Your doctor has told you that you have experienced a transient ischemic attack, and he has recommended that you seek treatment. Transient ischemic attacks get most commonly diagnosed in a hospital setting, but the hospital stay is short, and you may still have questions about the disease when you leave the hospital. You may have been told in the hospital to follow up with a cerebrovascular specialist. Depending upon your personal situation and the circumstances surrounding your transient ischemic attack, what that treatment is could range from lifestyle changes to surgery. However, no matter what the underlying cause or severity of your condition, it is important that you find a provider you can have confidence in and who will provide the best treatment possible in the New Jersey area.
Ask Around for Recommendations
Check with family members and close friends to see if they can recommend someone. While they may not have direct experience with transient ischemic attack themselves, they may very well know someone who has been treated and be able to provide you with a personal recommendation.
Check Online for Reviews
Thanks to the internet, you now have access to more information than ever before, and it’s right at your fingertips. Search online for a cerebrovascular specialist in the New Jersey area, and read what other patients have had to say. It’s worth keeping in mind that a dissatisfied customer tends to be more likely to write a review, but you will be able to get a feel for a specific surgeon based on other people’s experiences.
You can also learn more about a particular practice by browsing its website. Some questions you might be able to answer include:
- Does the practice specialize in cerebrovascular medicine and transient ischemic attack treatment?
- Do the surgeons appear to take a patient-centric approach?
- Is the practice large enough that it will likely have someone experienced with cases similar to yours?
- Does the practice appear to be at the forefront of technology and research in cerebrovascular medicine?
If you can answer these questions based on the website and feel like the practice is a good fit for you and your needs, those are good indications that you may be comfortable there as a patient.
Ask Your Insurance Company for Guidance
Many insurance plans include a “Find a Doctor” service. Query your insurance company to see if it has a cerebrovascular specialist in the New Jersey area that it can recommend. If you are interested in a particular doctor, your insurance company will be able to tell you if the surgeon you are considering is within its provider network. However, even if you do not have a particular office in mind, it may be able to point you in the direction of a practice near you.
Ask Your Physician for a Referral
The primary care physician or neurologist who diagnosed you as having had a transient ischemic attack may be able to recommend a cerebrovascular specialist. Your physician may simply know of a practice in the area, but it’s more likely that he often has to make referrals and has at least one practice in the New Jersey area he commonly sends patients to. Even if your doctor did not give you the name of any specialists, it might be worth checking to see if there is someone in particular he can recommend.
Schedule a Consultation
The best way to determine if a particular cerebrovascular specialist is for you is to visit the office and see for yourself. After doing research online and speaking to others, decide which practice seems to be the best fit and make an appointment for a consultation. This will give you an opportunity to get a feel for the atmosphere of the practice, discuss your particular condition with a surgeon, and form a conclusion as to whether or not you feel comfortable seeking treatment there. You have a number of choices in the New Jersey area, and a truly patient-focused practice will be happy to meet with you in person to discuss your transient ischemic attack treatment options.
Making the Choice
A diagnosis of a transient ischemic attack can be stressful and worrisome, but some of the burden can be eased by finding a cerebrovascular specialist you are comfortable with. Think about the values that are important to you, such as a caring atmosphere and cutting-edge technology, and look online for a New Jersey practice that possesses the qualities you’re looking for.
By taking the time to find an office that suits you best, you can rest easier when it comes time for your treatment. Whether you need a new prescription or a surgical procedure, you should be able to have confidence in your specialist’s abilities and know, without a doubt, that your health is in good hands.
You may be looking into transient ischemic attack treatment because you think you have had a transient ischemic attack in the past because of the symptoms you had. If you believe that you have experienced a transient ischemic attack based upon symptoms but have not yet seen a physician, it is important that you seek medical help right away. Transient ischemic attacks are considered a medical emergency and require immediate attention, even if the symptoms appear to have resolved on their own.
