Guest guest Posted February 11, 2006 Report Share Posted February 11, 2006 We refer to Sharon as the "Hashimoto's Poster Child." You were fortunate to be ab le to catch her in the office, as she is now going to school to become a Nurse Practitioner, so that she can see the "sore throats and sore butts" while the doc takes care of the endocrine patients. I predict that she will have her own following of Hashi patients. . . . .zimwits wrote: Jan, Diane, and ,Thanks for the kind words! This afternoon I called Dr. 's office in Lubbock and they are able to get me in next Thursday, and I am thrilled. (He was one of Jan's recommendations.) I felt like I might have found the right place after getting off the phone with Sharon. It is quite a drive, but I could easily spend that much time going to more (questionable) doctors here. I like that they are willing to thoroughly investigate the "big picture" - that is exactly what I have been looking for concerning my immune system. Sharon even told me her antibody count was next to nothing, after being in the thousands -- MY endo told me it wasn't worth re-checking (it is in the hundreds) because there was nothing that could be done --- GO FIGURE. Sharon said that was what they are taught in medical school, but that does not mean it is acceptable. I couldn't agree more!My internist would run a check on my thyroid when I would ask her, but since it was on the high end of the "old" ranges, she told me everything was fine. I did not know enough at the time to pursue the issue further, so I believed her! It was the enlargement and the antibody test that finally put the puzzle together. She then referred me to the endo. It is a relief that all of that is now history, and if I wouldn't have done tons of research and joined this group, I would not have known how common my experience was! It is from this group that I got some recommendations, so thank you, thank you!Diane, you asked what part of Houston I live in - ironically enough, I live about 10 minutes from the Medical Center!!!__________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2006 Report Share Posted February 11, 2006 Hey, I'll be in her Hashi following if I end up like her, lol! I felt inspired after talking with her and I am looking forward to meeting her. Jan, Diane, and , > > Thanks for the kind words! This afternoon I called Dr. 's > office in Lubbock and they are able to get me in next Thursday, and I > am thrilled. (He was one of Jan's recommendations.) I felt like I > might have found the right place after getting off the phone with > Sharon. It is quite a drive, but I could easily spend that much time > going to more (questionable) doctors here. I like that they are > willing to thoroughly investigate the " big picture " - that is exactly > what I have been looking for concerning my immune system. Sharon even > told me her antibody count was next to nothing, after being in the > thousands -- MY endo told me it wasn't worth re-checking (it is in the > hundreds) because there was nothing that could be done --- GO FIGURE. > Sharon said that was what they are taught in medical school, but that > does not mean it is acceptable. I couldn't agree more! > > My internist would run a check on my thyroid when I would ask her, but > since it was on the high end of the " old " ranges, she told me > everything was fine. I did not know enough at the time to pursue the > issue further, so I believed her! It was the enlargement and the > antibody test that finally put the puzzle together. She then referred > me to the endo. It is a relief that all of that is now history, and > if I wouldn't have done tons of research and joined this group, I > would not have known how common my experience was! It is from this > group that I got some recommendations, so thank you, thank you! > > Diane, you asked what part of Houston I live in - ironically enough, I > live about 10 minutes from the Medical Center!!! > > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2006 Report Share Posted February 11, 2006 He is in-network for some PPO insurance, but he is classified as a primary care doc, so unless you have an "open" plan, where you can see any in-network doc without a referral, it is not possible to see him in-network without making him your PCP. (Some of the West Texas folks have done that, but it would not be practical for you.) And do not believe the provider directories. They are padded with docs who have long since left the network. Call the office and ask if he is on your plan. Also, the only contact info for him that is good is that which is on our list which you can find on our site in "Files." Some of the insurance directories show him at a different address. He is no longer there. He also does not take Medicare at all. I am just four years away from that dread event, so I am stashing my pennies so that I can continue to see him at that time. McSwain wrote: Does anyone know if Dr. takes insurance? Relax. Yahoo! Mail virus scanning helps detect nasty viruses! