How do you find a new endocrinologist?

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? :slight_smile:

Thanks in advance you all!

Does you search return results for “Type 1” when you enter “Type one”? I haven’t tried this.

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.

You could also see if there’s one near your who is a member of the AACE

https://www.aace.com/

they have a “find an endocrinologist” link on their website

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.

It might pay to contact a local chapter of JDRF. They might be able to point you in the right direction.

I found a local adult diabetes group and asked for references. I was very foruntate. I hope your search will be as well.

rick

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Try Zocdoc.com

You can find physicians/specialists according to your zip code/and or health insurance. You can also read reviews which were posted by their patients.

When I got rid if “He Who Shall Not Be Named” five years ago I searched for a new endo and wrote about it in my post “Searching for the Mythical “Perfect” Endo (My Quest for a New Endo)
Type 1 and LADA
.” I found a new endo who was patient centered and really listened to me. She isn’t perfect, but she is a lot better.

ps. And as @Rphil2 notes, word of mouth is effective. Several members of my local support group now see my endo.

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. :slight_smile: 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! :slight_smile:

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. :slight_smile:

Good idea! I’m thinking they’ll also have listings for support groups and what not too. I think I’ve been out of the ‘diabetes loop’ for too long! :slight_smile:

Thank you Rick! A lot of people here are suggesting references from real live people which I ridiculously didn’t consider. :slight_smile:

Thank you! I’ll give that a try!

Your post is an amazing resource! I think the links you listed as well as going to a local group will get me in the right direction. :slight_smile:

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.

Good luck!