What are your tips for finding good specialists?

When I am seeking out specialists to treat my PD, I am interested in the specialists, schooling, degree, training, experience and if they are accredited and trained by a national certification board. They should also be licensed to practice in the state where they are located. The specialist should be up on the latest practices, medications information that could help with your plan of care. Having someone who is compassionate is also an asset.
Marc Mitnick, Moderator, ParkinsonsDisease.Net

It has been my practice to interview any physician from my current PCP to my movement disorder specialist. I always inform them that the first appointment is not to get a diagnosis per se.Their background, experience and accreditation is usually available on line. My goal is to determine what sort of rapport we might develop. How do they handle communication? Will I be considered a partner in my care? Are they available in a timely fashion. Will test results or changes in medications be explained in understandable terms? Thus far I have found this to be highly successful and haven’t felt the need to change any member of my medical team. Thea DeStephano , Community Team Member

I have found success (as a care partner) to attend doctor appointments with my father with PD and dementia (age 87). He needs me to be a second pair of eyes, ears and mouth- asking the right questions so we get the most of of the appoinment and learn next steps in care etc. Suzanne Troy, ParkinsonsDisease.net team member

In general, I tell other PWP to not strictly use their local neurologist. They have to know a little bit about a lot of illnesses. I always encourage them to go to a movement disorder specialist where they know a lot about PD. You can still have contact with your local neuro if you wish and they should not mind if you see a specialist.