Endocrinologists
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Endocrinologists
March 2008
I'm looking for a great endocrinologist that can help me figure out my symptoms.
Has anyone used: Stephen Langer in Berkeley, Nathan Backer in SF or Quan-Yang Duh
in SF. (non of them accept my insurance). Or can you highly recommend another one?
I've seen Dr. Randall Ammon in the past, but didn't like him.
Thanks.
anon
I highly recommend Dr. Umesh Masharani at UCSF. UCSF takes most
insurance. He is the top in the country, a great clinician, and is very
nice. You do have to get past his front office staff.
http://www.diabetes.ucsf.edu/EN/faculty/umesh_masharani,_m.d./
anon
May 2007
My husband has low testosterone (hypogonadism) and has been
treated with injectable testosterone for over one year. We
recently moved to the Bay Area and need to find a good
endocrinologist with experience in this area. Ideally, we are
looking for a doctor who is both familiar with testesterone
therapy and compassionate to the problems that arise with low
testosterone (impotence, depression, anxiety, etc.) when the
condition is mismanaged. I'd appreciate suggestions from both
wives and husbands. An endocrinologist in the Berkeley area
would be ideal, but we will definately travel for a good
reccomendation. anon
I can recommend Dr. Grace Eng in Oakland (Summit Medical Center). She is a
wonderful woman and has given me great care with my health. I am not sure
if she would be a good fit in your husband's case, but I am very
comfortable with her. She came recommended to me as well. Good luck!
Anon
Nov 2007
I'm looking for someone to help me rule out/get tested for
thyroid and hormone levels. I'm a 38 year old woman and I've
had PPD and a parent who had thyroid problems. I've heard that
both Dr. Langer and Dr Becker are great. I'm curious about
their different approaches, Dr. Langer seems more into
alternative , but is also an MD, and Dr. Becker is an
endocrinologist. Both have written books on Thyroid.
I'm curious to hear from folks who've seen one or both. I have
an upcoming apt w/ dr. langer and he'd be my 1st choice bc I
live in the east bay. I'm looking for someone who has a full
understanding of women's hormones from PMS thru perimenopause.
Also, is there anyone else I should be checking out?
Thanks
anon
I highly recommend Dr. Becker. He saved my life. After seeing an
alternative endocrinologist for many years I went to Dr. Becker,
and he was a godsend. Though he is a traditional MD as well as a
researcher he knows a lot about alternative modalities, and diet.
He's very personable,and caring. He's mindful of the complexities
of the individual.
emmy
Oct 2007
Does anyone have any expereince with the following Endocrinologists who take
Blue Cross?
Dr. Grace Eng, Dr. Elaine Wong, Dr. Randall Ammon, Dr. Peter Linfoot
I have been working with Dr. John Linfoot (Peter Linfoot's father) for the
last year to address Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis and a pituitary
tumor. I think he is adequate, but not great, and I have had several problems
dealing with the office...endless phone tag, difficult to get an appointment,
very long waits, and so forth, so I'd like to consider changing docs. Any
information would be helpful. Thanks!
Deb
HI,
I have gone to Dr. Peter Linfoot, and he was ok, but not great. Now I go
to Dr. Grace Eng, and she is so much better. Dr. Eng is very thorough and
professionsal. I'm so glad I switched!
Deirdre
I saw Dr. Randy Ammon when my GP discovered a somewhat rare endocrine
imbalance last year. He and his office were very professional and always
punctual. I have since heard that he is VERY good. Not much for the
bedside manner and not much dialog about my care but ultimately, he said I
needed surgery, recommended a great surgeon and 1 yr later, everything is
hunky dorey. He is very competent and will manage your care very well.
Feel free to email me if you want more info.
sk
March 2007
I've been through the archives and am hoping for some more recommendations for a fantastic
and thorough endocrinologist or internal med doc for my mysterious thyroid issues. I've seen
two of the docs already recommended (Fitzgerald and Ammon) -- but am really hoping to find
someone fabulous that is in the East Bay (Berk/Oak/Albany/Emery/ElCer) AND takes
insurance(Blue Shield). I have an enlarged thyroid that fluctuates between normal and
hyperthyroid -- and has done so since I was in college (about ten years now). My
signs/symptoms seem to be increasing as of late -- and it's time for me to tackle this issue
head on -- hopefully with a knowledgable and concerned doc. I am willing to see a General
Practitioner/Family Practice doc with experience -- and am even open to seeing a mid-level
practitioner who has dealt with this before. Any and all recommendations welcome! Thanks!
