is continuity of care possible with a visiting specialist

It is a good question. Continuity of care, meaning the people treating you know your history and someone is clearly responsible for the whole case, is one of the things patients worry about most when a specialist "visits" rather than sits in the clinic every day.

What continuity really depends on

Seeing exactly the same face at every visit helps, but it is not the whole story. In practice, continuity depends on three things:

• One complete record that every clinician reads before treating you
• One person responsible for the overall plan, who sees how the parts fit together
• Follow-ups that are actually planned, not left to chance

How we handle it

Dr Avinash or Dr Rashmi Bamane sees you first and arranges the specialist. They remain your point of contact for the plan as a whole. Our MDS specialists are visiting consultants who see patients at Kharadi by prior appointment, and the same specialists move between our clinics rather than changing from branch to branch. Everyone works from the same clinic file: notes, prescriptions, X-rays, lab work and the treatment plan. You can see those yourself on the patient portal, which is useful if you want to check what was done or show another doctor.

Where it can be harder, and what helps

A visiting specialist is not there every day. That has practical consequences:

• Book follow-ups before you leave. Specialist slots need prior appointment, and surgeon appointments should be booked at least three days ahead.
• Book from the portal if you have visited before, so the new visit joins your file. In our booking engine you can also choose the specialist panel by department.
• Problems between visits, such as swelling after surgery or a loose temporary crown, are seen by the founders or whoever is available at Kharadi, which is open 8 AM to 11 PM, seven days a week. Call 8484 990 678 first.
• Long treatments, such as braces, involve many visits over months. Ask at the start how reviews will be scheduled and who to contact if a wire or bracket breaks.

What you can do to help

Keep a short note of what each dentist told you and what is next. If you see a doctor outside our clinic, for example a physician who changes your blood pressure or diabetes medicines, tell us at your next visit. And if you are unsure who is in charge of which stage, ask the founder who saw you first; that question should always have a clear answer.

When it's urgent

If you have facial swelling spreading towards your eye or neck, difficulty breathing or swallowing, bleeding that won't stop, or an injury to the jaw, and we are closed, go to a hospital emergency department rather than waiting for a specialist appointment. Our emergency page explains what to do in the meantime.