Need endocrinologist in Phoenix area who specializes in osteoporosis.

Posted by ibarrow @ibarrow, Aug 27 9:10pm

I need a recommendation for an endocrinologist in the Phoenix area who specializes in osteoporosis and bone health. I would like this doctor to advise on whether to take Evenity or Forteo now, considering that I may have spinal fusion surgery in the next year. I hope this doctor will also order bone turnover marker tests and a QCT before surgery. I would also like them to coordinate my medication with the spine surgeon I select. Thank you in advance for any recommendations! The Mayo Clinic in Phoenix is not taking any new osteoporosis patients.

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dunksmom1207 | @dunksmom1207 | Sep 1 11:02am

@ibarrow
I live in Flagstaff and feel your pain. It's hard to find a Dr that will order these tests for sure; they are rarely covered by insurance. In Flag there is ONE Endocrinologist, but at least he has excellent patient reviews.
You have a big ask and rightfully so - I sometimes wonder if there exists a Dr who has the GAS (GiveAShit)
to spend the necessary time and effort rather than cookie cutter care. You may have to do a ton of research
to find what you're looking for, that's what it took for me. Thankfully, you have a ton more options in Phoenix.
Best of Luck and please let us know how it goes. I am so very grateful for this 'blog', it fills in what Dr's leave out.
BIG HIG !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

njx58 | @njx58 | Sep 1 1:25pm

I did a little searching. Maybe this place?
https://thecoreinstitute.com/specialties/bone-health-center/

dunksmom1207 | @dunksmom1207 | Sep 2 10:03am

In reply to @njx58 "I did a little searching. Maybe this place? https://thecoreinstitute.com/specialties/bone-health-center/" + (show)

@njx58 There's one Flag as well . . . they have one part time Osteoporosis 'specialist'. I always ask whichever dr I see if they would suggest the same course of treatment for their mother/wife/sister. It looks like this location is better staffed. YAY !

bluebonnet242 | @bluebonnet242 | Sep 2 4:53pm

I am also in Arizona, Scottsdale area. My current endo is with Mayo so that is out as you mentioned they are not accepting new patients. She does not use bone markers to treat. I think it is very difficult to find an endo specializing in osteoporosis and have been searching. My current doctor has said she will transfer my treatment to my PCP after I have been on alendronate for a year and all is well. I’m hoping she will reconsider:)

I would prefer an endo but have not found one that sounds good. My PCP recommended The Honor Health Bone Clinic. The doctors are rheumatologists so I’m not sure if you would be interested. The two there that seem to focus more on osteoporosis are Dr. Alan Mallace and Dr. Nancy Sein. I have not seen either one yet but made an appointment with Dr. Mallace. The soonest I could get in is February. https://www.honorhealth.com/medical-services/rheumatology/osteoporosis

Feel free to private message me if you want more information.

ibarrow | @ibarrow | Sep 4 6:44pm

In reply to @njx58 "I did a little searching. Maybe this place? https://thecoreinstitute.com/specialties/bone-health-center/" + (show)

@njx58 Thank you so much for your efforts to assist me. The Core Institute has a rheumatologist, Dr. Kelley Krohn. He has good reviews on Health Grades, and the bone health page of their website says they do DEXA scans and blood tests. I will call next week to try to find out if the blood tests they use actually include bone turnover marker tests. Thanks again!

ibarrow | @ibarrow | Sep 4 7:23pm

In reply to @dunksmom1207 "@ibarrow I live in Flagstaff and feel your pain. It's hard to find a Dr that..." + (show)

@dunksmom1207. I live in Flagstaff, too! Thanks for your thoughts, and especially the big hug!! I am currently seeing a PA at Arizona Arthritis and Rheumatology, which has offices statewide. There is one rheumatologist who does not see patients and instead supervises several PAs who specialize in either osteoporosis or arthritis. All of the work to obtain pre-approval for medications is done at an office in Phoenix and is very slow. I asked my PA if he would order bone turnover marker tests for me, but he said they don't use them. He also had no knowledge of how these medications should be coordinated with surgery. Nice guy, but not that helpful. I love living in Flagstaff, but some of the medical care is subpar.

dunksmom1207 | @dunksmom1207 | Sep 5 10:14am

@ibarrow That's the place where I was referred to. That place is always packed, huh ? (Dr. Hu, I presume?) His office was 100% instrumental in getting me Tymlos since my insurance doesn't cover it. I go to Bone & Joint for procedures, ie: ablations in my spine. Also, FYI Bone & Joint is going to again offer Osteoporosis treatment/guidance - Laurel Combs will be the new person to see. They are presently installing their own MRI equipment - YAY !!! NAR and FMC cannot seem to retain good people, I've lost 2 PCP's since January. I'm considering an appointment with Dr. Mortensen soon - the only Endocrinologist for miles around :-(. I am SO relieved to learn that it's not just me regarding local healthcare options !!!! BIG HUG !!!!!!!!!!!!!! ~Laurie

ibarrow | @ibarrow | Sep 5 11:45am

In reply to @dunksmom1207 "@ibarrow That's the place where I was referred to. That place is always packed, huh ?..." + (show)

@dunksmom1207
Laurie,
Thank you for this additional info. I have more questions and would love to talk with you by phone if you are open to that. I am new to this site and couldn’t figure out how to send you a private message. If you know how to do that, and are up for a call, please send me a private message with your phone number. If not, I will ask more questions here if you prefer. Thanks again, and hugs tight back at you!
Irene