So, I’m currently with an endocrinologist who is nice…but doesn’t seem to be super well versed in type one diabetes (and has a tendency to rush through appointments to a point where I get flustered and forget to ask questions). I believe in the past she focused on other endocrine issues. She’s made an effort to learn more about insulin pumps, CGMs, and diabetes management which I appreciate - but my husband and I are thinking of starting a family in the next year and I want someone on my health management team who really, really, really gets type one.
At this point I’m not sure how to go about searching for a new endo – I’ve tried searching for “type one diabetic endocrinologist” but haven’t gotten any helpful results in my area. What do you all target when you’re running a search for a new endo?
I just went through a search for a new endo due to moving. I did a Google search using “endocrinologist” and my zip code. I live in an urban environment so I have a fair amount of choice.
I think the biggest thing you need to consider is what you want and your priorities. High on my list is an office staff willing to work through all the obstacles that a pharmacy benefit manager will dish out. I want a doctor willing to write Rx’s “off-label” if I can make a good case for it. A good endo, to me, is one that respects the knowledge I have and sees me as the senior partner in the relationship. I want a good listener.
I realize all these things are hard to find in any one provider and I’m more than willing to compromise. I seek no advice on how to dose insulin. I don’t need it and don’t want it. It’s a waste of my time.
The best way to find a good doctor is word of mouth. You might consider participating in a monthly diabetes support group and raising this discussion with the group.
When I was unhappy with my last endocrinologist, one of the resources I used was the provider search option from my insurance company. I paid some attention to the patient reviews, but more to the list of prescriptions they provided to their patients, which the site presented. The doctor I picked happened to be third or fourth on their list, by “ratings,” but had a very long list of prescriptions of medications, devices and services. To me, this was an indication of widespread knowledge and a patient-centric approach, rather than a once-size-fits-all one. While he doesn’t have all the answers, he’s willing to try potential solutions – and helpful in weeding out options that will likely cause problems.
I did. I found some that included the phrase “Type 1/Type One” but on further inspection of the reviews I saw that most of their patients raved about their thyroid care. Ack!
That is a fantastic idea and was one I had frankly forgotten was even an option. I think the last time I went to a support group I was in my teens.
I’ve moved around a lot around the country in the past few years and have had quite a few well meaning endos that just weren’t what I was looking for. I think the word of mouth route is the way to go at this point.
Ohhh, that is really good. Thank you for the link Marie! I didn’t think to check professional organizations - I’m just kind of flailing my arms in frustration over the task at this point!
Also good! I’ve just switched the a new insurance provider, so I think its time to dig in and see what I can find that way. In the past I leaned heavily on reviews on sites like healthgrades and even yelp. Which clearly aren’t working out well for me.
Since you are thinking of starting a family, you might touch base with a high-risk OB who cares for women with T1. Your regular OB (if you have one) might be able to give you the name of the high-risk practice that she/he refers patients to. Then maybe the nurses in that practice might be able to give you some endo names. When I read the blogposts and Facebook posts of T1 women having babies, it sounds as though they consult with their endo, regular OB, and high-risk OB during the pregnancy.
Also there are probably some T1 pregnancy groups on Facebook and you might get some names there depending on where you live.