Re: Dr. R

[Guest guest]

It all depends on your insurance. Mine pays on everything. He is still in-network for a few plans. Call and ask if he is on yours. Do not trust the provider directories. On the first visit, he wants to see you one day and draw your blood the next morning. Then he wants you back in 2-4 weeks to discuss your labs and get your prescriptions. After that, he puts some folks on a three month recall and some on 6 months. When all of your doses are stable, you only need to come in about once a year. For subsequent visits, you can have your blood drawn ahead of time at local CPL lab. One time, I had to wait two hours because he was working an emergency. This happened to me once in four and a half years. Normally, it is more like 10-15 minutes. He is in family practice and it is a solo practice, so when it hits the fan, he may not be available on schedule. So schedule your appointment and travel at a time when you have some flexibility. Once you get to Lubbock, everything is cheap. Ask for the "medical rate" at hotels. Last time I paid $59 for a nice room at the Sheraton. Most of the hotels will pick you up at the airport. It's free. I just give the driver a tip. They will also take you to your doctor's appointment. The Lubbock Inn is in walking distance to the doc. Katy Deschenes

wrote: I'm spending all of this time and energy trying to find a good doctor thattakes my insurance, but I'm wondering if it just wouldn't make more sense tobite the bullet and go see Dr. R in Lubbock. Can someone tell me how itworks with him? Does insurance help pay for any of the lab work? How oftendo you have to see him, how long do you spend in his office waiting, etc.?If he's really that good and "gets it", maybe it doesn't make sense for meto keep looking. I'd appreciate any info.Thanks again,Katy

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[Guest guest]

He arranged for me to have my first blood work locally. I am sure that you can work out something with him.

Thanks for all the info, Jan. If you feel like you need a dosage raise, etc. do you have to go see him or can you call and get local bloodwork if necessary?

Thanks again,

Katy

[Guest guest]

Thanks for all the info, Jan. If you feel

like you need a dosage raise, etc. do you have to go see him or can you call

and get local bloodwork if necessary?

Thanks again,

Katy

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Jan

Sent: Tuesday, March 21, 2006

10:09 PM

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Subject: Re:

Dr. R

It all

depends on your insurance. Mine pays on everything. He is still in-network

for a few plans. Call and ask if he is on yours. Do not trust the provider

directories.

[Guest guest]

Someone else will have to answer that one for you. I was already on Armour when I went to him. I think he does allow some small adjustments without extra bkood work. Katy Deschenes wrote: Thanks for all the info, Jan. If you feel like you need a dosage raise, etc. do you have to go see him or can you call and get local bloodwork if necessary? Thanks again, Katy

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[Guest guest]

I’ve made an appointment with Dr. R

for April 5th. Can someone tell me how long it takes to get from

the airport to his office and whether I will be able to get a taxi, etc.? I

know the airport shuttle wouldn’t take me straight from the airport to

the Dr.’s office. For instance, will it be enough time to get there if

my flight lands at 2:30 and my appointment is at 3pm? Is that cutting it too

close for comfort? Otherwise, I would have to get there at 11:15 and find

something to do until my appt. at 3pm. I really appreciate the help.

-Katy

[Guest guest]

If your flight lands at 2:30 and your appointment is at 3:00, you're most likely going to be late. I'd go for the earlier flight which gives the airline time to screw things up. You should be able to get a taxi. I rented a car when I went for just a day trip - it was definitely more convenient, and it may be cheaper than a taxi. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a taxi website with a fare estimator, so you'd have to call to get an idea. Or perhaps they could tell you at Dr. R.'s office.

I get my labs done locally (San ), and since my last visit have had one increase in Armour, plus a new prescription for progesterone without additional labs or visits.

I've made an appointment with Dr. R

for April 5th. Can someone tell me how long it takes to get from

the airport to his office and whether I will be able to get a taxi, etc.? I

know the airport shuttle wouldn't take me straight from the airport to

the Dr.'s office. For instance, will it be enough time to get there if

my flight lands at 2:30 and my appointment is at 3pm? Is that cutting it too

close for comfort? Otherwise, I would have to get there at 11:15 and find

something to do until my appt. at 3pm. I really appreciate the help.

-Katy

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Betsy. That's what I was thinking too. I'll pay the extra $

and schedule the earlier flight.

Take Care,

Katy

>

> If your flight lands at 2:30 and your appointment is at 3:00, you're

most

> likely going to be late.

