r/redmond • u/j8will • 2d ago

Any luck or ideas on getting endocrinologist appts

Igot diagnosed with hypertension n have been asked to see endocrinologist. Took my pcp to say this 2 mo the and now everywhere they say will take months before I see an endocrinologist. How do I navigate this or atleast get further obvious tests done preemptively. Instead of waiting months and endocrinologist to say to get bunch if tests done n wait months before I see them again

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u/CatHerder1123 1d ago

I’m sorry to say this is the state of American healthcare. It can take months to get in with a specialist- they found something on a routine mammogram and it took 2 months for my follow up. Ask to be put on the cancellation list. When I needed a rheumatologist there was a 3 month waiting time but I got lucky 6 weeks in. You can also ask for a virtual appointment- they don’t have as long of a wait usually.

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u/j8will 1d ago

Yes I plan to do that once referral request goes through. 

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u/CatHerder1123 1d ago

Sadly insurance won’t cover your tests unless the Dr orders them with diagnostic codes and the drs can’t order without seeing you. Usually they follow up on testing by MyChart messages. Once you get in to the Dr there are usually more appointments available and you don’t have to wait as long. (There are only a certain number of new patient appointments vs follow up appointments since follow ups take less time than new appointments)

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u/vaalkyrie 1d ago

I would go with UW, even with the wait. Your primary care doctor can try to help in the meantime. I'm hypo and have found no one will help me outside primary care.

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u/cryingpotato49 1d ago

Shouldn't you have a referral from your dr for one?

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u/j8will 1d ago

I do, even then referral processing I've been told from 2 different clinics UW and Virginia Mason takes 2-4 weeks then appts are looking out to 2-4 months wait

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u/cryingpotato49 1d ago

Unfortunately that's the norm. Did you ask to be put on the list if anyone cancels? 

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u/j8will 1d ago

I did

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u/HelenAngel 15h ago

It also took me months to be see by an endocrinologist & now found out that mine is leaving. 😞

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u/j8will 15h ago

Darn it, hopefully switching over to a different one isn't considered restarting. I've overlake is having a huge turnover