One of the important ways thyroid patients get and stay well is to be empowered. Empowered thyroid patients know how and when to fight health insurance companies that deny tests, treatments and drugs. They know how to save money on prescription drugs and medications. Savvy thyroid patients can effectively communicate with and deal with doctors -- including difficult or arrogant doctors. They know how and when to get a second opinion, and understand when it's time for a new doctor, or a consultation with an endocrinologist, thyroid specialist or thyroidologist. Here are a number of resources to help you be empowered.
How Thyroid Patients Can Save Money on Prescription Drugs
Thyroid patients can save money on prescription drugs, and save on the high costs of medications, with use of generic drugs, prescription assistance programs, and discount drug cards.
Do You Need an Endocrinologist?
As a thyroid patient, in what situations do you need an endocrinologist? When is a thyroid specialist essential to good thyroid care?Thyroid Patients: When It's Time for a Second Opinion
Many people with thyroid disease are diagnosed and treated by primary care doctors, general practitioners and internists. But when more complicated thyroid situations develop – such as suspicious thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, an enlarged thyroid known as goiter, or Graves' disease – or thyroid surgery is recommended, a second opinion may be important. Here are considerations regarding when and how to get a second opinion, and whether to consult a thyroid specialist or endocrinologist / thyroidologist.
When Your Doctor Isn't Listening: What's a Thyroid Patient to Do?
How thyroid patients can improve communications with physicians and practitioners, achieve better doctor-patient communications, and deal with difficult doctors.Why Some Doctors Are Threatened By Knowledgeable Thyroid Patients
10 Signs That You Need a New Thyroid Doctor
The decision to find a new doctor is actually more difficult than most of us might think. The relationship with a doctor is an intensely personal one, and it's not easy to find the right match – particularly when we're limited by geography, HMOs and insurance. Remember – in a doctor-patient relationship, YOU are the client, and the doctor is providing a service. And if that service is not meeting your needs, the best thing you can do for your health is to find the right doctor who will meet your needs. But how do you know when it's finally time for a new thyroid doctor? Here are some 10 signs.Thyroid Patients Share Stories: How Do You Know When It's Time for a New Doctor
Why Every Thyroid Patient Doesn’t Need an Endocrinologist
Many people think that the best doctor to treat any thyroid condition is an endocrinologist. Endocrinologists are specialists who take advanced training in the endocrine system -- including, supposedly, thyroid disease. Most endocrinologists, however, specialize primarily in diabetes treatment. In practice, few endocrinologists spend much time studying or focusing specifically on thyroid diagnosis and treatment. The truth? Many thyroid patients do not need an endocrinologist, and for most thyroid patients, an endocrinologist or thyroidologist should probably NOT be your thyroid doctor. Find out why.When Thyroid Patients Need to Fight Health Insurance Companies
How to Be An Empowered Thyroid Patient
Do you arrive at an appointment with your doctor armed with notes, printouts and information to discuss with the doctor? If so, you may be an empowered thyroid patient - and as you've probably already discovered, not every doctor appreciates this approach to health care.