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2006 Report Share Posted February 11, 2006 Thanks for the info, Jan. I do have an " open " plan which is a plus for me. I just have to cross my fingers, toes and any other part of my body that will cross and hope he's still taking my insurance. At 01:15 AM 2/11/2006, you wrote: He is in-network for some PPO insurance, but he is classified as a primary care doc, so unless you have an " open " plan, where you can see any in-network doc without a referral, it is not possible to see him in-network without making him your PCP. (Some of the West Texas folks have done that, but it would not be practical for you.) And do not believe the provider directories. They are padded with docs who have long since left the network. Call the office and ask if he is on your plan. Also, the only contact info for him that is good is that which is on our list which you can find on our site in " Files. " Some of the insurance directories show him at a different address. He is no longer there. He also does not take Medicare at all. I am just four years away from that dread event, so I am stashing my pennies so that I can continue to see him at that time. McSwain wrote: Does anyone know if Dr. takes insurance? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2006 Report Share Posted February 11, 2006 Which one do you have? I know he currently is in network for Aetna and BCBS. PPOs, not sure about others. He got dumped by BCBS last summer (about two days after my last visit with him), but is now back on. Even if you have to use an out-of network benefit, his fees are not outrageous. $300-350 for the office consult, which is usually at least an hour. $1500 for labs $25 for out of town blood draw. The first year, you would normally have three office consults and two sets of labs. ~$1000 + $3000 + $25 = ~$4025 plus the cost of prescriptions. He sends all of his compound prescriptions to Womens International which has very good prices. After a couple of years, if you are on stable doses of everything and having no problems, he only needs to see you about once a year. McSwain wrote: Thanks for the info, Jan. I do have an "open" plan which is a plus for me. I just have to cross my fingers, toes and any other part of my body that will cross and hope he's still taking my insurance. At 01:15 AM 2/11/2006, you wrote: He is in-network for some PPO insurance, but he is classified as a primary care doc, so unless you have an "open" plan, where you can see any in-network doc without a referral, it is not possible to see him in-network without making him your PCP. (Some of the West Texas folks have done that, but it would not be practical for you.) And do not believe the provider directories. They are padded with docs who have long since left the network. Call the office and ask if he is on your plan. Also, the only contact info for him that is good is that which is on our list which you can find on our site in "Files." Some of the insurance directories show him at a different address. He is no longer there. He also does not take Medicare at all. I am just four years away from that dread event, so I am stashing my pennies so that I can continue to see him at that time. McSwain wrote: Does anyone know if Dr. takes insurance? What are the most popular cars? Find out at Yahoo! Autos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2006 Report Share Posted February 11, 2006 He is out of BCBS Blue Choice, but in BCBS Par Plan [another network]. smr > > Does anyone know if Dr. takes insurance? > > > > --------------------------------- > > What are the most popular cars? Find out at Yahoo! Autos > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 12, 2006 Report Share Posted February 12, 2006 I have Aetna PPO. Do you know if there is any part of his treatment that the insurance might not cover? At 03:37 PM 2/11/2006, you wrote: Which one do you have? I know he currently is in network for Aetna and BCBS. PPOs, not sure about others. He got dumped by BCBS last summer (about two days after my last visit with him), but is now back on. Even if you have to use an out-of network benefit, his fees are not outrageous. $300-350 for the office consult, which is usually at least an hour. $1500 for labs $25 for out of town blood draw. The first year, you would normally have three office consults and two sets of labs. ~$1000 + $3000 + $25 = ~$4025 plus the cost of prescriptions. He sends all of his compound prescriptions to Womens International which has very good prices. After a couple of years, if you are on stable doses of everything and having no problems, he only needs to see you about once a year. McSwain wrote: Thanks for the info, Jan. I do have an " open " plan which is a plus for me. I just have to cross my fingers, toes and any other part of my body that will cross and hope he's still taking my insurance. At 01:15 AM 2/11/2006, you wrote: He is in-network for some PPO insurance, but he is classified as a primary care doc, so unless you have an " open " plan, where you can see any in-network doc without a referral, it is not possible to see him in-network without making him your PCP. (Some of the West Texas folks have done that, but it would not be practical for you.) And do ! not believe the provider directories. They are padded with docs who have long since left the network. Call the office and ask if he is on your plan. Also, the only contact info for him that is good is that which is on our list which you can find on our site in " Files. " Some of the insurance directories show him at a different address. He is no longer there. He also does not take Medicare at all. I am just four years away from that dread event, so I am stashing my pennies so that I can continue to see him at that time. McSwain wrote: Does anyone know if Dr. takes insurance? