PCP=Primary Care Physician.
I see my endo every 6 months, and alternate between her and my CDE (certified diabetes educator) every 6 months. If I have a question or need scripts I can always email or call either one of them and it gets taken care of. I see my PCP once a year for the annual gyn crap but I don't rely on her for D stuff.
I don't mind seeing my endo every 3 months even though I pay out of pocket and eventually get paid a fraction back by the insurance. We have become friends over the last 35 years. I always get the time I need, not just the standard 15 minutes. With conditions like neuropathy which can worsen almost imperceptibly (to me) it is comforting that he watches the trends. Sometimes, we use the visit time just to chat about our kids and grandkids. Last visit we chatted about Dr. Bernstein (to whom he has referred patients who then got A1c's in the fives)
From some of the experiences I have read about here, I realize that I have been really very fortunate. The other thing that is useful, is that he tells me which doctor's he would trust and use for a problem.
I see mine every three months. However, he did imply that if I had better control (A1c < 7%) he would back it off to every six months, if I wanted.
I've been on 4x/year for many years with the endo. Recent endo seems OK with 3x/year. I'd be OK with 1x/year to renew Rx's. I don't see the value. The endo does not appreciate the time/techniques that I use - really has no clear idea about what I do to control BGs. This endo has kept a respectful distance and I am thankful.
Every 3 months... seems to be a standard. And a good way to stay on top of things. But insurance may dictate otherwise.
My endo also happens to be my pcp. He's very laid back, and lets me manage my own diabetes. I do see him every three months, but I have a very complicated medical history, and we both need to stay on top of things.
He does an A1c every three months, but other than that, he merely asks that I inform him if my pump settings change. He gives me whatever I need in terms of insulin, test strips and pump infusion sets/reservoirs. I'm very lucky, from what I've heard on here and on other boards.
Ruth
When I first started with my Endo, I used to go every 3 months, then every 4 months and now it's every 6 months since I'm doing good. The same goes for my Ophthalmologist.