Berkeley Parents Network: Endocrinologists

Berkeley Parents Network

Endocrinologists

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Health & Medical > Endocrinologists

I've just been informed that I have lumps on my thyroid, and my primary care physician wants to refer me to Dr. Grace Eng (an endocrinologist) to have the lumps checked out. I'm wondering if anyone from BPN has any experience with Dr. Eng. I noticed in doing some online research that she recently was at Washington University in St. Louis, which means she may have recently graduated. This means she'll have the most up-to-date information, right? Here's hoping that it's not cancer!
worried BPN mom

While I do not have any experience with Dr. Eng, I agree that having a young endo may be a very good thing as far as being up to date on current treatments. There also are some great websites that you may already have found. Hopefully, you do not have cancer, but, if you do, I am a thyroid cancer survivor and would be happy to share my experiences with you should you need that. Good luck! ann

I saw Dr. Eng recently. I guess she's probably ok if you're a textbook case, but she freely admitted that when treating hypothyroidism, she goes only by your TSH, and ignores your T3, T4, and how you feel. She is concerned only with increasing your life expectancy (though she was unable to tell me how being under- or overmedicated might affect your life expectancy). Hypothyroid and underwhelmed

I am switching doctors my self because i do not like the weight and water gain from levoxyl. i have been trying to eat right and exercise. still nothing. the new doctor will be stephen langer- look him up in the white pages. he does all of the test. uses natural thyroid hornones and supplements . i heard he is the best on the about,com thyroid list. another place to look for doctors in your area. He also helps you with the diet. i dont think his office takes any insurance plans but to me it is important to feel better and lose some weight. annette

Jan 2006

I was diagnosed as hypothyroid many years ago, and have been on thyroid replacement (Synthroid) ever since, but lately I have been having issues that I think could be thyroid related. I always come out high on the blood tests, and my GP wants to cut my Synthroid dose even more (it has already been cut some). I don't have an endocrinologist, but I clearly need a good one who will listen to me and not just look at the test results.

I read the recommendations in the archive, and everyone seems to think Dr. Nathan Becker is the best thyroid endocrinologist, but I was shocked to discover that he charges $600 for an initial visit, $300 for followup visits, and doesn't take any insurance. I guess I've been spoiled by HealthNet, which has paid for all my medical care.

What I am trying to decide is whether it's worth shelling out the big bucks for Dr. Becker (if he really could fix me, I think it would be worth it), or whether to try to find a good endocrinologist who takes HealthNet. Does anyone have recommendations? Feeling hypo

I've been going to Dr. Ian McDougall at Stanford for nearly 10 years. (Even though I've moved to the East Bay, I still make the drive.) He is kind, thorough, and I think really good. The number for the clinic is 650-723-6883. Stanford Hospital's website: http://www.stanfordhospital.com/forPatients/financial/healthPlans SUH says they accept Health Net.

I am also hypothyroid, and was lucky enough to be referred to Dr. Douglas Zlock, in Walnut Creek. I have never met a kinder, more patient and open-minded doctor in my life. He is extremely knowledgeable, thoughtful and interested in all those little symptoms other doctors seem to think are hypochondriacal. He is also willing to try alternatives to Synthroid. I highly recommend him. Joni in Walnut Creek

I'm not sure if he takes health net, but I highly recommend Dr. Clinton Young in San Francisco. I had Graves Disease and an overactive thyroid. He treated my condition and monitors my thyroid levels and Synthroid use. His office is adjacent to California Pacific Medical Center. I live in Oakland but make the trip to see him. His phone number is 415-923-3101. Good Luck anon

Hi. I feel your pain. However, after trying what felt like a zillion endocrinologists, I've been seeing Dr. Becker for ten or more years. Yes, he's expensive. But he knows his stuff and is definitely worth it. I was virtually untreatable until I went to him. We've struggled a lot, but he keeps trying until he gets it right. He does not rely solely on test results, but on the patient's reported symptoms. Sometimes the tests just don't tell enough of the picture. Good luck, and if you have questions, feel free to contact me off list. Laurel

March 2005

I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good endocrinologist. I have been having symptoms of thyroid (infertility,irregular periods, weight gain, panic attacks, shortness of breath, cold) and cannot find a doctor to take the symptoms seriously. I hesitate going to an endo who also will not take the time to listen to me. I feel like I am going crazy and these symptoms are in my head. My GP sends me to the OBGYN, who send me to an infert. specialist, who wants me to go back to my GP! Help

I strongly recommend Dr. Nathan Becker, in San Francisco. He's really hard to get an appointment with, but the wait is definitely worth it. He's fantastic. Good-ish bedside manner, but excellent listener and even better clinically. Ruth

I highly recommend Nathan Becker, MD for endocrinology. Several people on this list recommended him to me a while ago, and he has been a lifesaver in diagnosing and treating my somewhat complicated thyroid condition. He is extremely knowledgeable (has something like 20-30 years of experience), and I was impressed by how much he understood about the inter- connectedness of lots of different issues with my health history and thyroid. He is located in San Francisco at 350 Parnassus, and his phone is 415-681-7707. His only downside is that he doesn't take insurance, so you'll have to fight that battle yourself.

