Endos vs. GPs

[lisa821]

Something I've been wondering: how many of you visit your endo or internist every 3 months, and how often do you see a general practitioner, if at all?

I see my endo every three months to get bloodwork done and to check in to see how I'm doing. He's the one who writes prescriptions for insulin, pump supplies, and anything else specifically diabetes related. I rarely see my GP except if I get something non-diabetes related (if that's possible!) such as poison ivy, flu-related stuff, urinary tract infections, and the like.

I'm wondering what others do. I'm thinking about getting my GP more into the loop; I'd still get bloodwork every 3 months to keep track of my A1c but cut back on the endo visits to twice a year and see the GP once or twice a year for checkups.

I don't have a problem with my endo; I'm just looking to cut costs as well as get more than one opinion on my healthcare.

What say you?

[BlueSky]

I see an endo once a year and a GPO twice a year. The GP writes the repeat prescriptions. As long as you are keeping well, the longer one has been living with diabetes, the less need one feels to see doctors.

[gettingby]

I see my endo every 3 months and my GP at least once a year. I see the GP for general illness, endo for the diabetic stuff. :)

[jeggeman31]

I see my GP every 3 months get my blood work done and get refills on other medications that my endo does not give me. I then get my blood work faxed over to my Endo's office and see my endo about 2 weeks after my GP. I also see my foot Dr twice a year and I get an eye exam once a year for my script's and an eye exam that is covered under my health insurance that is more in depth once a year, unless they find problems.

[xMenace]

I see an endo once a year and a GPO twice a year. The GP writes the repeat prescriptions. As long as you are keeping well, the longer one has been living with diabetes, the less need one feels to see doctors.

It has worked the opposite for me. I now see my endo quarterly and my GP annually. Previously I'd see on or the other annually just to get scripts refilled. There was a time in the 80's I didn't even need the scripts for coverage.

Now with the new pump, bleeding eye, and increased interest by me, It seems like all I do is visit doctors and DEs.

If all goes well and my eldest does become a doctor, maybe I can get all those scripts without having to see anyone. Like that will happen :(

[NoelD]

I see only my GP. The endo's in my area are, well, not to my my liking.

[JediSkipdogg]

I see my Endo every 3-4 months and haven't seen a GP in over 7 years now (since I went to college.) My Endo takes care of everything and recommends me to other doctors when needed.

[DVDBear]

At the moment I see both about every three months. There's some overlap, but because of going on the pump about eight months ago it seems necessary for now. I've got so much other stuff going on (BP, cholesterol, depression issues) that, while they may be diabetes related, it's worked out my GP deals with those and the endo with the pump and the specific diabetes scripts.

[palefacegirl03]

I am not currently seeing an endo, I see my GP and he writes all my scripts. He will refer me to an endo if needed, but I feel confident in him for my diabetic needs right now , he is a CDE and also diabetic, so he "knows" the diesease. He refers me to eye doctor , foot doc and any other that I need to see.

[Wildbill]

How often should diabetics go to the dentist?

[DVDBear]

Wow, lucky for you (not for him!) that he's diabetic! It certainly would give him a personal perspective most docs wouldn't have!

[DVDBear]

How often should diabetics go to the dentist?
I go for a cleaning every three months, full check-up once a year.

[Cyborg]

For my diabetes, I see my endo (or his nurse practitioner) every 3 months. I also see my ophthalmologist once a year. For non-D related issues I see my GP.

[tanyatype1]

How often should diabetics go to the dentist?

Is this a trick question Dr.?

[Wildbill]

I didn't think so when I wrote it, but maybe it is. I was just curious about what responses people would write.

FWIW, I advise different time spans for people based on many factors. One biggie is A1c.

[tanyatype1]

:) I get my teeth cleaned every six months!

[peej07]

I see my endo every 6 months and my GP for anything non-d related. I also see my retina specialist every 6 months except recently it's been like every 3 weeks!

[Olidus]

No Endo in my area - I see my Doc - GP every 3 months.

[rocky]

I see my Endo, depending on how things are going, every 3-6 months. and the GP at least one a year to get a medical for my licence.

[kgm0612]

I see my Endo every 3 months and my PCP (internist) annualy. My endo writes ALL my scripts, including Crestor, for a full year and he sends a copy of my blood work to the internist.

Karen