Internist or Podiatrist?

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James E. - 03 Jan 2005 18:26 GMT

I have an ingrown toenail. I am also with an HMO. My internist says he can
remove a sliver from the side of the nail and cauterize it.

I don't have much faith in my internist. Is something like this normally
treated by an internist, or should I insist on a referral to a podiatrist?

Thanks for any input

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Jeff - 04 Jan 2005 13:09 GMT

> I have an ingrown toenail. I am also with an HMO. My internist says he can
> remove a sliver from the side of the nail and cauterize it.
>
> I don't have much faith in my internist. Is something like this normally
> treated by an internist, or should I insist on a referral to a podiatrist?

If you don't have much faith in your internist, in general, get a new
internist. I think you meant you don't have much faith in your internist
working on your feet, but trust her for other things, like taking care of
your heart.

Your HMO might limit your choices. You may have to ask your internist for a
referral. So call your HMO or internist and ask.

Of course, you can just call a podiatrist and pay him/her out of pocket.

Jeff

> Thanks for any input

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PF Riley - 05 Jan 2005 06:54 GMT

>I have an ingrown toenail. I am also with an HMO. My internist says he can
>remove a sliver from the side of the nail and cauterize it.
>
>I don't have much faith in my internist. Is something like this normally
>treated by an internist, or should I insist on a referral to a podiatrist?

There's honestly really no way anyone could answer this. Yes, in
general, podiatrists probably do a lot more nail repairs than
internists, but for all we know, your internist could be one of the
best at it and your HMO's podiatrist could be a complete boob.

PF

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