I am seeing Dr. Norman Rosen in Walnut Creek for a thyroid problem. I actually look forward to seeing him for my check ups because he seems like an old style physician. He really listens and takes time to explain why he does things. He clearly lays out next steps. I have a feeling he is winding down his practice, but if you are concerned that you are not being taken seriously, he is the person I would go see. roz

Dr. Paul Fitzgerald at UCSF is a wonderful endocrinologist. I went through three other endocrinologists before I found him and although he does not take any insurance (private patients only) and won't do a lot of hand holding, he is incredibly knowledgeable, patient and kind. He isn't the kind of doctor that just looks at blood work - he actually talks to you AND listens. You can find out more about the philosophy of his care and credentials at www.fitzgeraldmd.com anon

Dec 2004

I'm looking for an excellent endocrinologist in the bay area (preferably SF or the east bay, but I'm willing to travel). I've been taking thyroid replacement for hypothyroid and hormone replacement (estrogen and progesterone) for 15 years, after surviving cancer treatment. My regular GP has followed my treatment, but in the past year my thyroid med has been adjusted several times and I still don't feel right. I would like to find a specialist who not only looks at blood test results, but understands how nutrition and other lifestyle factors impact hormonal and thyroid balances, and can work with me to regulate my med levels and minimize any long-term negative side effects. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, rachel

I have been going to Dr. Nathan Becker in San Francisco for years. He is really amazing and knows his stuff and definitely looks at food and environment as well. The downsides: (1) he does not accept insurance (except Medical/Medicare, I think)so everything is out-of-pocket and you then get reimbursed by insurance (2) unless you luck out, he's booked very far in advance. I remember waiting six months for my first appointment. That said, I would not go to another endocrinologist. He's really the best. Ruth

I've been seeing Dr. Nathan Becker (350 Parnassus in SF) for many years. I have an extremely difficult to treat thyroid. I've seen other endocrinologists, and he's the only one who seems to be aware of all of the options. In addition, he pays more attention to symptoms than blood test results. If my symptoms suggest going one way and my tests suggest going the other way, he'll consult with me and we'll usually treat my symptoms. His office is next door to UCSF Med Center. His phone number is (415) 681-7707. Good luck!! Laurel

August 2004

Can anyone recommend an excellent endocrynologist or internal medicine doctor for a possible thyroid problem? I'm also wondering if it matters whether you go to an endocrynologist or an internal medicine doctor if one has hypothyroid problem. The last recommendations for thyroid doctors on the network were from 2000 and I'm wondering if anyone has had any recent recommendations. Looking for an excellent, proactive, and experienced doctor in the area. Thanks a lot! fatigued mom

i highly recommend dr. rachelle halpern!! she's in lafayette: 925.283.0177. i've been hypothyroid for about 20 years, used to see someone else at ucsf who would tell me that i have children so of course i was tired. dr. halpern does more extensive bloodwork, changed my prescriptions, and i have felt better for years now. good luck! peggy

My regular doctor referred me to Dr. Randall Ammon (endocrinologist) specifically for thyriod problems. I have only seen him once, but he seemed very knowledgeable. He is in Orinda at 1 Country Club Plaza, 925-254-3805. Burr

I have seen Dr. Linfoot in San Ramon first because of proximity from my work, but I was unhappy with him and his assistant. He didn't seem to have a lot of time to share with his patients and his assistant didn't appear to have a lot of experience to make independent judgement. I am currently seeing a doctor (Dr. Masharani) at the UCSF endocrinology group and I am very happy with him. For routine T4 check-up during my pregnancy, we talked on the phone to adjust the dosage so that I don't have to drive to San Francisco every 4 weeks. JH

June 2004

I am seeking a specialist in the area of endocrinology and/or nuclear medicine to handle my post-thyroid cancer treatment (thyroidectomy and RAI) followup. Due to circumstances beyond her control, my previous doctor, who had administered my RAI treatment, was forced to close her practice suddenly, and I am feeling up the creek without a paddle at this point, as my first ''clean'' scan is coming up soon, and my internist has been of little help in recommending a replacement. Specifically, I need someone affiliated with Alta Bates who who is a dedicated specialist in the area of thyroid cancer--and who can monitor my TSH levels and handle my upcoming scan in August.

