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  • With Mayo Clinic diabetes educators

    Nancy Klobassa, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N.

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  • July 24, 2009

    Blog: Choosing a diabetes doctor

    By Nancy Klobassa, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N.

3 comments posted

Dear Bloggers,

This week, I would like to talk about choosing a diabetes doctor and health care team to manage your diabetes. Since diabetes is a chronic, lifelong disease it's important to have a qualified provider who keeps current on diabetes care and most importantly has a special interest in taking care of patients with diabetes.

Choosing the right diabetes doctor may be one of the most important decisions you can make for a lifetime of good health. Proper medical care, education, and follow-up will reduce your chances of developing serious complications in the long term.

An endocrinologist has the most training in the care of diabetes, but the supply of endocrinologists is limited, especially in more rural areas, so you may need to find an internal medicine doctor or primary care provider with a special interest in managing patients with diabetes.

Tips for diabetes doctor shopping:

  • Check credentials.
  • Avoid picking a doctor at random.
  • Ask friends, family members, or another provider for a referral.
  • Look for a doctor who emphasizes education.
  • Look for a diabetes health care team: physician, certified diabetes nurse educator, registered dietitian, eye doctor, foot doctor, and other specialists; such as, kidney, nerve, and mental health providers.
  • Check out how many patients the physician sees in a day. A doctor who limits his practice will have time to listen to you.
  • Do a trial run (make an appoint just to chat with the doctor about your diabetes management program). If it doesn't seem like the right fit, don't go back.

In a recent "Consumer Reports" survey, people who found their physicians through someone they trusted had the most favorable experiences with doctor shopping.

Agencies to check with:

  • American Diabetes Association (ADA) provider list
  • American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE)
  • National Institutes of Health
  • Local or state ADA

Remember, it's your choice. You need to be personally satisfied and work with people who are providing the best care for you and your needs. This may become a long term relationship, so find a diabetes doctor you trust and feel comfortable with. If things don't work out to your satisfaction, divorcing your provider is always an option.

Comments?

Have a great week,

Nancy

3 comments posted

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July 24, 2009

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