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 12, 2006 Report Share Posted February 12, 2006 So far, it has covered everything except the $25 fee for the out-of-town blood draws at a local lab for me. But a lot just depends on the exclusions in your particular plan. He does not sell any vitamins or supplements. He may recommend some, but you can buy them at Whole Foods or even Walmart. Metanx is a prescription B vitamin supplement that he sometimes prescribes. He does not do chelation therapy or any of the other alternative treatments that are are not covered. He orders standard blood tests at CPL labs and prescribes mainly brand name Armour Thyroid, occasionally some other thyroid meds, and compounded bio-equivalent hormones. Your drug plan may or may not cover the hormones. Mine does, but the brand name copay is now so high, that I am I doing selfpay. Once you get to Lubbock, everything is cheap. Ask for a medical rate at the hotel. Most of the hotels have a medical rate. If you fly, most of the hotels will pick you up at the airport and also take you to your doc appointment. Bring bottled water. Lubbock water is an. . .uh. . . . acquired taste. . . . .Lubbock Inn is a block from the doc's office. The Sheraton is farther, but has nicer rooms and an indoor pool. The downside of Dr. : he is in family practice without another doc. If he has an emergency, you will have to wait to see him. Allow extra time. McSwain wrote: I have Aetna PPO. Do you know if there is any part of his treatment that the insurance might not cover? At 03:37 PM 2/11/2006, you wrote: Which one do you have? I know he currently is in network for Aetna and BCBS.PPOs, not sure about others. He got dumped by BCBS last summer (about two days after my last visit with him), but is now back on. Even if you have to use an out-of network benefit, his fees are not outrageous. $300-350 for the office consult, which is usually at least an hour. $1500 for labs $25 for out of town blood draw. The first year, you would normally have three office consults and two sets of labs. ~$1000 + $3000 + $25 = ~$4025 plus the cost of prescriptions. He sends all of his compound prescriptions to Womens International which has very good prices. After a couple of years, if you are on stable doses of everything and having no problems, he only needs to see you about once a year. McSwain wrote: Thanks for the info, Jan. I do have an "open" plan which is a plus for me. I just have to cross my fingers, toes and any other part of my body that will cross and hope he's still taking my insurance. At 01:15 AM 2/11/2006, you wrote: He is in-network for some PPO insurance, but he is classified as a primary care doc, so unless you have an "open" plan, where you can see any in-network doc without a referral, it is not possible to see him in-network without making him your PCP. (Some of the West Texas folks have done that, but it would not be practical for you.) And do ! not believe the provider directories. They are padded with docs who have long since left the network. Call the office and ask if he is on your plan. Also, the only contact info for him that is good is that which is on our list which you can find on our site in "Files." Some of the insurance directories show him at a different address. He is no longer there. He also does not take Medicare at all. I am just four years away from that dread event, so I am stashing my pennies so that I can continue to see him at that time. McSwain wrote: Does anyone know if Dr. takes insurance? Yahoo! Autos. Looking for a sweet ride? Get pricing, reviews, more on new and used cars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 12, 2006 Report Share Posted February 12, 2006 Thank you, Jan, for all the info. I am going to check into seeing him. I have put it off since I hate the idea of traveling so far, but my health is slowly getting out of control and I think it's time to do something about it. My diabetes is getting worse and so is my thyroid. My reflexologist has told me for a long time now that my adrenals aren't working and my hormones are out of balance. I read some of the messages on this board about bladder problems and they sound exactly like the problems I have been experiencing. I know in my heart that all my problems are connected. Finding a doctor who makes the same connection as we all do is so hard. When I saw that Dr. is on my health plan, I decided that I better take advantage of that while I can. So, thank you again for all of your help. I will let you know what I do as things unfold. :-) At 10:17 PM 2/11/2006, you wrote: So far, it has covered everything except the $25 fee for the out-of-town blood draws at a local lab for me. But a lot just depends on the exclusions in your particular plan. He does not sell any vitamins or supplements. He may recommend some, but you can buy them at Whole Foods or even Walmart. Metanx is a prescription B vitamin supplement that he sometimes prescribes. He does not do chelation therapy or any of the other alternative treatments that are are not covered. He orders standard blood tests at CPL labs and prescribes mainly brand name Armour Thyroid, occasionally some other thyroid meds, and compounded bio-equivalent hormones. Your drug plan may or may not cover the hormones. Mine does, but the brand name copay is now so high, that I am I doing selfpay. Once you get to Lubbock, everything is cheap. Ask for a medical rate at the hotel. Most of the hotels have a medical rate. If you fly, most of the hotels will pick you up at the airport and also take you to your doc appointment. Bring bottled water. Lubbock water is an. . .uh. . . . acquired taste. . . . ..Lubbock Inn is a block from the doc's office. The Sheraton is farther, but has nicer rooms and an indoor pool. The downside of Dr. : he is in family practice without another doc. If