Considering a local TRT doctor

[smokedsalmon]

I've been a satisfied patient of Dr Saya for a year now, and the man is nothing short of incredibly knowledgable in his field.

However, I've experienced a lot of ups and downs in this journey (as have many), and having decided to take a more active role in treating my pituitary tumor this year, it's made me wonder if it would be worth seeing someone local who is more readily available. Dr Michael Rotman has had some rave reviews here, and seems to be on the same page as Dr Saya, plus my insurance covers him. I feel more regular visits/tests would be beneficial to me, and this would permit it to happen. They've even got an in-office phlebotomist.

I look forward to my consults with Dr Saya, as I always learn something new. Plus, should I ever leave NYC, the telemedicine aspect of Defy would be really nice. On the flip side, when I've been in a bind and needed someone to talk to in short notice, I haven't had the same amazing experience with the Defy PAs. They're by no means bad, but they're so far from being Dr Saya.

What do you guys think?

 

[slicktop]

Are you under the impression a local doc would be any more readily available, appointment wise, than Dr. Saya is? I've had same day "mini consults" with Ben, my PA at Defy, on more than one occasion, without being charged. A friend of mine who just started his TRT journey two or three months ago has had the same experience. I think you're setting yourself up for disappointment if you expect any successful doctor to be readily available at the drop of a hat. Whether you're talking about a doctor, an electrician, or a house painter, if they're good, they're busy.

 

[smokedsalmon]

Are you under the impression a local doc would be any more readily available, appointment wise, than Dr. Saya is? I've had same day "mini consults" with Ben, my PA at Defy, on more than one occasion, without being charged. A friend of mine who just started his TRT journey two or three months ago has had the same experience. I think you're setting yourself up for disappointment if you expect any successful doctor to be readily available at the drop of a hat. Whether you're talking about a doctor, an electrician, or a house painter, if they're good, they're busy.

I am - just on Zocdoc (online booking for a ton of docs in NY/NJ), there are plenty of slots for Dr Rotman a few days out.

By more available, I mean more like I can see him monthly or so until things get better sorted. Admittedly part of the difficulty there with Defy is the cost. And I know good doctors do cost money!

I don't mean this at all in an elitist way, but healthcare in NYC is on another level as far as speed. I've had several doctors give me a referral and say "just go down 2 floors and see if they can see you now." Hell, if I go to NYU for bloodwork, it's available online within hours.

 

[Vtail]

I am - just on Zocdoc (online booking for a ton of docs in NY/NJ), there are plenty of slots for Dr Rotman a few days out.

Like anything else in life, its a trade-off. My experience with a local TRT doc, and the reason I left and chose Telemedicine, is while the local doctor may be great, their practice is usually focused on something else (urology, etc). So you may show up for an appointment with the doctor after driving an hour in traffic only to be greeted by a PA who just wants to review blood levels and doesn't have any answers to any of your questions. I decided my time was too valuable for that type of BS, especially at the beginning of TRT when I had nothing but questions. Telemedicine for me works very well with a busy schedule, and I'm willing to pay out-of-pocket for the convenience.

 

[slicktop]

If nothing else, if you have a local doc that's covered under your insurance that gives you good service, that's a great reason to move that direction all by itself.

 

[Charliebizz]

I’m on Long Island was going to see rotman myself. But telemedicine is just so much more convenient. Im An operating engineer so I can work long hours and can’t get time off for appointments easily. Sure I pay more out of pocket. But I don’t lose time from work.
You also have to remember rotman is a urologist so I don’t know how far into hrt he can actually go. Defy treats all the hormones if needed.