Your Free Guide to Finding Neurologists

Understanding What Neurologists Do and Why You Might Need One

A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in diseases and disorders of the nervous system. The nervous system includes your brain, spinal cord, and the nerves throughout your body that carry messages between them. When something goes wrong with these systems, a neurologist has the training to diagnose and treat the problem.

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Neurologists handle a wide range of conditions. Some people see neurologists for headaches or migraines that don't respond to regular treatment. Others visit neurologists because of seizures, which are sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain. Neurologists also treat Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. Many people see neurologists for peripheral neuropathy, which is nerve damage usually in the hands and feet that causes weakness, numbness, or pain.

Other reasons to see a neurologist include dizziness or balance problems, memory problems, sleep disorders, nerve pain, muscle weakness, tremors, and coordination difficulties. If you've had a head injury or concussion, a neurologist can help determine if there's lasting damage. Some people are referred to neurologists by their primary care doctor after blood tests or imaging show something that needs specialist attention.

According to the American Academy of Neurology, there are approximately 17,000 neurologists in the United States. Not all neurologists focus on the same areas—some specialize in movement disorders, others in epilepsy, neuromuscular disorders, headaches, or stroke care. Understanding what a neurologist does helps you know whether you need to see one and what to expect during your visit.

Takeaway: Neurologists treat brain, spinal cord, and nerve conditions. If your primary care doctor mentions nerve problems, seizures, Parkinson's disease, stroke recovery, headaches that won't stop, or memory issues, a neurologist may be able to help.

How to Start Your Search for a Neurologist

Finding a neurologist begins with knowing where to look. Your first resource is often your primary care doctor. When you mention symptoms or concerns related to your nervous system, your doctor can refer you to a neurologist they know and trust. This is valuable because your primary care doctor understands your medical history and can choose a neurologist who specializes in what you need. Many insurance plans actually require a referral from your primary care doctor before you can see a specialist, so starting there often makes sense.

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Your insurance company is another important resource. Most health insurance plans have a directory of doctors and specialists in their network. You can usually search this directory online through your insurance company's website, or you can call the customer service number on your insurance card. Searching for "neurologist" in your area will show you doctors covered by your plan. This prevents you from accidentally seeing an out-of-network doctor, which could cost you significantly more money.

Online directories provide another way to search. Websites like Healthgrades, Zocdoc, Vitals, and the American Academy of Neurology's "Find a Neurologist" tool let you search by location and sometimes by specialty. These sites often include patient reviews, information about the doctor's background, and office hours. The American Medical Association's Doctor Finder is also free and shows whether doctors are board-certified.

Hospital websites are worth checking too. Many hospitals list their neurologists and neurology departments online. If you prefer to be treated at a particular hospital, searching their website can help you find neurologists affiliated with that facility. Academic medical centers often have strong neurology departments and may have specialists in specific areas like epilepsy or movement disorders.

Ask friends, family, and coworkers if they have neurologists they'd recommend. Personal recommendations can be valuable because you're hearing from people who have actually seen the doctor. However, what works well for one person may not be right for another, so gather several opinions if you can.

Takeaway: Start by asking your primary care doctor for a referral, check your insurance company's website for in-network neurologists, search free online directories, look at hospital websites, and ask people you trust for recommendations.

What to Look For When Choosing a Neurologist

Board certification is an important credential to check. A board-certified neurologist has completed medical school, a residency in neurology (usually four years), and has passed examinations given by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. You can verify board certification through the American Board of Medical Specialties website or by calling your state's medical board. Board certification doesn't guarantee good care, but it indicates the doctor has met certain training standards.

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Consider whether the neurologist has additional training in areas related to your condition. For example, if you have epilepsy, you might prefer a neurologist with additional training in epilepsy. If you have Parkinson's disease, you might seek someone with movement disorder specialization. These additional certifications, called "fellowships" or "subspecialties," show extra expertise in specific areas. The doctor's background information, available on practice websites or directories, often mentions these specializations.

Location and appointment availability matter for practical reasons. A neurologist who is far away or has very long wait times for appointments might not be realistic for you, especially if you need regular visits. Consider how long it takes to get to the office and whether their office hours work with your schedule. Some neurology practices offer telemedicine appointments, which means you can see the neurologist by video call from home. This can be convenient, though some neurological exams require an in-person visit.

Hospital affiliation is worth considering. If a neurologist admits patients to a particular hospital, you may receive follow-up care at that same hospital if needed. You might have a preference about which hospital to use based on location, reputation, or your insurance coverage. Check whether the neurologist's hospital is in your insurance network.

Patient reviews on sites like Healthgrades, Zocdoc, and Google can provide insight into other patients' experiences. Look for comments about whether the doctor listened to patients, explained things clearly, and treated them respectfully. However, remember that people are more likely to leave reviews when they have very positive or very negative experiences, so the reviews may not represent the typical experience.

Check whether the practice accepts your insurance. Call the neurologist's office directly and confirm that they accept your insurance plan. This prevents unexpected bills or discovering too late that you need to find a different doctor.

Takeaway: Look for board certification, relevant specializations, convenient location and hours, hospital affiliation matching your preferences, good patient reviews, and acceptance of your insurance.

Insurance, Payment, and Cost Considerations

Understanding your insurance coverage before your first appointment saves time and prevents bill surprises. Most health insurance plans require that you see an in-network neurologist to get the best coverage. In-network doctors have negotiated rates with your insurance company, keeping your out-of-pocket costs lower. Out-of-network doctors charge their own rates, and your insurance may cover a smaller percentage, leaving you responsible for much more of the bill.

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Your insurance plan may require a referral from your primary care doctor before covering a visit to a neurologist. Some plans require this; others don't. Call your insurance company to ask about referral requirements. If you need a referral, contact your primary care doctor's office and request one. This usually takes a few days. Don't skip this step if your insurance requires it, because without a valid referral, your insurance may not cover the neurologist visit.

Know your deductible, copay, and coinsurance before your visit. Your deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before insurance coverage begins. A copay is a fixed amount you pay for each visit (for example, $30 per appointment). Coinsurance means you pay a percentage of the cost after your deductible is met (for example, you pay 20% and insurance pays 80%). You can find this information on your insurance card or by logging into your insurance company's website.

The cost of a neurologist visit varies widely depending on location, whether it's the first visit or a follow-up, and your insurance coverage. According to data from healthcare cost websites, an initial neurologist consultation without insurance may cost between $200 and $500, while follow-up appointments typically cost $100 to $300. With insurance, you might pay your copay amount, which is usually $20 to $50. However, if you haven't met your deductible, you may pay more.

Diagnostic tests ordered by your neurologist