i want to c an ENDROCOLOGIST should i ask my docter for a referel?

Question

so i got bloodtests done, due to my irregular periods, to c whats wrong, at first my docter said i might have a thyroid problem, but the tests came back 'fine'

but i have 90% of Hypothyroidism sypmtoms tho, and i want a second opinion of a specialist (endrocologist) , except how do i see one?

Do i ask my docter if he can refer me to one?
Do i look one up in the yellow pages?
:S

and does a endrocologist substitute for my doctor? how much is it to go c one?

has anyone gone to one b4? was it worth it?

- or do u think i should just not bother seeing a endrocologist, since my bloodtests came out as 'fine'...

Answer 1

Re: Seeing an Endocrinologist:
Sounds like you have a lot of questions that need answers.
If your family physician did the blood work, but still can't give you the answers/help you need, ask him for a referral, or that you'd like a second opinion. Any good Dr. wouldn't be offended. Look at it this way; you are his employer, he's your employee, so you have the right to ask. We are living in an age where we are becomming more responsible for our own health, so we need to better educate ourselves. Do a little 'homework;' check the internet, or library to learn about the functions of the endocrine glands, and what disorders you should know about. The better informed you are, the better the treatment you'll get. I'd make a list of questions to ask, before seeing him(i.e. family dr. or specialist). It helps you focus, and saves time.
Getting prior authorization to see a specialist depends on what kind of insurance you have....some plans require it, others don't. Check your policy and your options. You can call the ins. co. and ask what/if they pay.
It may turn out that you may need to see an OB/GYN, instead.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Normal thyroid levels does not necessarily mean you don't have thryroid issues. If you really wish to see an endocrinologist then your best bet is to ask your doc for a referral and see if he'll give you one. That is the fastest way to see one and some will only take appointments by referral. Be prepared though they are very expensive, especially the first appointment because of being a new patient, all the blood work, etc. that you will have to have. I was sent to one because despite my normal thryoid levels, I to had period problems but I also had a swollen neck and problems losing my voice. Mine turned out to be an internal goiter that I later had to have taken care of. Best of luck to you.

Answer 4

The proper spelling is "endocrinologist". A single test is not necessarily diagnostic. A second opinion would not be unreasonable, but get your primary physician to refer you - most insurance carriers will balk at paying if you refer yourself - and a specialist like an endocrinologist is expensive. If your current physician refuses, you need a new physician.

Answer 5

Ask your doctor for a referral. If he won't refer you - which is unlikely - then you can call one and set up your own appointment. The endocrinologist will likely not become your primary physician.

(Have you been to a gynecologist yet? That should be your next step before going to an endocrinologist).

Answer 6

call all of them and see who has the longest wait to book an apointment... that's the guy whose patients are still alive

actually, hey, go to your library and get the book "from fatigued to fantastic"... it has an extensive appendix on how to get a doctor to correctly diagnose a thyroid problem.

author is Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D.
he's got some information on his webpage.