The Search Begins
Friday, January 22, 2010 at 9:21AM Yesterday I finally received my brand spanking new insurance card. I know this may not be exciting to most but I am very stoked about finally getting it in my hands.
With it comes a whole new game. A game I am nervous to jump into but one that I hope will provide for less headaches and better care.
My choice, in case you missed it, was to go with the most expensive PPO plan available. It is going to take a chuck out of my paycheck to cover the premium but I am willing to check it out for a year and see how it goes.
So now the quest is on for a new endo. I am willing to drive as far as I need to for an endo who is worth it. One who is not only interested in new technologies but is up to speed with them and who understands that type 1’s can actually be fat like me.
I want a doctor who when prescribing a drug does not tell me to “just watch the DVD that comes with it and read the book” to understand how it works and how much to take.
Do endocrinologists like this exist? Am I dreaming of something that is not available? From reading other blogs I think there are but I need to find one for me.
If you have any suggestions I would love to hear them. Also, if you can think of a good resource on how to find a great endo in my area I would appreciate any help there too.
Reader Comments (8)
Yep, endos like that do exist. I finally (after almost 10 years of searching) found a doctor who treats me like a person, not a patient. He gives me all of the tools I need to manage my diabetes, but leaves the decisions to me. He takes the time to answer my questions, he makes suggestions for improvements, and he's NEVER prescribed a drug without addressing the pros and cons first.
I wish you good luck in finding your new endo. Take your time and don't settle!
George,
I went thru a period of time going to the cookie cutter endocrinologist, who decided that all my issues were diabetes related and caused by my personal neglect. I was in an ER for 3 days before everyone decided that my gallbladder needed out, YESTERDAY! At my follow up appointment with my endo, she comment was that if I had taken better care of my diabetes this never would have happened. However, the GI surgeon assured me that 40% of the population looses their gallbladder and mine had nothing to do with my diabetes.
With Dr. Habib, my diabetes technology was about 20 years behind and she never recommended a CDE for me, even though she felt I was negligent! Out of frustration and fear, I read Gary Scheiner's book and called him for an appointment!
In the end, Gary Scheiner recommended I find an endo that was new to their field, that often the doctors who are just getting started have a bigger interest in their patients. So I did that and went through a few student docs before I found an awesome resident, and have followed her to her own practice! She has my history and my best interest in view and has been excellent with my care!
Good luck, I know how frustrating this can be!
Ann
I can check with my endo here in Indy to see if she has anyone in mind in your area out there in the West. (on Monday, as she isn't in the office on Fridays). Other than that, I actually found this one by going through the main children's hospital pediatric endos in downtown Indy, and getting referrals from them for adult-focused endos. Might try the same there, depending on where you're at and how far that is. Good luck with the search, G!
I would recommend Dr. Nikravan, in Fullerton. He is very nice, professional AND is knowledgeable about diabetes technology and all for it!
I recommend Advance Metabolic Institute (sp). I love them. I no complaints, been a Pt for a little of 3 years. Up to date on Technology, great Pt info and I just love them.
G-
I already DM'd you regarding one Dr, and I have some emails out to some others Endo's I know. Hopefully, they will email me back with some names.
Be proactive dude, interview these potential Endo's to see if they fit your Diabetes needs and will work WITH you, not against!
Hang in there, and my the power of bacon be with you!
DM you soon!
Kelly K
they do exist!!! I haves one. but unless you want to drive as far as Indiana for one.. i have no recommendations for you. so sorry. it took me FOREVER to find her. I still have this weird fear that it is going to be awful every time i go because of all of the awful doctors i had!
good luck!
and also, my endo understands that i AM a type one and fat :)
George,
You might want to consider the Gonda Diabetes Center at UCLA Medical Center. I have not been there and I do not know anything about it, but it looks promising. It says that they do customized diabetes therapy. Here is the link:
http://www.uclahealth.org/body.cfm?xyzpdqabc=0&id=861&action=detail&limit_department=15&limit_division=1018&limit_program=5116