Endocrinology

Glands are organs in the body that make hormones, substances that help control the body's activities. Hormones control reproduction, metabolism, growth and development, and they help provide the proper amounts of energy and nutrition the body needs to function. Glands that make up the endocrine system include the thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, adrenal, pituitary and hypothalamus and the testes and ovaries.

Endocrinologists are specially trained physicians who have advanced training in treating disorders associated with the endocrine system. Endocrinologists diagnose and treat hormone imbalances and disorders by helping to restore the normal balance. Sometimes, endocrinologists treat complex conditions that involve numerous body systems.

The endocrinology team at Lutheran Health Physicians treats a variety of endocrine disorders, but the most commonly treated condition is diabetes (type 1, type 2 and gestational).

Other conditions treated include:

Cancers of the endocrine glands
Cholesterol disorders
Growth disorders
Hormone production disorders
Hypertension
Metabolic disorders
Osteoporosis
Thyroid diseases

Shared Medical Appointments: Endocrinology

If you're an established diabetes patient, this alternative approach to traditional one-on-one office appointments may be right for you!

Similar to a support group, shared medical appointments are group visits that combine one-on-one time with a clinician with group interaction. Upon arrival, patients have their vitals checked and then join five other patients for an education session led by a certified diabetes educator. After the education session, a nurse practitioner conducts the office portion of the appointment with each patient while still in the group setting - so patients can learn from each other's interaction with the nurse practitioner.

Patient criteria: established type 1 and 2 patients; no new or second-visit patients
Number of patients: no more than six per session
Length of appointment: 90 minutes
Cost: Billed as regular office visit

Shared appointments include:

Vitals signs check and weigh-in
Discussions about medical conditions, medications, treatment options and test results
Prescription changes and/or refills, as needed
Test and procedure orders, as needed

Benefits of shared appointments include: