Subject:   Parkinson's Specialist = MDS = Movement Disorder
Specialist...

On 30 Dec 2000, at 9:08, Joanne Speer wrote:
> Thank you Barbara.  I am new to all this information and was about to
> remove my name from the list because of the sheer volume of messages.
> My husband and I really do need the Parkinson's connection for
> information.  So thank you again.
>
> My immediate challenge is to find a competent physician.  Neurologists
> do not seem to identify themselves as Parkinson specialists.  Can
> someone suggest what is the best track to run on to find a physician?
>

Good Morning Joanne and Good Morning All,

Camilla Flintermann wrote: (in part)
>
> If possible, you should see a movement disorder specialist, who is
> fully informed about PD, as not all family doctors and general
> neurologists are.
>  The easy way to find a MOVEMENT DISORDER SPECIALIST is to
> dial 1-888-400-2732.  This toll free number will ring in the American
> Parkinson Disease Association Information & Referral Center.
>

And Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD wrote: (in part)
>
> Joanne, you're absolutely right -- a neurologist who specializes in
> movement disorders, especially PD, is the most important thing you can
> do in managing PD. Two of the largest PD foundations offer information
> and referrals, to help you locate a good neuro.
>
> National Parkinson Foundation -- 800-327-4545
> NPF has several dozen "Centers of Excellence" around the U.S. and if
> you are near one of these, that would be ideal. Ask for some of their
> free brochures, these list the Centers of Excellence locations. Also,
> you can go to their website for free downloadable information:
> http://www.parkinson.org/
>
> American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc. -- 800-223-2732
> also offers free booklets and can refer you to physicians who
> specialize in PD. their website is: http://www.apdaparkinson.com/
>

Very good advice Camilla & Kathrynne... Now for my 2 bits...

A Parkinson's Specialist = MDS = Movement Disorder Specialist...

Say What????  Who are these people, what do they do, and where do
you find them????

A MOVEMENT DISORDER SPECIALIST ...  essentially this is a
Neurologist who specializes in one or more movement disorders...
and in our case... Parkinson's!

They may have private practices but, in larger centres, are often
associated with MOVEMENT DISORDER CENTERS...

Here is *text* I yanked offa the WWWeb... re: Movement Disorder
Centers...

The Clinic's mission is to offer optimal treatment to those suffering
from movement disorders, with the help of a multidisciplinary team
composed of a neurologist, two nurses and a neuropsychologist.

Movement disorders encountered at the Clinic include Parkinson's
disease, etc.

Close collaboration with other health professionals such as a
neurosurgeon, a brain imaging specialist and a psychiatrist has
made possible a more effective multidisciplinary approach. We
also work with occupational and physiotherapists, social workers,
psychologists, urologists, dieticians, exercise and support groups, and
the private and public CLSCs) home care sectors.

These services may be available to clients upon referral by the
neurologist.
http://www.mcgill.ca/mcsa/clinic_dis.htm

John Hopkins
The Movement Disorder Group within the Department of Neurology
at Johns Hopkins provides diagnosis, treatment and management
of individuals with movement disorders including Parkinson's
Disease, Essential Tremor, Dystonia, Ataxia, Multiple System
Atrophy, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and other rare movement
disorders.
http://www.neuro.jhmi.edu/MvtDis/home.html

Parkinson and Movement Disorder Center at Shands Jacksonville
http://shands.org/jax/parkinson_overview.htm

I was unaware that there were Movement Disorder Centers and
Movement Disorder Specialists until Parkinson's came to my
house...

I live in Vancouver, BC Canada but no matter...

This list is a fabulous resource and we're here to support each
other.

Now... Where do YOU find a Movement Disorder Centre?

Information & Referral Centers & Services Locations
http://www.apdaparkinson.com/ictr3.htm

The APDA and SmithKline Beecham have established SB
CareLink, a toll-free hotline  that connects you to the closest
Information and Referral Center to you.  Call 888-400-2732.

Since your service provider is Aginet I'll guess you live East Coast -
mid Atlantic - say ... the Carolina's?

There's Duke in NC....
NORTH CAROLINA - Durham
APDA Information & Referral Service
DUKE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
Box 3810, Room 0333
Duke South Orange Zone
Durham,   NC   27710
Barbara Warren, MSW, Coordinator
919-681-2033
FAX: 919-684-6206
Burton L. Scott, MD, Director

Here's one in Fort Meyers
http://www.parkinson.org/texthtms/tsteinmetz.htm

JFK in New Jersey
http://www.njneuro.org/movement.htm

Choosing a doctor?  Make an Informed choice... (AMA)

In addition to putting out a list of "Top Doctors," the Center
for Study of Services is advising patients to take the
following steps when choosing their physicians:

Select a primary care doctor to coordinate your care.

Give preference to board-certified doctors.

Check on doctors' credentials through the Web sites
of the AMA or the American Board of Medical Specialties.

Try to choose a doctor who has teaching responsibilities at a hospital.

Choose a doctor who has admitting privileges at high-quality hospitals.

Consider selecting a doctor who practices in a group.

Ask about a doctor's policies on giving advice by telephone.

http://www.ama-assn.org/sci-pubs/amnews/pick_99/prfa1115.htm

Good luck!

Cheers ............ murray


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