Looking for a specialist...

Dr. Mihael Ries.

I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good rheumatologist in either Los Angeles or nearby areas. I'm 29, and my X-ray results show bilateral rhizarthrosis, reduced joint spaces in several parts of the wrist, and sclerosis..
The orthopedist at the clinic here is questioning the findings and suspects some kind of rheumatic disease—specifically, the report points toward erosive (osteo) arthritis..
The report also mentions swelling and early signs of finger deformity.. To add to that, I can actually hear my bones popping whenever I open or close my joints—both left and right sides—and it pops even more when I clench my fist tightly. My fingers hurt, along with other digits and my wrists generally whenever I "don't watch it"—basically just doing normal things with my hands... even washing my face can trigger the pain..

It’s really important to me that I see a top-tier rheumatologist. I feel like I'm racing against the clock here, and any wrong diagnosis or wasted time is going to cost me in the long run.. This finger deformation is already getting pretty concerning..

I’d also like to ask for a recommendation for a private orthopedist, just in case I need to follow up with one again.. I was told they can't see the full extent of the cartilage damage on an X-ray and that I really need to get a CT scan.. Does anyone happen to know how much a private CT scan for both hands costs? I'm assuming the wait times through insurance/public health are going to be brutal..

Thanks in advance

dustydrifter14 said:Hi everyone!
I am looking for a highly reliable otolaryngologist (ENT) in the US.
My general practitioner has been struggling with my clogged ear for two months now without any success.
After exhausting every over-the-counter remedy available, she suggested I might need a professional cleaning of the canal.

Please, I am asking you to provide recommendations based on your own experiences, as I really want to avoid any permanent damage to my hearing.

THANK YOU!!

🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏

Professor Pegan Boris (private practice); or Dr. Alan Pegan at the hospital—he truly goes above and beyond. He actually resolved a complex issue for a colleague that several other specialists had completely failed to identify.

Peter Taylor9 said:I am looking for recommendations for a rheumatologist in either Los Angeles or nearby areas. I am 29 years old, and my X-ray results indicate bilateral rhizarthrosis, reduced joint space in several pelvic joints, and sclerosis...
An orthopedic surgeon at the hospital questioned the findings and suspects an underlying rheumatic disease. To be more precise, the report indicates erosive (osteo) arthritis...
The report also mentions swelling and early signs of finger deformity. Additionally, I should mention that I can hear my bones popping whenever I open or close my joints—on both sides—and they pop even more when I clench my fists tightly. There is pain in my fingers, as well as in other digits and generally in my pelvis when I am "not careful," meaning during normal hand usage. For instance, even just washing my face can trigger the pain...

It is vital to me that I find a top-tier rheumatologist, because I feel like I am racing against the clock here. Any misdiagnosis or wasted time will ultimately cost me dearly... this finger deformation is already quite alarming...

I would also immediately like to ask for a recommendation for a private orthopedic surgeon, in case I need to see an orthopedist again... I was told that the condition of the cartilage cannot be fully assessed on an X-ray and that I need to undergo a CT scan... perhaps someone knows how much a private CT scan for both hands costs? I assume the wait times through insurance/public health are quite long...

Thanks in advance

Excellent rheumatologists are located at the Mayo Clinic; Professor Čikeš handles more complex cases. It is difficult to get an appointment (especially with a professor), so if you have trouble booking, you might try reaching out to her directly on a day she holds clinic hours.
Several private clinics perform CT scans using a referral, and it would be wise to inquire with a few different places (Diagnostika 2000 used to do them, and there are certainly others available).

Peter Taylor9 said:Could anyone recommend a good rheumatologist in either the Los Angeles area or near San Diego?.

Mayo Clinic - Dr. Bosnić and Dr. Sentić.

Thanks for all the suggestions... I think I'll try seeing one of those doctors—maybe Prof. Čikeš would be the best bet—but if things don't work out, could anyone recommend a private rheumatologist or orthopedic surgeon? Just want to have a solid backup plan ready...

I’ve heard nothing but great things about Dr. Bosanić. She’s easily one of the top specialists in her field, though word is you’ll be dealing with some pretty massive crowds if you try to see her. 🙂

Does anyone have a solid recommendation for a good gynecologist in Rijeka? Ideally someone who isn't working in a private practice.

