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Ophthalmologist & Oral Pathologist, Indianapolis, IN
I have Sjogren's disease and suffer from chronic dry eyes and mouth. I have found two specialists in the Indianapolis, Indiana area who are very effective in treating my disorder.
Ophthalmologist: Dr. Clark Springs, M.D. IU School of Medicine
Is s/he a good listener? Yes
Is s/he the first one who did proper dry eye diagnostic testing on you? Yes. Performed Schirmer test, fluorescein staining, determined tear break-up
Is s/he skilled at diagnosing conditions often overlooked by other doctors?
N/A. I pretty much knew what I had when I started going to him
Does s/he employ treatments other doctors do not offer?
He was very willing to write for a high dose cyclosporin eyedrop that had to be custom compounded. He also put me in a clinical trial for diquafosol eye drop (Prolacria).
Is s/he a true troubleshooter, seeking the cause(s) of the problem and treating them methodically?
To some degree. My symptoms were severe and not responding to Restasis. I was (practically) demanding SOMETHING that would work. He suggested doxycycline, then punctal plugs, and finally the clinical trial. I've tried a few other things on my own that I thought he should have suggested (fish oil supplements, lid scrubs, heat compress, moisture goggles, off-labeling Restasis (more frequent use).
Overall, I think he would be a good doctor for highly motivated patients who are aware of all the ideas/options out there. He is very open to suggestion/discussion about treatment options. If you bring up the idea or if you really push him to think outside the box, then he is very willing to pursue the issue. He is not intimidated/offended by knowledgable or intelligent patients. He is humble and grateful if you happen to teach him something new!
Oral Pathologist Dr. Susan Zunt, DDS, M.S. IU School of Dentistry
Is s/he a good listener? Yes
Is s/he the first one who did proper dry [mouth] diagnostic testing on you? Yes. Performed modified Schirmer test, pH test, unstimulated salivary flow test, thorough oral examination.
Is s/he skilled at diagnosing conditions often overlooked by other doctors?
YES YES YES! She diagnosed a whole series of problems I had with my mouth (as a result of the dryness) and developed an extensive treatment plan which has been very sucessful.
Does s/he employ treatments other doctors do not offer?
Yes. Her knowledge of oral conditions is unprecedented. Any person with oral problems, particularly Sjogren's, could benefit by visiting Dr. Zunt.
Is s/he a true troubleshooter, seeking the cause(s) of the problem and treating them methodically?
ABSOLUTELY! I am a scientist and I was extremely impressed by her detailed documentation, her methodical examination, organization and extremely detailed notes and treatment plan (which you get a copy of after she transcribes everything). She CC'd ALL my doctors/dentists so they received copies of the notes too. She also performed the staining of the salivary gland biopsy for the Sjogren's diagnosis and sent me a copy of the pathology report AND a letter explaining my diagnosis/prognosis.
I can't say enough positive things about Dr. Zunt! If you have Sjogren's or mouth problems, I would definitely recommend her. Note: she sees patients by referral ONLY and there is a long wait time (3-4 months). Also, if you want a salivary gland biopsy she/her lab only performs the staining. You have to find an oral surgeon or ENT to perform the actual surgical excision of the biopsy sample.
Ophthalmologist: Dr. Clark Springs, M.D. IU School of Medicine
Is s/he a good listener? Yes
Is s/he the first one who did proper dry eye diagnostic testing on you? Yes. Performed Schirmer test, fluorescein staining, determined tear break-up
Is s/he skilled at diagnosing conditions often overlooked by other doctors?
N/A. I pretty much knew what I had when I started going to him
Does s/he employ treatments other doctors do not offer?
He was very willing to write for a high dose cyclosporin eyedrop that had to be custom compounded. He also put me in a clinical trial for diquafosol eye drop (Prolacria).
Is s/he a true troubleshooter, seeking the cause(s) of the problem and treating them methodically?
To some degree. My symptoms were severe and not responding to Restasis. I was (practically) demanding SOMETHING that would work. He suggested doxycycline, then punctal plugs, and finally the clinical trial. I've tried a few other things on my own that I thought he should have suggested (fish oil supplements, lid scrubs, heat compress, moisture goggles, off-labeling Restasis (more frequent use).
Overall, I think he would be a good doctor for highly motivated patients who are aware of all the ideas/options out there. He is very open to suggestion/discussion about treatment options. If you bring up the idea or if you really push him to think outside the box, then he is very willing to pursue the issue. He is not intimidated/offended by knowledgable or intelligent patients. He is humble and grateful if you happen to teach him something new!
Oral Pathologist Dr. Susan Zunt, DDS, M.S. IU School of Dentistry
Is s/he a good listener? Yes
Is s/he the first one who did proper dry [mouth] diagnostic testing on you? Yes. Performed modified Schirmer test, pH test, unstimulated salivary flow test, thorough oral examination.
Is s/he skilled at diagnosing conditions often overlooked by other doctors?
YES YES YES! She diagnosed a whole series of problems I had with my mouth (as a result of the dryness) and developed an extensive treatment plan which has been very sucessful.
Does s/he employ treatments other doctors do not offer?
Yes. Her knowledge of oral conditions is unprecedented. Any person with oral problems, particularly Sjogren's, could benefit by visiting Dr. Zunt.
Is s/he a true troubleshooter, seeking the cause(s) of the problem and treating them methodically?
ABSOLUTELY! I am a scientist and I was extremely impressed by her detailed documentation, her methodical examination, organization and extremely detailed notes and treatment plan (which you get a copy of after she transcribes everything). She CC'd ALL my doctors/dentists so they received copies of the notes too. She also performed the staining of the salivary gland biopsy for the Sjogren's diagnosis and sent me a copy of the pathology report AND a letter explaining my diagnosis/prognosis.
I can't say enough positive things about Dr. Zunt! If you have Sjogren's or mouth problems, I would definitely recommend her. Note: she sees patients by referral ONLY and there is a long wait time (3-4 months). Also, if you want a salivary gland biopsy she/her lab only performs the staining. You have to find an oral surgeon or ENT to perform the actual surgical excision of the biopsy sample.