Ideally, this physician would also be open to the possibility of administering Thyrogen before my scan as an alternative to the traditional approach to having to go ''hypothyroid'' several weeks before the scan, which is very uncomfortable, to say the least, especially as a full-time mother of a very active two- year-old boy.

I have heard about John Linfoot at Summit, but that is about the only lead I have to go on, and I'm not sure if he is even a thyroid cancer specialist. And apparently, the nuclear med dept. at Alta Bates in Berkeley does not have a thyroid cancer specialist either. If anyone can recommend a doctor in this area of specialty, including provide specific info on Linfoot, please let me know. Thank you. Tricia

I have been a patient of Dr Linfoot for 8 years, though I don't have thyroid cancer, he is monitoring me for it. This is, perhaps, not helpful, but he is board certified in nuclear medicine and endocrinology. In the least, he is thorough and patient and seems to really keep up w/ what is current in the world of glands. MG

January 2003

Having recently found that I need to have a thryroid nodule removed to be biopsied, I am looking for recommendations for excellent endocrine surgeons. Through a referral from my primary care physician, I'm working with Dr. Steven Stanton, so would also appreciate any feedback on him as well. Thanks. esther

Steven Stanton is a general surgeon. He removed a small cyst on the small of my back in July 2000. I initially found him dismissive, but at the recommendation of my doctor's front office (East Bay Family Practice--Marge), I gave him another chance. I'm glad I did. He did a great job and was very receptive to my questions (just rubbed me the wrong way the first time). But if you want an endocrine surgeon specifically, he may not be the surgeon for you. (shrug) Maybe there are no ''endocrine'' surgeons...? Anyway, I had a good experience with him. Jennie

January 2003

Re: Endocrinologists at Kaiser

I am not a Kaiser member, so I cannot recommend an endochrinologist there; however, I had a thyroid scan (through Healthnet, Hills Physicians) last fall and it was done by a radiologist, who provided the report to my Primary Care Doctor. She, in turn, referred me on for a sonogram. So, you may not need an endo immediately. There is a website for thyroid cancer survivors which includes doctor recommendations. You might try checking there. I believe the website is www.thyca.org. Good luck! Ann

2000

My mother has just been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. She lives in a small town and I'd love her to see a top notch doctor for a second opinion and for consultation about treatment. Does anyone know of a good endocrinologist who specializes in thyroid conditions?

I was diagnosed with a hyperthyroid condition shortly after the birth of my second child five years ago. Over this duration of time, I have been under the care of Dr. Randall Ammon, who has been excellent in treating and monitoring my hyperthryoid. He is an excellent endocrinologist, well respected among colleagues. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Ammon. His office is in Orinda (phone 1-925-254-3805). Liz

I have had a long-standing thyroid problem which, although not hyperthyroidism, was VERY difficult to treat. I saw virtually every Bay Area endocrinologist, most of whom were quite unable to deal with my particular issue. However, then I found Nathan Becker, in SF, across from UCSF at 350 Parnassus (415-681-7707). He knows everything there is to know about thyroid disorders (and diabetes and other endocrinological things, I suspect). He's expensive, and doesn't take insurance, but if you really want to know what's going on, he's your guy. If she goes in for a visit, ask her to tell him I sent her. Good luck!

I also have been a patient of Dr. Randy Ammon, and have found him quite good -- much better than the doc I started with. 925/254-7450 Susan

I would also recommend Nathan Becker. He is considered one of the best thyroid specialists in Northern California. And although he does not take insurance, his office will provide you with all the necessary receipts and paperwork to help you get reimbursed by your insurance company after-the-fact. Marilou

I highly recommend D. Ammon of Orinda. He is very responsible and dedicated. Also, when I had an appointment, I have never had to wait for. I cannot say enough good things about him... Daniela

Pediatric Endocrinologists

Dec 2002

My 6 year old daughter might have some hormonal disorders. I need to take her to a pediatric endocrinologist. I have read the various responses regarding Dr. John Linfoot and most refer to Dr. John Linfoot Sr. Does anyone have any information about Dr. John Linfoot Jr. in Oakland or Dr. Robert Lustig at UCSF? If so, please let me know what your experience is or was. Thank you so very much. A worried mother.

Dr. David Estritch (Estrich?) is an excellent endocrinologist in Oakland, don't know if he takes pediatric patients. It would be worth your while finding out. Good luck Ciao

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