Pediatrician keeps on sending me to Delaware

amother

Mon, Jan 30 2023, 11:36 pm

This is the third time my pediatrician is sending me to see a specialist for one of my kids to Delaware which is an hour and half away for not such major things...Someone said he has a deal with them. I have to see a dermatologist for my 6 month old and I dont want to drive so far. Im fed up.

amother

Saddlebrown

Mon, Jan 30 2023, 11:38 pm

amother OP wrote:

Why don't you find your own dermatologist nearby? You don't have to go to the specialist your doctor recommends.

amother

Catmint

Mon, Jan 30 2023, 11:39 pm

You can ask your doctor for a local recommendation even if they aren't as good

amother

NeonPurple

Mon, Jan 30 2023, 11:41 pm

Your pediatrician is not in charge of you. You can go to whomever you want.
When my doctor wants us to see a specialist, he first asks if we have someone we want to go to, and gives a referral to that doctor. If not, then he recommends someone but usually gives a few options and we can choose.

amother

Ghostwhite

Mon, Jan 30 2023, 11:44 pm

If it's for excema, a good treatment and doctor is hard to find. Maybe ask the doctor he sent you to if he knows anyone closer or ask your insurance for names.

Chaya123

Tue, Jan 31 2023, 1:23 pm

It this Nemours hospital? If so, they have clinic in NJ, just as far as CHOP. Is your ped Dr Shanik?

amother

Gray

Tue, Jan 31 2023, 1:49 pm

Could it be based on where your insurance is accepted? Specifically for dermatology this doesn’t sound right, there are 3 phenomenal dermatologists in Lakewood.

amother

Tue, Jan 31 2023, 1:58 pm

I have amerigroup. I dont mind paying out of pocket but I dont want to travel...

amother

Tue, Jan 31 2023, 1:59 pm

Yes Nemours. They said this dermatologist doesnt have different location

SweetMouse

Tue, Jan 31 2023, 2:00 pm

OP, who is your pediatrician and what insurance are you on?

There are very few top-tier pediatric specialists in NJ because we don't have a top-rated children's hospital like in NY, Philadelphia or Delaware. Most NJ insurances do not cover NY or Philadelphia, which leaves Delaware as the preferred recommendation.

That being said, for minor issues, convenience can be more important than a top doctor.

amother

Beige

Tue, Jan 31 2023, 2:11 pm

Op, what issue are you seeing the dermatologist for?

amother

Tan

Tue, Jan 31 2023, 2:12 pm

amother OP wrote:

Anyone heard of Ocean Dermatology?

Yes, and they did great for my son’s psoriasis BH. My pediatrician also recommended one that would require a lot of travel, and I absolutely could not do that. I don’t think traveling would have gotten us better treatment. Ocean Dermatology has really been helping us, ba”h.

amother

Tue, Jan 31 2023, 2:14 pm

something on my babys skin which dr tried to treat with few different antibiotics but didnt go away. He didnt seem concerned

amother

Tue, Jan 31 2023, 2:16 pm

Thanks Tan for the feedback on Ocean...Im wondering why Shanik always insists on Nemours in Delaware.

Cmon be nice

Tue, Jan 31 2023, 2:52 pm

amother OP wrote:

Thanks Tan for the feedback on Ocean...Im wondering why Shanik always insists on Nemours in Delaware.

Maybe bec thats the only specilized hospital on insurance, as presumably he'd send you to CHOP otherwise.

amother

Tan

Tue, Jan 31 2023, 2:54 pm

amother OP wrote:

Thanks Tan for the feedback on Ocean...Im wondering why Shanik always insists on Nemours in Delaware.

Actually, the one Shanik had recommended to me was a different one, in Hackensack.
Why not just try a local one first; if they aren’t able to help the problem, you can then look further.

amother

Gray

Tue, Jan 31 2023, 2:56 pm

Ocean and Tarlow are both excellent but I doubt they’ll accept Amerigroup.

amother

Seafoam

Tue, Jan 31 2023, 3:28 pm

Chaya123 wrote:

It this Nemours hospital? If so, they have clinic in NJ, just as far as CHOP. Is your ped Dr Shanik?

Nemours also does telehealth.