[Guest guest]

I'd take the 11:15 and bring a book. Find a restaurant near his office and

relax!

Kate

At 09:40 AM 3/22/2006, you wrote:

>I've made an appointment with Dr. R for April 5th. Can someone tell me

>how long it takes to get from the airport to his office and whether I will

>be able to get a taxi, etc.? I know the airport shuttle wouldn't take me

>straight from the airport to the Dr.'s office. For instance, will it be

>enough time to get there if my flight lands at 2:30 and my appointment is

>at 3pm? Is that cutting it too close for comfort? Otherwise, I would

>have to get there at 11:15 and find something to do until my appt. at

>3pm. I really appreciate the help.

>

>-Katy

[Guest guest]

I just booked an appointment on April 14th, and I'm running into the same issues on the other end. My appointment is at 9:00. There are flights leaving around 12:15 and 2:30. 12:15 is cheaper, but I think I'm going for the later flight. I hate feeling rushed.

Are you staying overnight? Which hotel? I'm thinking of staying at the Lubbock Inn. But maybe I'll check out the Sheraton that Jan mentioned. If they'll take you to the doc appointment, that's good. I'm looking for wireless internet in the room.

Jan - did you call the hotel directly for the medical rate? And where is it?? I went to the Sheraton website and there was nothing in Lubbock. Expedia is showing fewer hotels than I remember from the last time I was looking. Weird. I'll do some more searching after I get back from lunch. On 3/22/06, Katy <KatyDes@...

> wrote:

Thanks, Betsy. That's what I was thinking too. I'll pay the extra $and schedule the earlier flight.

Take Care,Katy

[Guest guest]

I’m staying at the Lubbock Inn. I

figure for my first time there, it’ll be best since it’s just

around the corner from the doctor’s office. Next time I might rent a

car, but this time I’d rather be close enough to walk. They have the $59

medical rate too although I’m sure the Sheraton is nicer. I got a better

rate with Continental so I used that and will have to leave from IAH.

Best of luck,

Katy

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Betsy

Sent: Wednesday, March 22, 2006

11:38 AM

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Subject: Re:

Re: Dr. R

Are you staying overnight? Which hotel? I'm thinking of staying at the

Lubbock Inn. But maybe I'll check out the Sheraton that Jan mentioned. If

they'll take you to the doc appointment, that's good. I'm looking for wireless

internet in the room.

[Guest guest]

Yep, Easter’s on the 16th

J

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Betsy

Sent: Wednesday, March 22, 2006

12:47 PM

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Subject: Re:

Re: Dr. R

Is Easter on the 16th?

[Guest guest]

Call the hotel as soon as you land and ask them to send their van. It is free. You can just give the driver a tip. A flight landing at 2:30 would not get you to your appointment on time. It may take the van 30-60 minutes to get to the airport. 11:15 would work. That should get you to the hotel in time to have some lunch and get settled. If you are at the Lubbock Inn, leave the hotel at 2:20 for a 2:30 appointment. The doc is less than two blocks out the back door of the hotel. If you are at the Sheraton, ask for the van to take you at 2:00 or even 2:10. As soon as you arrive at the hotel, ask them to schedule the van for return to the airport the next day, and for any trips to the doc if you are anywhere but the Lubbock Inn. Katy Deschenes wrote: I’ve made an appointment with

Dr. R for April 5th. Can someone tell me how long it takes to get from the airport to his office and whether I will be able to get a taxi, etc.? I know the airport shuttle wouldn’t take me straight from the airport to the Dr.’s office. For instance, will it be enough time to get there if my flight lands at 2:30 and my appointment is at 3pm? Is that cutting it too close for comfort? Otherwise, I would have to get there at 11:15 and find something to do until my appt. at 3pm. I really appreciate the help. -Katy

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[Guest guest]

The Sheraton has nicer rooms, but the food sucks. Next time I stay there, I will be eating at some other places nearby. The food at the Lubbock Inn is OK. Make sure they are going to be open for dinner. Sometimes they are not, and there is not much in the area. Katy Deschenes wrote: I’m staying at the Lubbock Inn. I figure for my first time there, it’ll be best since it’s just around the corner from the doctor’s office. Next time I might rent a car, but this time I’d rather be close enough to walk. They have the $59 medical rate too although I’m sure the Sheraton is nicer. I got a better rate with Continental so I used that and will have to leave from IAH. Best of luck, Katy

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[Guest guest]

