Your Endocronologist Matters

In my short 2 years after diagnosis with Type 1 Diabetes I have actually seen 3 different Endos not counting the Nutritionists, Educators, and research doctors.  I didn't realize the range of doctors, specialists, and their role along the way.

I live in Spokane where we have a large population of older adults.  This is very apparent in most endocronology waiting rooms.  As a "controlled" type 1 diabetic, I felt pretty out of place at a few offices in town.  Not that I was uncomfortable, but the people around me had a range of illnesses that were being treated and Type 1 Diabetes was just a sliver of those people.  I was mistaken for a medical student prior to one appointment and a drug rep at another appointment.


Getting an appointment is about a 6 month wait, and that is after you get another Dr to write a personal referral.  Your appointment is a flat 15 minutes to the tick of the clock and you walk out with more questions that you came in with.

I understand the experience for other Type 1 diabetics in Spokane may differ from mine, but this is been my experience.  I took my file to 2 other offices in town only to be turned down as a new patient.  I couldn't even get a hold of one of my Dr's after having a prescription denied by the insurance company. It was just a mess.

That is when I was directed to the Poly Clinic in Seattle.  This place has been nothing less than amazing. I made my first appointment a couple of weeks out rather than waiting for 6 months.  When I got there I waited for a short time and was in the room and appointment under way on time.  I gave them my file of appeals and insurance transcriptions and within 48 hours they had my meds approved and ready to be picked up at my pharmacy.  They answer online messages promptly and are incredibly helpful when I have questions.

All in all I never understood the importance of a great doctor and endocronologist. The poly clinic has not asked for my endorsement in any way, I am just touting how great it has been to be a patient there.  It is worth the 5 hour drive across the state and I am incredibly grateful for all they have done so far!

If you feel like your Dr isn't listening to you, or you want another opinion you can find a new Dr. Make sure your needs are met, your questions are answered, and your Dr cares about your health as much as you do.  If you need help with your insurance company, ask you Dr's office. They have a wealth of experience. Don't settle for mediocre care.  Your life depends on it.