Does anyone happen to know of a nutritionist in either Los Angeles or Chicago who accepts insurance referrals through a primary care physician? 🙂

melloworca6 said:I've heard nothing but great things about Dr. Bosanić—definitely one of the top specialists in her field—though apparently, you have to deal with a pretty massive crowd if you want to see her. 🙂

Thanks for the help, everyone—really appreciate it. Quick question: do Dr. Bosnić and Dr. Sentić also hold office hours just one day a week, or how does their schedule work? I know someone mentioned that Prof. Čikeš operates on a similar weekly rotation...

So, do you actually need to schedule an appointment ahead of time, or can you just show up once you have the referral in hand?

Peter Taylor9 said:Thanks for all the help so far. I was wondering if both Dr. Bosnić and Dr. Sentic hold clinic hours on specific days of the week? I saw a mention earlier regarding Prof. Čikeš having set days...

And if they do, is it necessary to schedule an appointment in advance, or can you just walk in with a referral?

Yes, all three doctors are excellent practitioners (Dr. Bosnić, in particular, is very approachable), and each one holds clinic hours on a designated day each week.
You definitely need to book an appointment. The wait times can be quite significant, often stretching out over several months. Your best course of action would be to visit them in person to clarify the scheduling process; even when trying to get a response regarding online booking, you might find yourself waiting up to two weeks during peak periods.

Hello, I am requesting some assistance. I have recently relocated to the area near Republic Avenue in downtown Los Angeles, and I find myself needing to locate a reliable general practitioner nearby. If anyone could provide recommendations for a competent doctor, it would be greatly appreciated. Any information is welcome, including private messages. 🙂

Grace Davis77 said:Yeah, all three doctors are excellent—Dr. Bosnić is especially easy to talk to—and they each have clinics on specific days of the week.
You really need to book ahead; the wait times can be brutal, sometimes stretching out for months. Honestly, your best bet is to just drop by in person to figure out your next steps—waiting for an email response regarding online booking can take up to two weeks when things get busy.

I just saw my doctor. Got a referral for rheumatoid arthritis markers... Mihanovic's clinic is closest to me, but whenever I call, there’s nobody left in the lab—I'm supposed to try again tomorrow before 2:30 PM. You have to make an appointment... now I'm just worried about how long this wait is going to be.

I also sent an email to the Mayo Clinic—specifically the Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology—pleading for an earlier appointment and explaining my situation. My fingers are starting to deform... the arthritis is progressing pretty fast, too. My doctor checked, and apparently, they don't have any openings until April.

Can anyone recommend a private rheumatologist? I seriously need one, ASAP.

Could someone please point me toward the private practice where Dr. Boris Vucelić works? I can't seem to find any information on it anywhere!

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good GP in downtown Chicago?

Chloe Ruiz15 said:Does anyone have a recommendation for a solid pediatric orthopedist near Rijeka, Istria, or Lovran? It’s urgent...

Dr. Irha at Nemec's office is an excellent orthopedist...

Hey everyone,
I could really use some advice because I’m on the hunt for a solid ophthalmologist.

To give you some context—I wear both contact lenses and glasses (usually switching to glasses when I need a break from the lenses)—but since I have astigmatism, I’ve been having a nightmare finding a prescription that actually works. It’s frustratingly difficult to get the diopter right for my glasses, let alone my contacts. They constantly irritate my eyes, they slip around, and honestly, it's just a hassle.
Who should I see to finally get this sorted out? I need someone who can handle both the full eye exam and the actual fitting for specialized lenses.
I'm currently based in the Los Angeles area.
Thanks!

mistybear522 said:Does anyone know a nutritionist in Los Angeles or Chicago who takes insurance referrals? 🙂

Mayo Clinic.

wiredbison3 said:Hey everyone,
I could really use some help finding a solid ophthalmologist.

I alternate between wearing contacts and glasses (usually when I need a break from the lenses), but since I have astigmatism, it’s been a total nightmare getting my prescription right—for both the glasses and the contacts. They constantly irritate my eyes, get all blurry, and just generally feel uncomfortable.
Who should I see to finally get this sorted out? I need someone who can handle both the full exam and the actual contact lens fitting.
I'm currently in the Chicago area.
Thanks!

...Nothing...?

Can anyone recommend a good spot for a kidney ultrasound?

So far, I've found three options online: Kvarantan Clinic, Dr. Tarle’s office (they do color Doppler), and Sunce Clinic.

Has anyone here actually used any of these places?

Thanks in advance!