## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons) - [Finding Care](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care) ## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons) - [Finding Care](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care) # Building Your Care Team ## 💡 Quick Summary - A Parkinson’s care team built around PD expertise improves quality of life by providing coordinated guidance for movement and [non-motor symptoms.](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms "Non-Movement Symptoms") - Movement disorders specialists (neurologists with special training) lead care with deep PD knowledge and connect you to other experts like [physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/physical-occupational-speech-therapies "Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapies"). - The Parkinson’s Foundation promotes team-based care across its [Global Care Network](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/global-care-network "Global Care Network") to help people access comprehensive support and expert treatment. ![People engaging in physical therapy](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/buildingyourcareteam.jpg?itok=Bc-z5wyI) Managing Parkinson’s disease (PD) can be challenging. Building a care team that is well-versed in PD will help guide you and improve quality of life. People living with Parkinson's benefit most from a comprehensive, team-based healthcare approach. The Parkinson's Foundation promotes an allied health team approach across our [Global Care Network](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/global-care-network "Global Care Network"). Having a group of medically diverse experts effectively managing your PD symptoms can maximize your quality of life. While some people find all of their specialists in one practice, in most cases, you will build your care team over time. ## Members of a Parkinson's Care Team ### Movement Disorders Specialist Movement disorders specialists are neurologists who specialize in conditions such as Parkinson's disease and have experience treating it at every stage. The Parkinson's Foundation recommends that people diagnosed with PD make a movement disorders doctor your regular PD doctor. People with Parkinson’s may constitute 50 percent or more of a specialist’s practice. With this level of experience, a movement disorders specialist will be more familiar with the range of available Parkinson’s medications, how they work and possible side effects. Movement disorders specialists may see patients in private practice or medical centers. They often perform clinical or basic science research in addition to caring for patients — and are more likely to discuss ongoing clinical trials. They may also teach doctors who are becoming specialists. - ### Should I see a neurologist or a movement disorders specialist? Both general neurologists and movement disorders specialists care for people living with Parkinson’s. It takes about 12 years in the U.S. to become a general neurologist — a doctor who works with the brain and central nervous system conditions. This includes a four-year undergraduate college degree, four years in medical school and three to four more years of specialized training in a neurology residency. Some neurologists treat many people with Parkinson’s and are knowledgeable about the disease. However, most have diverse practices, of which PD represents only a small percentage. A movement disorders specialist is more likely than a general practitioner or a general neurologist to help you build your care team, referring other healthcare professionals who may be able to help tackle day-to-day PD challenges. He or she may also be well-informed about local support groups and resources. - ### The Benefits of an Expert General neurologists and movement disorder specialists have a lot more experience diagnosing and treating Parkinson’s than general practitioners. Recent research underscores this point. A 2011 study showed that people newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s who went to a neurologist lived longer than those who saw a primary care provider, they were less likely to need placement in a skilled nursing facility and they seemed less likely to have experienced injuries from falls. Another study that year found that people diagnosed with PD by a neurologist were more likely to receive an anti-PD medication prescription immediately upon diagnosis — the standard of care recommended by the American Academy of Neurology — than those who were diagnosed by a non-neurologist. - ### Finding a Doctor Finding a specialist can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. The Parkinson’s Foundation can help guide you. - [Find a medical center that provides expert care near you](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/building-your-team "Building Your Care Team") - Contact the Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) or for a referral - Ask your primary care physician for a referral - Contact your insurance provider for a list of neurologists or movement disorder specialists in your network - Seek referrals from other people living with Parkinson's Once you locate qualified specialists, the next step is finding the right one for you. - Check that your insurance policy covers all or most of the cost. - Factor in travel convenience. - Create a list of candidates. Check the internet for background on each doctor’s training, areas of expertise and research interests. - Schedule an appointment with your first choice. If you do not have a movement disorder specialist nearby, we recommend seeing a nearby general neurologist for most of your care and then traveling a longer distance a few times a year to see a specialist. - ### Preparing for the Initial Visit Call the doctor’s office to find out what to bring and if you can fill out the paperwork online in advance. In general, you should take: - Laboratory or other test results from previous treatment for Parkinson’s symptoms. - Files or CDs of brain imaging. - Names and contact information for all doctors you see (internists, specialists). - List of your movement and non-motor symptoms (such as sleep disturbances or constipation). - List of all medications you take and the actual pills, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements (name of the medicine, dose, how often you take it). - Your insurance or Medicare card. - Perhaps most importantly, bring a family member or friend who can take notes and help ask and answer