Question about Neurologist Doctor?

Question

There is a Neurologist here in town, Dr. P.D. Patel (the neurologist who worked on Christopher Reeves).

My husband has been referred to him, but we are trying to figure out why he is listed in the phone book under "Physicians & Surgeons-Neurology (Nervous System) It says under this ad for him Neurology & Psychiatry-- E.M.G & E.E.G.
**AND** he is also listed in the phone book under "Physicians & Surgeons-Psychiatry" It says under this ad P.D. Patel, MD. Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Medicine.

What we can't figure out is: is he is a psychiatrist and he is going to try and say that all the medical problems are caused by psychiatric problems/issues (which my husband has none, except for a little bit of depression-- but he's been disabled for over 10 years and can't work-his disability is getting worse-so a little depression would be normal) but I dont get it, does it just mean that he is a psychiatrist too?
I know this sounds like a dumb question.

adding details-wasn't room up there-
He is being referred to this dr. because of back problems, neck problems (yes, neurologists deal with that type of thing in our state) and other symptoms that he was recently treated for related to him possibly having MS.
We just want to make sure that he isn't being sent there for a psychiatric evaluation rather than actually getting help with his pain and his disability that is getting progressivly worse month by month. he has had 5 back surgeries, getting worse each time-- on SSI & SSD but social security says if a dr. thinks surgery might help, he HAS to do it to try and "get better" or they will take his disability away for refusing treatment to try and get better.
He also has carpal tunnel syndrome and was told this Neurologist could help with that as well. (neurologists do orthopedic stuff in our state as well).
So, any thoughts???

For referrence, In our state (Kentucky) MOST orthopedic doctors do NOT deal with back problems, it is dealt with by Neurologists due to it dealing with the "spine." We have only found THREE orthopedic doctors here who deal with back issues and one of the drs. had several law suits against him (not going to him!!), one of the others wno't accept my husband without a "local" dr.s referral and his primary care dr. is in another city (he isn't willing to switch dr.s just for a referral) and the other dr. dont take my husbands insurance.
Those are the only 3 orthopedic drs in the state that deal with back problems. We are lucky we found those three because there is something about our state that its run to where only neurologists deal with back problems. I'm not a dr. so I don't know the exact reasons. lol

Answer 1

When neurologists are licensed to practice medicine the license is issued from the State of (---) Board of Neurology and Psychiatry. It's been done this way for years, but has no real meaning--a lot of different specialities were lumped together and it made no sense. Naturally he did a Psychiatry rotation in med school, but he also did one for orthopedic, ob/gyn, etc., but his speciality was Neurology.

You can try looking him up online--it will also give you reviews by patients so you'll have some idea what he's like. A good one to use is DoctorScorecard.com. Also, you can call the State Licensing Board in your state and get information on him. Probably the easiest and fastest is to call his office and tell the receptionist that you are considering being a patient. Ask what his specialities are, if he was a Fellow anywhere (it's more intense training after the residency--some doctors will do more than one), and if he is Board-certified to do these procedures.

I don't know what E.M.G. stands for, but the EEG is a procedure that tests the brain waves. I've never seen it done in a doctor's office before--only in hospitals or in private x-ray offices where they do nothing but x-rays, mammograms, MRIs, CAT scans,etc. I have been to a neurologist who tested the nerves in my legs, arms and hands with a machine in her office. It's not that big a deal so that may be what the EMG stands for. But, definitely ask before you commit to anything.

Go to MedLine, the Mayo Clinic website, etc. for information on your husband's condition. You'll be better able to ask the right and intelligent questions. Don't let him browbeat you! If you don't understand the first time, ask again. It's best to go with a list of questions prepared beforehand.

A word of warning from personal experience: some neurologists are contemptuous of psychiatrists and their patients. If you think he's looking down on you, call him on it, or get a second opinion before you commit to any tests. Remember: you and your insurance are paying him, not the other way around.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

The doctor may have have had 2 fields of specializations, Psychiatry and Neurology so there should be no problems with that. However, for back pains and carpal tunnel syndrome, better to see a good orthopedic surgeon right away. You will probably save a lot of trouble and money too.

Answer 4

It sounds like he is a Neurologist. Most neuropsychiatric conditions can have a functional basis (e.g. a brain tumor can cause aberrant behavior). In fact, most psychiatric conditions have a biochemical/functional cause. If your husband has been referred to this doctor, it is because the referring doctor is hoping the neurologist can find the cause of your husband's suffering.

Best wishes and good luck.

P.S. a world renowned back surgeon once told an audience of spine experts this: "Your first back surgery is your best chance, the second back surgery is your last chance." It sounds like your husband has been seeing too many incompetent doctors. See this Neurologist and hope he can help you.

Answer 5

Whoever referred your husband to Dr. P.D. Patel--whom I
can't say I know of, myself--quite possibly did so because
he'd worked on the late Christopher "Superman" Reeve.
(He wasn't related of the original Superman, George
Reeves.)
Anyway, because I am an epileptic and, therefore, see a
neurologist regularly, I would suggest that if it is a neurol-
ogist you're looking for, then find someone who practices
ONLY neurology. (Not some one who tries to juggle more
than one sort of medical profession!)
I once knew a chiropractor who had Monty Python's
Terry Jones for a client. But that didn't make me want to
schedule an appointment with him.

Best of luck and good health.

Answer 6

you seem to have alot of time on your hands. i don't even own a phone book -they are so 20th century. visit the doctor and formulate your opinion that way.

Answer 7

Go to the emergency room!

Answer 8

http://www.neurotraumaregistry.com/Index.cfm?file=neuropsychiatristdef.htm

Answer 9

You seems very articulate. What do you think?

Answer 10

what do they treat