Looking for doctor recommendation in NJ or Philadelphia

If you have insurance, do they have a site you can look up doctors in your area? Is your doctor unwilling because they do not think it is necessary? Are you currently under active care?

Yes, I can look up doctors through my insurance, but I wouldn't be able to know if they would do the testing until I see them, so I'm first trying to find out if someone knows of a doctor who uses these tests. I like my current doctor, but he doesn't think that testing for CTX and P1NP is necessary. After reading posts on this site and Keith McCormick's book, I think these tests can be useful in knowing whether the treatment is having an effect, before my next Dexa which can be done only after two years. It seems like a waste of time and money to continue with treatment for two years if it's not working, so I'm hoping to find out if there's a doctor who would order the tests.

There is a thread here about self-paying for the tests if you are willing and feel that they are that important to have.

My doctor was happy to order the tests. I even gave him the list that Dr. McCormick sent me. But, I don't think you'll be able to just go to a new doctor out of the blue simply to ask for tests unless you're a patient. My prior doctor simply said "I don't order lab tests from another physician." I dropped him right after that. It's a blood test, what's the big deal? Of course, his knowledge of osteoporosis was "take Fosamax and we'll check again in two years." McCormick said "yeah, that's not a good plan." 🙂

Another approach which I've used is to see an endocrinologist to manage my osteoporosis. I still consult with McCormick, but my endocrinologist orders the basic tests as a matter of course, and he can also order medications and DEXA scans. I'm on Tymlos, so he does tests every so often to see if it's working and if other levels look good. If there's an additional test I think I need, he's happy to add it to the list. For example, I had him add a vitamin D test (I was low.)

Great that you found a doctor who was happy to order the tests for you - I'll try to find an endocrinologist too! If the one you found is in NJ, please let me know their name.

Ryan Sahni, Hazlet NJ

Thank you so much!

I am also looking for an endocrinologist in ST Louis MO that is willing to let me try, diet, exercises, and supplements until next DEXA scan before starting medication.

Why do you need an endocrinologist to "let" you do that? Taking meds is *your* decision. Even your PCP can order a DEXA scan if needed.

Your insurance company has coaches to guide you. Maybe call them and ask. Or try the big hospitals in Philly - Penn or Jefferson