Confused by doctor options to choose, including Keith McCormick
I’m still learning and navigating my Osteoporosis diagnosis and trying to get my healthcare providers lined up. I’m 51.
I have a PCP who I will only be using as a “sick doctor” going forward. She is aware of my diagnosis and is not up to date on care or treatment.
I have a neuro-kinetic therapist who I work with (recovering from a back injury) who is extremely knowledgeable in osteoporosis exercise. So I will continue to work with her for strength building.
I have a gyn who is not knowledgeable about osteoporosis and referred me to a local endocrinologist.
Those are all of my current health care providers.
Here’s where I’m getting confused….
I really am drawn to Keith McCormick. I prefer functional medicine but like that he also is incredibly knowledgeable about meds and doesn’t hesitate to use them when needed. I have no problems with video appointments.
I have a consultation with the Mayo Clinic in July - the endocrinology team.
They will review my case and decide if they will provide a treatment plan for my local docs or if they will accept me as a patient. So that’s up in the air.
There is a local functional doctor, who specializes in healthy aging and osteoporosis that I am considering.
The endocrinologist that my gyn referred me to doesn’t have an opening until August.
My questions….
Do people use Keith McCormick to completely manage osteo? Or do you also have a local endocrinologist and they work together? Furthermore, when McCormick orders labs, is that done at a local lab or through my regular doc? Thinking costs…..and insurance (I have Cigna - too young for Medicare) for all of those lab tests.
Does anyone have a functional doctor that manages osteoporosis in collaboration with Keith McCormick?
Does anyone see a dietician? I eat a whole foods plant based diet, so am realizing that I am deficient in quite a bit of protein and calcium according to “Strong Bones” teachings. Both of the functional med doctors have nutritionists on board that could help with that.
I’m so overwhelmed just choosing providers! What do you suggest?
Cost does matter - it isn’t the driving factor at this point (understanding and knowledge is the highest priority now).
As of now - I’m flying solo until the end of July, when I meet with Mayo. Wish I had some solid medical guidance before then, but so far have not been able to get earlier new patient appts.
What are most people doing - especially those who have seen or talked to Keith McCormick for a consult or care?
The more I read, the more confused I get. I have time to make decisions, but half a year will have passed before I actually see someone, let alone make any decisions about care. Need to get my ducks in a row.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.
I don’t know if this post will help you, I hope so. My endocrinologist handles my healthcare when it comes to bone loss. She orders the required lab work and Dexa scans. It’s important you have faith in your endocrinologist. Mine initially started me on Evenity and after three treatments and a conversation with the drug manufacturer she switched me off of Evenity and over to Reclast because of some of the side effects, it was determined that Evenity was not a good match for me. The Reclast seems to be going well and I like the convenience of once a year. I agree with some of the other folks comments; the most important thing while you wait for your appointment is to take care that you don’t fracture any bones. Plus if you do see an endocrinologist make sure they know your complete health history so the best course of treatment can be recommended.
I have an aortic heart valve leak that is being watch, (along with a mitral valve leak that most 77 year old people have that is not concerning). I have read that Evenity is not good for patients with heart problems, but I do not know if this is true. I am still trying to decide between Fosomax or Reclast treatment which I will have in July when my Forteo stops.
I hope your Reclast infusion goes well in June. Will you have it at Ma Gen?
Read about the conflicting reports on cardiovascular risk with Evenity. one trial found no difference between Evenity and placebo, and one found a slight difference with alendronate being slightly better. Read the begining but especially the section on clinical trials- scroll down.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9511529/
Hi tsd1366,
The main question is, Why do you want to get off of this? Side effects? Expense?
How are your test results? Your bone density?
I have had 3 Prolia shots, and have been I'll with chest infections, which complicates my other conditions very adversely.
My G.P. and 2 of my specialists are in agreement to stop the Prolia due to the complications of lowering the immune system. Not a usual problem.
Perhaps you could look up comments by formisc and gently. There are thorough discussions on the How of getting off of Prolia.
All the best to you.
Would you please tell me how you got a consult appointment with the mayo clinic?
I’m driving seven hours.
I googled “how to get an appt with mayo” and completed a screening questionnaire.
New patient appts are not the same as established ones. So, no.
Thank you. I am hoping to do both, even if I think one or the other bombs or goes beautifully. What I do with that, I have no idea!
Thank you for this well written and thorough response. It is really helpful. I feel like every day is crucial and that is adding a lot of unnecessary stress. Finding providers has been incredibly difficult. I really want to find someone in my area (Atlanta or Athens ga) who is an “expert” but thus far am coming up with no one. I want functional medicine, but am shocked at the rates ($660 for initial consultation and $350 thereafter) which insurance doesn’t even acknowledge.