need to get another referral from your physician or nurse practitioner.
- Learn about how the Travel Assistance Program (TAP) can cover some costs of transportation to specialist appointments, tests, surgeries, or hospital stays when the care is not available in your home community. Ask your specialist for a TAP letter. Plan ahead and get a confirmation number before you leave. Keep all your receipts.
Tools – Handouts & Videos
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