Timebomb Thyroid
Dr Nathan Becker
415/681-7707
He may not be taking new patients, but his son-in-law is in his
office and is also wonderful. Dr Becker is located in San
Francisco but he is the best in the area. His office does not
take insurance, but my insurance (Blue Cross PPO) reimburses me
for 70 - 80% of the visits/tests. I could go on and on. If you
want to discuss it with me, feel free to email me. He's the
reason, I ever got pregnant.
Good luck.
Cindy
March 2006
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
May 2005
Can anyone recommend a good endocrinologist/diabetologist for
Type 1 diabetes? I'm Type 1, on an insulin pump, and am still
searching for a good endo in the area who has a good bedside
manner as well as thorough experience with Type 1's and insulin
pumping. My opthomologist recommended Dr. John Linfoot and Dr.
David Estrich, but he says that they're both in their 70's and
may not practice for very many more years. I don't want to find
someone I like and then have them retire on me. Anyone know
anything about them or anyone else? Thanks. Pam
pam
I am also a pumping type I diabetic (for the past 5 years). i
see Dr. Joseph Prendergast in redwood city. it's a pain to
drive, but they do good work and are also very handy by phone and
email once you have relationship available.
i have seen dr. joe barrera, who left for LA, and Dr. Randall
Ammon, but he was not so personable as i was looking for. i know
some people who go to the UCSF diabetes center, also.
feel free to contact me if you have questions.
joshua
Dr. Ammon in Orinda is very respected. He's also a very quiet
fellow, and some people find that a challenge. Dr. Kamrath, in
Walnut Creek, is the best endocrinologist I've seen in decades,
and I think he's worth the schlep out to WC. He has the kind of
straightforward manner some people might call a bit brusque, but
he's really just being direct and clear, and again, he's the
best. I saw Lisa Snow in Linfoot's office and don't recommend
her. Great manner, but my internist and I were both alarmed by
her advice, which was outdated (I was telling her about
treatements and options). We also thought she was not aggressive
enough for how far my numbers had slipped at the time. After
that I saw Kamrath and have been more than happy with him.
Also Diabetic
I'm with Kaiser and I like my endo - Pamela Kershner, MD. Outside of
Kaiser there are not a lot of choices, but you could try Randall Ammon,
MD. I saw him once and liked him. I'm not sure if he's taking any new
patients. There are more choices in Marin. I have a pump too.
Melanie
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
Oct 2004
I am in my 30s and have had Type 1 Diabetes for quite awhile. I
currently see Dr. Randall Ammon, who is very good, but I can't
stand his office staff and thought about looking around at other
doctors. Does anyone have any recommendations for good
endocrinologists in the east bay (non-Kaiser please)? I looked
in the archive but only saw postings for special conditions.
Thanks
East Bay Diabetic
i am also a long term type 1 diabetic in my 30's. i used to see
dr. ammon, but switched to dr. joseph prendergast in redwood city
(it's not east bay, but just over the san mateo bridge). it's a
long way to go, but i've been really happy with his care and he
and his staff can do a lot over the phone and with email. you
can reach them at 650.368-1411.
joshua
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
Sept 2003
Hello,
My partner was just diagnosed with Diabetes, type 2. We already
started an intensive diet that is very good and has had much
success with Diabetic patients. However, we are now looking for
a local specialist (covered by our insurance Pacificare) that can
help her manage this problem. Her sugar level is not very high
but she has many of the symptoms of Diabetes. Any input from
someone having had experience would be very helpful. Thank you.
A Concerned Partner
I am type 1 diabetic and I see Dr. Randall Ammon in Orinda. As
far as I know, he is the ONLY local diabetes specialist in the
area. Not much of a bedside manner but he is knowledgable. If you
hear of any others, I'd be interested in hearing about them....
am
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
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