If you have a special problem should you see a special doctor?

There are a lot of medical specialists out there. So how do you know if you need one? 

Ask your primary physician first. According to Dr. Minal Kale, a research associate at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, too many patients head straight for a specialist and cut their primary doctor out of the loop. She says, in many cases, their primary doctor could have addressed the situation.

Even in the event you do need a specialist, it's important to get there through your regular doctor. A good primary physician has a much better read on your overall health and personality and can relay important information to a specialist, who is more inclined to focus on a specific problem or body part.