I called the hotel and asked for the medical rate. Do allow extra time. He occasionally has to work an emergency and has no back-up. Betsy wrote: I just booked an appointment on April 14th, and I'm running into the same issues on the other end. My appointment is at 9:00. There are flights leaving around 12:15 and 2:30. 12:15 is cheaper, but I think I'm going for the later flight. I hate feeling rushed. Are you staying overnight? Which hotel? I'm thinking of staying at the Lubbock Inn. But maybe I'll check out the Sheraton that Jan mentioned. If they'll take you to the doc appointment, that's good. I'm looking for wireless internet

in the room. Jan - did you call the hotel directly for the medical rate? And where is it?? I went to the Sheraton website and there was nothing in Lubbock. Expedia is showing fewer hotels than I remember from the last time I was looking. Weird. I'll do some more searching after I get back from lunch. Thanks, Betsy. That's what I was thinking too. I'll pay the extra $and schedule the earlier flight. Take Care,Katy

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[Guest guest]

Jan,

Dr. R is a great doctor, right? I know I’ve

seen quite a few people on this list talk about him, and I already have a

flight scheduled. I guess I just want to make double sure that he’s

everything you’ve needed so far. Does he have no problem increasing your

dose and you feel you need it and totally ignore TSH? He treats adrenals too,

right? Sorry to burden you with more questions. I just got worried when I saw

someone on the list say that she was on 1 grain of armour and he didn’t

want to raise her yet. Thanks so much for all of your help. I’m excited

that this is the right step for me.

Take Care,

Katy

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Jan

Sent: Wednesday, March 22, 2006

2:15 PM

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Subject: RE:

Dr. R

Call the

hotel as soon as you land and ask them to send their van. It is free.

You can just give the driver a tip. A flight landing at 2:30 would not get

you to your appointment on time. It may take the van 30-60 minutes to get

to the airport. 11:15 would work. That should get you to the hotel in time to

have some lunch and get settled. If you are at the Lubbock Inn, leave the hotel

at 2:20 for a 2:30 appointment. The doc is less than two

blocks out the back door of the hotel. If you are at the Sheraton, ask for

the van to take you at 2:00 or even 2:10.

As soon as

you arrive at the hotel, ask them to schedule the van for return to the

airport the next day, and for any trips to the doc if you are

anywhere but the Lubbock Inn.

Katy Deschenes

wrote:

I’ve made an appointment with Dr. R

for April 5th. Can someone tell me how long it takes to get

from the airport to his office and whether I will be able to get a taxi,

etc.? I know the airport shuttle wouldn’t take me straight from the

airport to the Dr.’s office. For instance, will it be enough time

to get there if my flight lands at 2:30 and my appointment is at 3pm? Is

that cutting it too close for comfort? Otherwise, I would have to get

there at 11:15 and find something to do until my appt. at 3pm. I really

appreciate the help.

-Katy

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Bring photos to life! New

PhotoMail makes sharing a breeze.

[Guest guest]

Dr. R is a great doctor. He doesn't treat any patient like another...

they are all individuals. He treats you according to how he feels you

will respond. My TSH is completely suppressed, has been for many

years, way before I ever became a patient of his, and I am now on 3

grains of armour.

He looks at the whole package... if your adrenals need treating, you

can be guaranteed he will know that, and you will be treated. Just

don't rush, take your time. It took a long time for most of us to get

this sick, it takes a long time to get well again. Rest easy, it will

happen.

Cathryn

>

> Jan,

>

>

>

> Dr. R is a great doctor, right? I know I've seen quite a few people

on this

> list talk about him, and I already have a flight scheduled. I guess

I just

> want to make double sure that he's everything you've needed so far.

Does he

> have no problem increasing your dose and you feel you need it and

totally

> ignore TSH? He treats adrenals too, right? Sorry to burden you

with more

> questions. I just got worried when I saw someone on the list say

that she

> was on 1 grain of armour and he didn't want to raise her yet. Thanks so

> much for all of your help. I'm excited that this is the right step

for me.

