GP or Endocrinologist ? Which do you see ? - Page 2

BrianSCohen · #16 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 07:11 AM

I have seen an endo, he has little use for me, I don't have serious complications or control problems. The CDC estimates that there are 24 million with diabetes and 57 million pre-diabetic in the US (CDC Press Release - June 24, 2008). Unfortunatelly only 6000 new certificates were issued in 2007 by American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism. There are far too few endos for the diabetics, and most diabetics depend on their GPs for primary care.

That is exactly what I do, and I just deal with my doctor who is marginally informed about diabetes. However, I have selected a doctor who is willing to discuss these things and is compliant. Should I need an endo, I have his number, but I don't expect any real advice from him on my condition as long as I maintain tight control and avoid complications.

Jan B · #17 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davef

I always think that anyone can have a helpful idea/hint/tip, please don't stay away from us T2's Jan, I know you have given me good information and help.

Thank you Dave, Frank and George!
I love you T2s, and have several T2 friends (and a dad) who need help IMO. It's sad, I have recommended this forum to all of them but have no takers yet. None of them take diabetes seriously, but three of them complain about it!

Also, my GP is setting up an intraclinic forum for diabetics -- one of the reasons I'm sticking with him.

GeorgeGuinn · #18 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianSCohen

That is exactly what I do, and I just deal with my doctor who is marginally informed about diabetes. However, I have selected a doctor who is willing to discuss these things and is compliant. Should I need an endo, I have his number, but I don't expect any real advice from him on my condition as long as I maintain tight control and avoid complications.

The more I think about it the more I will probably just stay with my GP. He is a nice guy and has done a good job overall managing my diabetes. He has been very tolerant of me questioning the meds and diagnoses (sp). Also is compliant, good word for will do what I want.

I will just have to continue to read up on the insulin and spend more time managing my diabetes. At least until I get it back under control.

Thanks

moorejames · #19 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 08:52 AM

I see an endo who's practice is mostly diabetics.

I'm all for generalists for generalist type problems, but I tend to seek out specialists for specific things.

I have a handyman for doing little jobs around the house, but when the furnace is acting up, I call in the HVAC big guns.

Nothing against GP's but they need to have a little bit of knowledge about a ton of things. I'd rather work with someone who sees diabetics all-day every day. (which, unfortunately, some GPs end up having to do....)

When I have a cold or something, I'll see the GP.

gettingby · #20 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 08:58 AM

My endo takes care of my diabetes, my thyroid, and my cholesterol. I may see my GP once a year. When I was seeing my GP for my diabetes, I wasn't seeing him but his NP/CDE.

BrianSCohen · #21 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeorgeGuinn

Also is compliant, good word for will do what I want.

I like the word "compliant." That is the word the medical establishment uses on me to drive me to take their medicine that I don't need. I also am still a bit pissed about a "former" doctor that reported me to the insurance company for not being "compliant".

jacobsam622 · #22 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 09:44 PM

I manage my diabetes the doctor is there for tests, advice and drug refills . I go to a DO (DR of Osteopath) who has been great. I don't like specialists they work hours like 9 to 4 and that would cause me to miss work. My off days are for my wife and twins not the doctors. When I was a kid we went to one doctor and yes he had to stay up on the latest treatments and guess what he did just fine, he retired in his 80's best doctor ever. Back then People became Doctors to help the ill today they become specialists so they can spend more time on the golf course. Don't get me started on specialists When I was trying to find out why I was having so much back pain I was sent from this specialist to that specialist and 7 years later I still don't have an answer. I will be in a wheelchair before I put my self through that futile circus again.

jdftwrth98 · #23 (**permalink**) 07-19-2008, 05:55 AM

I have been dealing my gp, (internal medicine specialist) since i was diagnosed but for the past year or so, I have begun feeling like his science project, every 3 months he tweaks my meds (most of which united health care does not like and so have a big co-pay) he is also my cardiologist (yeah I got a couple of blocked arteries, finally quit smoking in 2002 after my first stay in the hospital). Now if i could just loose the weight that I need to he and I would be happy campers!