he has an emergency, you will have to wait to see him. Allow extra time. ! McSwain wrote: I have Aetna PPO. Do you know if there is any part of his treatment that the insurance might not cover? At 03:37 PM 2/11/2006, you wrote: Which one do you have? I know he currently is in network for Aetna and BCBS. PPOs, not sure about others. He got dumped by BCBS last summer (about two days after my last visit with him), but is now back on. Even if you have to use an out-of network benefit, his fees are not outrageous. $300-350 for the office consult, which is usually at least an hour. $1500 for labs $25 for out of town blood draw. The first! year, you would normally have three office consults and two sets of labs. ~$1000 + $3000 + $25 = ~$4025 plus the cost of prescriptions. He sends all of his compound prescriptions to Womens International which has very good prices. After a couple of years, if you are on stable doses of everything and having no problems, he only needs to see you about once a year. McSwain wrote: Thanks for the info, Jan. I do have an " open " plan which is a plus for me. I just have to cross my fingers, toes and any other part of my body that will cross and hope he's still taking my insurance. At 01:15 AM 2/11/2006, you wrote: He is in-network for some PPO insurance, but he is cla! ssified as a primary care doc, so unless you have an " open " plan, where you can see any in-network doc without a referral, it is not possible to see him in-network without making him your PCP. (Some of the West Texas folks have done that, but it would not be practical for you.) And do ! not believe the provider directories. They are padded with docs who have long since left the network. Call the office and ask if he is on your plan. Also, the only contact info for him that is good is that which is on our list which you can find on our site in " Files. " Some of the insurance directories show him at a different address. He is no longer there. He also does not take Medicare at all. I am just four years away from that dread event, so I am stashing my pennies so that I can continue to ! see him at that time. McSwain wrote: Does anyone know if Dr. takes insurance? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 12, 2006 Report Share Posted February 12, 2006 I have found the bio-equivalent hydrocortisone to be very helpful with my diabetes. McSwain wrote: Thank you, Jan, for all the info. I am going to check into seeing him. I have put it off since I hate the idea of traveling so far, but my health is slowly getting out of control and I think it's time to do something about it. My diabetes is getting worse and so is my thyroid. My reflexologist has told me for a long time now that my adrenals aren't working and my hormones are out of balance. I read some of the messages on this board about bladder problems and they sound exactly like the problems I have been experiencing. I know in my heart that all my problems are connected. Finding a doctor who makes the same connection as we all do is so hard. When I saw that Dr. is on my health plan, I decided that I better take advantage of that while I can. So, thank you again for all of your help. I will let you know what I do as things unfold. :-) Brings words and photos together (easily) with PhotoMail - it's free and works with Yahoo! Mail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 14, 2006 Report Share Posted February 14, 2006 You made the best decision in the world to go to Lubbock, . I'm so happy for you! (hugs) > > > Hey, I'll be in her Hashi following if I end up like her, lol! I felt > inspired after talking with her and I am looking forward to meeting her. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 18, 2006 Report Share Posted February 18, 2006 , Just got back from Lubbock and felt like I was with a dr that wanted to look at the big picture. I'm optimistic! wrote: You made the best decision in the world to go to Lubbock, . I'm so happy for you!(hugs)>> > Hey, I'll be in her Hashi following if I end up like her, lol! I felt > inspired after talking with her and I am looking forward to meeting her.> > > Brings words and photos together (easily) with PhotoMail - it's free and works with Yahoo! Mail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 27, 2006 Report Share Posted April 27, 2006 He takes some insurance. You will have to call and ask if he takes Humana. I don't think he does. You will also have to call and ask about the hypopituitary issues. He may or may not be willing to deal with that. You might be better off connecting with someone here in Dallas if you are going to end up being referred to a surgeon. Surgery is generally indicated for pituitary tumors. I would hate to have surgery in a distant city.Marilyn wrote: Jan, Does Dr. treat hypopituitary patients with pituitary tumors? I have Humana insurance now. Did you say he doesn't take insurance? My doctors here don't agree on much of anything so I am doc shopping again. I at least need someone to break the tie. I do so enjoy your humor. I, too, would not be able to take house calls due to housekeeping challenges. And, I remember who Lance Renzel was. You have such an eclectic range. Thanks for that. Marilyn Yahoo! Mail goes everywhere you do. Get it on your phone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2006 Report Share Posted August 6, 2006 I was wondering if anyone has used Dr. in Austin at the Neuro- Sensory center in Austin. What did you think? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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