>

>

>

> Take Care,

> Katy

>

>

[Guest guest]

Some of the folks seeing Dr. R have severe thyroid hormone intolerance. He is extra careful with them. One lady is on just 3/8 grain of dessicated thyroid, compounded to get a small enough dose for her. He actually starts most patients on 90 mg. But don't worry. He will work with you and do whatever it takes to get you feeling well. He looks at blood work, but he is not a slave to it. He will be working with all of your hormone levels, gently tweaking doses to get everything in balance. This takes time and patience. With the endocrine hormones, everything is part of a negative feedback loop. Every change evokes a reaction in some other part of the system. So, small changes are best. Katy Deschenes wrote: Jan, Dr. R is a great doctor,

right? I know I’ve seen quite a few people on this list talk about him, and I already have a flight scheduled. I guess I just want to make double sure that he’s everything you’ve needed so far. Does he have no problem increasing your dose and you feel you need it and totally ignore TSH? He treats adrenals too, right? Sorry to burden you with more questions. I just got worried when I saw someone on the list say that she was on 1 grain of armour and he didn’t want to raise her yet. Thanks so much for all of your help. I’m excited that this is the right step for me. Take

Care,Katy

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[Guest guest]

Great! He sounds like exactly what I need

J I’ll be seeing him on April 5th and then going

for my bloodwork on the 6th.

Thanks again,

Katy

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Jan

Sent: Wednesday, March 22, 2006

11:16 PM

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Subject: RE:

Dr. R

Some of the

folks seeing Dr. R have severe thyroid hormone intolerance. He is extra careful

with them. One lady is on just 3/8 grain of dessicated thyroid, compounded to

get a small enough dose for her.

He actually

starts most patients on 90 mg.

But don't

worry. He will work with you and do whatever it takes to get you feeling well.

He looks at blood work, but he is not a slave to it.

He will be

working with all of your hormone levels, gently tweaking doses to get

everything in balance. This takes time and patience. <

/div>

With the

endocrine hormones, everything is part of a negative feedback loop. Every

change evokes a reaction in some other part of the system. So, small changes

are best.

[Guest guest]

The La Quinta is within walking distance too. They have continental

breakfast in the morning but I don't think they have a restaurant.

You can order in food -- there's a steak restaurant that delivers all

over town. That's what we did last time and the rooms were pretty

nice.

>

> The Sheraton has nicer rooms, but the food sucks. Next time I stay

there, I will be eating at some other places nearby. The food at the

Lubbock Inn is OK. Make sure they are going to be open for dinner.

Sometimes they are not, and there is not much in the area.

>

[Guest guest]

, that's where we stayed when my husband and I went up for the

first visit. We just loved the room.

Did you get a medical rate? I didn't think to ask that time, and they're

a bit higher than the Lubbock Inn.

rose_nancy8 wrote:

> The La Quinta is within walking distance too. They have continental

> breakfast in the morning but I don't think they have a restaurant.

> You can order in food -- there's a steak restaurant that delivers all

> over town. That's what we did last time and the rooms were pretty

> nice.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Just from my personal experience, I would call and ask what time to

be there, if this is your first appointment. I never got the

materials that they usually hand out for the first appointment, and

in them they ask that you be there 15 minutes ahead of time to fill

out some information. Maybe they changed that, but it wouldn't hurt

to ask.

Just a suggestion -- Sara

> I've made an appointment with Dr. R for April

5th. Can someone tell me how long it takes to get from the airport

to his office and whether I will be able to get a taxi, etc.? I

know the airport shuttle wouldn't take me straight from the airport

to the Dr.'s office. For instance, will it be enough time to get

there if my flight lands at 2:30 and my appointment is at 3pm? Is

that cutting it too close for comfort? Otherwise, I would have to

get there at 11:15 and find something to do until my appt. at 3pm.

I really appreciate the help.

>

> -Katy

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Betsy,

Sorry for the late reply. I was out of town for a few days! Yes,

the La Quinta offers a medical rate. I think it was the same as the

Lubbock Inn -- $59 if my foggy head remembers right!

>

> , that's where we stayed when my husband and I went up for

the

> first visit. We just loved the room.

>

> Did you get a medical rate? I didn't think to ask that time, and

they're

> a bit higher than the Lubbock Inn.

>

[Guest guest]

Oh, cool. I'll give them a call. They have wireless internet in the rooms. Although it didn't work in the room we had on that first trip, but we were on the top floor in the back. Thanks, .

Hi Betsy,Sorry for the late reply. I was out of town for a few days! Yes,the La Quinta offers a medical rate. I think it was the same as theLubbock Inn -- $59 if my foggy head remembers right!

[Guest guest]

You're welcome! The pool is nice too, when it's hot. ;-)

> >

> > Hi Betsy,

> >

> > Sorry for the late reply. I was out of town for a few days!

Yes,

> > the La Quinta offers a medical rate. I think it was the same as

the

> > Lubbock Inn -- $59 if my foggy head remembers right!

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

>