Hello ddartt,
I second what OvertHawk has written. I have experience of losing my C1 medical's (FAA and UK CAA) due to an injury for a while
and stuck with my AME I used to see for UK CAA revalidations before this happened. He already knew me already knew my file etc so this in my opinion helped alot
with the reinstatement process.
FAA AME similar to above. Sadly it did cost me a bit more but frankly stuff the extra pennies.
My 10cents worth.
all the best,