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Our Story---ECG—A Letter from our Medical Director Dear Friends, As is the case with many physicians, I went into the field of medicine because of a desire to help people better their lives. After losing my grandmother to complications of diabetes, I focused on the field of Endocrinology with a main goal of improving patients’ education and empowering them to take control in order to alter the course of their diseases. I started my clinic practice with these high hopes but soon became disappointed and frustrated by the mechanics of daily clinical practice. No matter how efficient my clinic staff and I tried to be, there were inevitable delays and long patient waiting-times. I found myself running from room to room all day, apologizing for not only being late, but then not being able to spend enough time with my patients. Fifteen minutes per patient is hardly enough! I felt particularly bad for my patients who had taken time off from work, had traveled long distances or were elderly and needed great assistance to get to the clinic. There must be a better way, I thought. And so, for several patients, we spaced their appointments out by many months and we asked that they e-mail, fax or call me with their blood sugars at varying intervals. Some needed close attention, so they emailed me their daily blood sugars. Others sent them on a weekly or bi-monthly basis. I responded quickly, made changes to their regimen, and on we went. We found that patients were more satisfied and their blood sugar control improved quickly. As long as they had lab work done on time, and I or their primary doctor examined them regularly for complications, there was no need for them to make a frustrating trip to my office every few weeks. As an additional plus, our relationships improved because I had time to speak with them by telephone. Hence the idea for the Endocrine Care Group was born. It may seem strange not seeing your physician every time, and this is certainly not appropriate for some disease conditions. But for diabetes, and some other endocrine conditions, you do not need to be examined every time you make medication adjustments, or even for some second opinions. You do need to have a primary doctor who examines you on a regular basis, and this is why we stress the need for us to communicate with your physician. We are pleased to be your consultants, your diabetes coaches, and your assistants on this road. We are here to help. Sincerely, Anita Ramsetty, M.D. |