hematologist questions

Some of you may recall that whenever anyone on the boards need a hematologist I do not hestitate to strongly endorse Dr. Wadie Bahou, who holds several titles at Stony Brook. Dr. Bahou saved the life of a disability client of mine who has a very rare and life threatening blood disorder. When my OB said that I needed to see a hematologist after I found out I had blood clots on the placenta during pregnancy, I told him I wanted to see Dr. Bahou & he immediately agreed that I would be in wonderful hands. Now I have an entirely different issue and my primary doctor wants me to see a hematologist. It is very doubtful that my condition is severe or life threatening. Other hematologists refer Dr. Bahou cases that are severe, life threatening or very rare. He's known for treating those patients. Should I find someone who focuses more on the mundane hematology related issues or do I go with the man I trust & respect tremendously? I could not possibly have a higher opinion of any doctor but I wonder if he is the person I need. I also need to find out whether he still sees patients (especially on an outpatient basis) because now he seems to be in charge of so many things at the University. Does anyone know whether he still sees new patients? I'm probably not technically a brand new patient to him. I would not mind receiving other suggestions but I am very likely to go straight to him. Although my Dr. and I do not think it is severe, maybe we need someone like him to figure out what the heck is going on!!!! Trust factor is there but I know he's in demand and that my issue might have to take a back seat to the rare fatal illness patients (he never made me feel that way before but that is is patient base). Would you go with the guy you respect so much? Do you have experiences with other hematologists that you like?

Message edited 11/9/2011 9:04:17 PM.

Re: hematologist questions

if you really trust and respect this doctor, and he is your first choice, i would call him,
explain your situation, if he is too busy with these other serious cases then they will let you know that, but if he can fit you in then thats great,
at least you will have tried to see your preferred choice of doctor,

Re: hematologist questions

If you have such a high regard for him and he is a doctor you trust (it's hard to come by those sometimes), then I would give him a call and try to get in to see him. I would think technically you are not a new patient. And, if he can't see you, maybe he can refer you to somebody else that he trusts.

Re: hematologist questions

Message edited 11/15/2011 5:55:41 PM.

Re: hematologist questions

Message edited 11/15/2011 5:54:12 PM.

Re: hematologist questions

I got in to see Dr. Bahou today. He was awesome & explained so much to me. We got to talking about blood test results & electronic medical records & some other things. I still think he is such a genius. I may not need to see him again but he referred me to other specialists. We will know for sure tomorrow but he does not think that I have any major hematological illness. He is going to look at my blood himself under the microscope.

Message edited 11/15/2011 6:09:49 PM.