Confused by doctor options to choose, including Keith McCormick

I would do that too. I just made my appointment about a week ago and got the appointment I for May 15. So, you will have to wait, but you'll get it before July. Look up Dr. Keith McCormick and look at his website and find the list of all the labs he will order if you need them. Most Medical MD's will not do this. Why? I have no idea. They just don't know. My doc told me that my magnesium is fine. It's not. You have to get a "red blood cell" test to determine. Not a regular blood test that the medical doc will give you. It's very frustrating and sometimes I just feel like crying because you have to beg for information. You have to be your best advocate. That is for sure. Start with Dr. McCormick.

I would start with endocrinology at Mayo. McCormick has been an add-on for me for many years (before he was in such demand). But you need a good doctor to manage your care (and prescribe). Many doctors are actually knowledgeable and welcome discussions. Hope you find one.

@dna41 - I have consulted with McCormick and at the beginning I choose him because though the initial visit is actually 350, it seemed to be cheaper than going to a Functional Dr in my area , all things considered , and none would give me there expertise in dealing with osteoporosis. Mind you I had already by that time seen an Endo that recommended Forteo , but I wanted to explore all options and understand before taking meds. The other thing I’ll tell you is in California there’s a highly Integrative physician , Dr. Kim Millman. And beyond that you could join Margie Bissinger’s , Happy Bones Club. Or tune into her podcasts , they are Osteo related. Check that out. People meet 4x a month for a variety of lectures from experts, Q&A etc. In fact McCormick will be one of the speakers this month. Be aware he does provide scripts for the blood testing to most states , but definately not those from NY and NJ. Good luck …. See you’ve already gained way more information than you thought possible staying at home!!!

And I’ll add , when I went for my second Endo appt and had already learned quite a bit I point blank asked that I hoped she would work with Dr. McCormick if need be . I subsequently asked for certain blood tests and she did them. Drugs can be and should be part of the tx plan if indicated , but know you should , or at least it’s better to be doing all the other things as well. Exercise , good diet, supplements as needed, etc . Good luck !!!

McCormick can write scripts but in my experience they are not covered by insurance. He suggests getting a PCP to order blood tests. One of my endos asked me if McCormick was a physician and when I said no, chiro, was pretty dismissive. I understand MD's reacting like that relating to medications but I am sure my docs would welcome McCormick on more integrative approaches.

This is for the State of Pennsylvania:

"As for DCs, their scope of practice primarily focuses on chiropractic care and manipulation of the musculoskeletal system. While they may have limited lab ordering rights related to their area of expertise, the extent of their authority to order laboratory tests may be more restricted compared to medical doctors."

This sounds right. Neither can a chiropractor prescribe any medicines. In other words, anything involved in medical diagnosis or treatments, a medical doctor is the one you’d want to go with and that’s what your insurance will process.

My take is, if you can understand his book “great bones”, that’s great. If not, then maybe in a face to face meeting he could explain a lot more to you in a layman’s language. What’s more, in case your endo is more narrow minded with regards to therapy, there might be of value to listen to some of his opinion. At the same time, there are many bone specialists out there from whom you could get a comprehensive medical evaluation and opinions.

"Great Bones" and various videos online can really educate us. We need good doctors who are knowledgeable and flexible, who give us information and choices. There are many good doctors out there. People are limited geographically and with insurance concerns, but to the best of our abilities, we need to find a physician(s) who meet(s) our needs.

Hi dna41,
I too am getting off of Prolia this month.
I received very thorough comments from formics and gently. You can view these discussions in this Osteoporosis group.
I hope all things go well for you.
All the best.

Thank you for your info and suggestions. I will research this week.