Why It’s So Hard to See an Endocrinologist—and What to Expect When You Finally Do
If you’ve ever tried to schedule an endocrinology appointment, you know the drill: long hold times, referral hurdles, and months-long waitlists. In fact, the average wait to see an endocrinologist in the U.S. is 3 to 6 months—and in some areas, it’s even longer.
But once you finally get in the door, what should you expect?
What Happens at Your First Endocrinologist Visit
Your first visit should feel comprehensive, thoughtful, and collaborative. An endocrinologist is trained to look at the full picture—not just a lab value or diagnosis. A quality visit should include:
A deep dive into your symptoms, timeline, and medical history
A discussion of your goals, not just diagnoses
A “day in the life” snapshot—what you eat, how you sleep, how you move, how you cope with stress
Physical exam and labs (blood and sometimes urine) to help get to the root of your hormonal concerns
A clear, compassionate interpretation of those test results
This type of visit can be life-changing—especially for women dealing with complex, misunderstood hormonal issues like PCOS, diabetes, perimenopause, thyroid conditions, or adrenal dysfunction.
But here’s the problem: Most people don’t experience this level of care.
Why You Might Feel Rushed, Unheard, or Dismissed
In the traditional insurance-based system, endocrinologists are expected to see too many patients in too little time. They often don’t control how long they can spend with you, how often they can follow up, or how many staff members they have to help.
Even the most compassionate doctors burn out under these constraints. As a result, patients often feel like a number, not a person. They leave appointments with more questions than answers.
This is one of the reasons I left traditional employment. As an endocrinologist, I believe you are the most important person in the room—and you deserve time, clarity, and respect.
Why Are There So Few Endocrinologists?
The reality is, endocrinology is one of the lowest-paid specialties in medicine—despite requiring the same amount of training as fields like cardiology or orthopedic surgery. Why?
Because our system pays more for procedures than prevention.
Endocrinologists don’t do surgeries—we prevent heart attacks, fractures, kidney failure, and amputations. But the system doesn’t reward that kind of care.
The result? A national shortage of endocrinologists. In fact, 85% of people living with diabetes will never see a diabetes specialist aka endocrinologist, even though it can significantly improve outcomes.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve waited months to see a specialist, only to be rushed through the visit—it’s not your fault. The system is broken. But there is another way.
In our direct specialty care model, we skip insurance and focus on you. We offer longer visits, faster access, and real conversations. It’s the care you were always supposed to receive.
Want to experience endocrinology done differently?
📅 Book a consultation today.
