PCOS Messages for June, 2002: Re: How do I find a credible doctor?!

Re: How do I find a credible doctor?!

From: jodi (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 18 Jun 2002 13:38:26 -0500 (CDT)

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In reply to: jessica: "How do I find a credible doctor?!"

I'm not sure what you mean by credible... if a doctor is licensed to practice medicine, there is a good chance that he or she is credible. What is more pertinant to your situation is whether or not a given doctor is well-versed in current treatment and understanding of PCOS. For example, I firmly believe my ob/gyn is credible as a doctor, but she doesn't know her ass from her armpit when it comes to PCOS.

When I was looking for a doctor, I called the offices of each and every candidate. Do this. Ask if the doctor treats PCOS. If the answer is yes, ask if he or she uses insulin meds in the treatment of PCOS. If the answer is yes, ask if the doctor uses insulin meds to treat PCOS regardless of whether or not the patient (you) is trying to concieve.

You might get answers such as "No, I've never heard of that condition" or "No, there is no way to treat that condition." You might get a no on the insulin meds. You might get a yes on the insulin meds only if the patient is trying to get pregnant. There are doctors out there who feel PCOS should only be treated if a patient wants to get pregnant. I don't know what your situation as far as getting pregnant is, but it really doesn't matter. If you find a doctor who feels PCOS is only worth treating so that a woman can get pregnant, stay away. Also know that just because a doctor uses insulin meds in treating PCOS doesn't mean that you will get insulin meds. Also, if you feel that you do not want to use insulin meds, do not feel that it doesn't matter if your doc thinks they are good for PCOS. Your goal here is to find a doc who is up on the latest and greatest research when it comes to PCOS. Only then are you likely to get good treatment. You might find a general practice doctor to be helpful, you might find an ob/gyn to be helpful, you might find an endocrinologist or reproductive endocrinologist to be helpful. The title of the doctor is less important than his or her ability or willingness to treat the condition. Any docotr can presecribe any medication. You could, with diligence, find a proctologist to treat depression. You could find an ob/gyn willing to treat athletes foot. (If you don't wear socks in the stirrups, your chances of this probably increase, ha ha.) So don't feel pigeonholed into need an endocrinologist to treat you. I personally do see an endocrinologist, but many women here see other types of doctors and are just as satisfied with their care.

Where are you located? Maybe someone here knows a good doc in your area.

Above all, educate YOURSELF. :-)

- jodi

At Tue, 18 Jun 2002, jessica wrote: >
>I'm seeking a second opinion after the results my endocrinologist gave
>me. The only problem is that endcrinologists are hard to find. When I
>do get a number of a dr. I'm hesitant to see her/him without a
>recommendation. So what inform should I find out to insure the dr. is
>credible? What questions should I ask before making an appointment?
>
>--
>Jessica
>

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In reply to: jessica: "How do I find a credible doctor?!"

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