If you find yourself or a loved one in the hospital and in need of a specialist, you will have to accept the doctor on duty. On the other hand, if you have a long-term or non-emergency medical problem you will have time to make a selection.

If you have the time to search for the best specialist for your needs it is very important to choose one that you are comfortable with, and who will remain available for many years, if need be.

Most people begin with a referral from their primary care physician. Indeed, many managed care insurers require that patients obtain specialist referrals from their PCP. This is a good place to start, but you are not limited to accepting the name of one physician from your PCP. It is smart to do a little additional research.

Call the closest medical school and ask for the names of two or three physicians who specialize in your condition and who are actively treating patients. Some medical school physicians are involved in research and teaching, but they do not maintain a private practice.

Also contact the closest local office of a related support group or "condition" organization such as the American Diabetes Association, the Parkinson's Disease Association, or the National Kidney Foundation. Ask for the names of specialists they consult with.

Once you have collected a few likely names it's time to do a little additional research. You will want to identify which hospital each doctor visits. You will also want to know whether the doctor maintains more than one office, and how often he or she sees patients in the office most convenient to you. If your medical condition is one that will require you to see several specialists, are all of the specialists located in the same area? You may want to know if the doctor participates in clinical trials. And, of course, you will want to know whether the doctor participates in your particular medical insurance plan.

You can find much of this information from consulting the medicare.gov website (click on "Find a Physician") or from the American Medical Association website (www.ama-assn.org). You will have to call each physician's office for the answers to some of your questions. Calling the doctor's office with some of these questions before you make an appointment will give you an idea of how well he and his office staff communicate with prospective patients.

Once you have decided which specialist you would like to consult, make your appointment as soon as you can. There is often a long wait to get an appointment with a medical specialist. If you need a written referral, and the doctor you have selected is not the one originally suggested by your primary care physician, be sure you get a new referral. Your PCP should not have any objection if you have done your groundwork.

It is important to keep in mind that you may need or want to see a second specialist for a second opinion if you have any questions or concerns about the treatment the first doctor recommends. Except for emergency care, many health insurers require a second opinion before they will agree to cover certain treatments. Medicare will cover most second opinion consultations. If your health insurance requires a second opinion it should be covered. Be certain to verify your coverage before you visit.

For more tips on finding a medical specialist and getting second opinions visit The EldercareTeam, where we specialize in helping you navigate the health care maze.