questions. You will receive a lot of information during this visit. Later, it may help you to talk it over with the person who went with you. - ### What to Expect in Your First Visit At your first visit, the doctor will take a thorough medical history and also ask about your family medical history and symptoms. He or she will conduct a physical examination and a neurological exam. The doctor will ask you to sit, stand and walk to observe your balance and coordination. The doctor may also order a brain imaging test to rule out other conditions. Prepare a list of questions to help you better understand the doctor’s expertise and your treatment options. You likely will not be able to discuss them all in one visit. You may have more specific questions once you have a treatment plan. Here are some questions you may want to ask: - How many people with Parkinson’s do you treat? - Do I need other tests to confirm my PD diagnosis or rule out other disorders that may present similar symptoms? - What PD treatment options do you suggest? - How do my other health conditions and medications affect my PD and how do I treat it? - Do you know of any clinical studies that might be right for me? - Are there lifestyle changes that can improve my PD symptoms? - If you are not available for me to contact you between visits, who may I communicate with and how? - Should I get a second opinion? Do you have any suggestions of doctors for me to contact? *(This is common practice and a reputable doctor will not be offended by the question.)* - ### Working Together Beyond getting good medical advice, it is important for you to be comfortable talking to your doctor. Choose a doctor who answers your questions, puts you at ease and treats you with respect. Decisions about your treatment will be a collaboration between you and your doctor. Your symptoms and medications may change often. Your doctor should be prepared to work with you and your family. Having a positive relationship helps keep lines of communication open and ultimately is good for your health. ### Speech-Language Pathologist [Speech-language pathologists](https://www.parkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/physical-occupational-speech-therapies) assess and treat communication, speech and swallowing problems. These therapists can help ease PD-related speaking and eating challenges if they arise. ### Physical Therapist [Physical therapists ](https://www.parkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/physical-occupational-speech-therapies)help people living with PD maintain or regain mobility. They develop customized exercises to address walking, balance, posture, flexibility and strength challenges associated with Parkinson's. A physical therapist can also provide ways to prevent freezing and falls. ### Occupational Therapist An [occupational therapist](https://www.parkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/physical-occupational-speech-therapies) can help change your home or work environment, your approach to tasks and even the tasks themselves to meet any PD-related challenges. Occupational therapists can also help you find any assistive devices — from a swivel seat for your car to a specialized computer mouse — suited to your needs. ### Social Worker Social workers offer counseling services to individuals, couples and families. A social worker can also help sort out and resolve insurance, housing and disability issues. ### Nutritionist Nutritionists can suggest optimal foods to help you continue to live well with Parkinson's. A nutritionist or dietician can also be helpful if you have trouble chewing or swallowing, difficulty preparing nutritious meals or problems with your weight. ### Other Specialists The services of complementary therapists and others can be helpful. If you're considering [deep brain stimulation (DBS)](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/surgical-treatment-options/deep-brain-stimulation "Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)") surgery, a neurosurgeon and neuropsychologist will become members of your team. Consider adding a mental health professional to your team to help address mood changes and coping with PD. ### Get Care & Support Find local resources — from specialists through our Centers of Excellence to Parkinson's Foundation local chapters that offer local events, support groups and more. [Find Care](/your-area) ![Anicea Gunlock](/sites/default/files/styles/535x680/public/images/anicea_gunlock.png?h=c9aea1bc&itok=ifzW5HQ2) MY PD STORY: Anicea Gunlock Anicea went through her standard physical therapy exercises, but sought to do more for Larry. [ READ Anicea's STORY ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/anicea-gunlock) ## Related Materials Fact Sheets ### [ Parkinson's Hospital Care Infographic ](/library/fact-sheets/hospital-care) [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/hospital-care) Fact Sheets ### [ Finding a Specialist ](/library/fact-sheets/specialist) [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/specialist) Podcasts ### [ Episode 37: Mental Health in a Medical Setting ](/library/podcast/37) [Listen Now](/library/podcast/37) ## Related Blog Posts ![Doctor talking to patient](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/chartingcourseforpdcare-blog.jpg?h=c12e0b96&itok=9PMuoGfY) Raise Awareness ### [ Charting a Course for Parkinson’s Care ](/blog/awareness/charting-a-course-for-pd-care) READ NOW ![ Lynda Nwabuobi, MD](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/tacklingdisparities-blog.png?h=903ffba1&itok=XxpyMUT2) Raise Awareness ### [ Tackling Disparities in PD Care: A Movement Disorder Specialist’s Story ](/blog/awareness/disparities) READ NOW ![nurse with patient](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/staysafeduringhospitalization-blog.jpg?h=252f27fa&itok=kn1Juwqk) Tips for Daily Living ### [ How To Stay Safe During a Hospitalization with Parkinson’s ](/blog/tips/hospitalization) READ NOW ### Order a Parkinson’s Hospital Safety Guide The Hospital Safety Guide is a resource for people with Parkinson's and their care partners filled with useful tools and information to prepare for and navigate a hospital stay. [ORDER NOW](/resources-support/pd-library/order-publications) [LEARN MORE](/resources-support/hospital-safety-guide) ### Find Local Support Find your nearest Parkinson's Foundation chapter for local events, support groups, care facilities and more. 10 Miles 25 Miles 50 Miles 100 Miles 250 Miles - Share on Facebook - Share on X - Share on LinkedIn