finding a doctor

How can I find a doctor in the Western Mass area?  I would prefer somewhers around Springfield, Mass but will travel farther if I need to. My daughter has just been diagnosed with Hep C and want to do everything possible to get her the best care.  I am a concerned mother who doesn't know a thing about Hep C.  I want to be informed as much as possible before going to her gastro doctor.

[Bill1954]

In Massachusetts, you’ll want to see Dr. Nezam Afdhal at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; he’s an internationally acclaimed hepatologist. I don’t have the number on hand; you’ll have to call the center and discuss appointments with them. He is really on top of the heap as I understand it.

Has your daughter actually been diagnosed with the disease, or has she tested positive for antibodies? There’s a big difference. Do you have copies of labs from her primary care doctor?

There are a lot of compassionate and knowledgeable folks that can help you and your daughter through the maze here… tell us more about her.

You can also review the following website for more info on Hep C (HCV):

http://janis7hepc.com/

Try opening ‘newly diagnosed’ near the top of the page, or clicking on ‘other HCV information’ located in the right-hand margin.

Additionally, here is a list of acronyms used in here… it can be a bit confusing at first glance:

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Hepatitis/Common-Hepatitis-C-Acronyms/show/3?cid=64

This list is also located under ‘Most Viewed Health Pages’ on the lower right side of this page.

Good luck and stay in touch—

Bill

[Bill1954]

Here’s a page on Afdhal and the liver center in Boston:

http://www.bidmc.org/MedicalEducation/Departments/Medicine/Divisions/Gastroenterology/AdvancedHepatologyFellowship/Faculty.aspx

Welcome to the discussion group, and best to your family—

Bill

[Kathy73]

I live in Springfield, MA and recommend Dr. Wu at UConn Medical Center. He is in charge of the Gastroenterology department. I started off with Dr. Jonathan Israel and switched over to Dr. Wu after 3 months. Much much much better. I am in my 40th week of tx. UConn Medical Center is around 10 minutes west of Hartford, CT on I-84. It is around 45 minutes from Springfield.

[copyman]

I agree with bill about Dr Afdhal in Boston. I have been seen by him and he knows HCV inside and out.

[copyman]

by the way, i traveled from NJ to see him. i felt it was worth it to see the best.

[JennyPenny]

Dr. Ray Chung is also an excellent hepatologist. He is at UMass.