Frequently Asked Questions

A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a type of Health Care Provider (HCP). NP's are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN), with Masters or Doctorate level training in patient care. The first formal NP programs began in the 1960's. Professional entry level point begins with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (4 - 5 + years time), followed by clinical practice time in a hospital or clinic setting (2 - 6 + years typically), followed by a Master's or Doctorate degree in Nursing (3 - 4 years). The total amount of training can be up to 10 - 20 years. NP's are independently licensed and governed by the State Board of Nursing in which they practice. Additionally, they are required to have Board Certification to practice within their specialty area.

Physicians (M.D. or D.O. training programs) begin their professional entry points typically with a Bachelor's degree (2- 4 + years), then enter Medical school training (4 years +), followed by Residency (2 + years). This is around 8 - 10 years of training at minimum. Many physicians pursue additional specialty training in their field of interest called Fellowship (2 - 6+ years). Physicians are licensed and overseen by the American Medical Association (AMA) in the state in which they practice. Physicians do not require or always utilize Board Certifications to practice medicine. Unfortunately, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) predicts there to be a physician shortage in the U.S. to reach nearly 150,000 by the year 2033.

NP's and Physicians are both Health Care Providers. They diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications, and administer Upper-Level Care. NP's and physicians take ethical oaths and are expected to practice at the top of their license providing high quality care to patients. Other types of HCP's include Physician Assistants (PA's) who are licensed and dictated by the AMA, and Pharmacists, licensed and dictated by the State Board of Pharmacy. Nursing Boards and Medical Associations have variable views on healthcare approaches and practices; hence this is reflected in training programs, and care provided respectively. HCP's Scopes of Practice are constantly increasing and evolving in response to global healthcare needs.

A Diabetes Nurse Practitioner is a type of specialty NP who administers advanced healthcare and practices the specialty of Diabetology, a branch of Endocrinology. As the population's needs are shifting, the medical community is constantly changing to react to those needs. Overall, there has been a decline in the availability of physicians due to the high cost of medical schools and lower insurance reimbursement for their services. If you combine this issue with an aging population and high cost of insurance plans, the U.S. has a healthcare crisis on its hands. Specialty NP's (such as Diabetes NP's) are answering the call to this crisis by providing specialty care in rural areas, or highly populated areas with specific needs. Specialty care is often repetitive, so naturally specialists acclimate skill sets that become stronger over time. With increased experience and practice (just like any other profession or trade), you get better and better over time. You can expect a proactive and preventative approach, rather than "sick care" - or treating a problem once it's already happened.

A Diabetes NP provides care directly related to your Diabetes as they have the desire, credentials, prescriptive authority, experience, expertise, and availability to do so. You get early appointments, increased interaction and follow-ups, which means medications and refills that are on time. Diabetes NP's also work closely with Diabetes educators or have training themselves, so they stay aware of the most current and cutting-edge therapy. Prompt, detail-oriented care often equates to getting well sooner, and less complications. Endocrinologists are physicians with a fellowship training of the entire endocrine system, so they don't always focus on ONE specific disease process such as Diabetes. They are like a generalist when it comes to Diabetes care, as their training encompasses a large umbrella of expertise. There is a shortage and decline of Endocrinologists in the U.S. and building the pipeline for future doctors will take time. Because of this, their clinics stay very busy: inundated with patients with multiple endocrine disorders, leaving less time to focus just on Diabetes. In the meantime, Diabetes Nurse Practitioners are answering the call to population health needs by providing specialty care, within the communities that need it the most.

You may benefit from a consultation with a Board-Certified Endocrinologist if you are struggling with something other than Diabetes such as Thyroid/Parathyroid disease, advanced bone disorders, Adrenal, Pituitary, Transgender care, or hormonal issues related to Low Testosterone or Irregular Menstrual Cycles. Luckily, most Endocrinologists and Diabetes NPs in our community collaborate, support one another, and work together for the bigger purpose of getting you healthy.

Direct care is an older model of medicine that prioritizes Patient-centered approaches by removing the “middleman” from the Patient/Provider interaction.

Who is the “middleman”?! It’s your insurance company, whom typically doesn’t have your best interest in mind. Direct care is how medical care was delivered just 50+ short years ago and for hundreds of years prior to that. I recently reminisced with my grandfather as he told me about his private practice in Slidell, Louisiana. He explained that his patients scheduled their visits, came in, paid for their appointments and surgeries, and there were no time limits or pressure to rush out of the room to see “more patients”. There were no surprise bills or crammed schedules. Life was simple, and I believe it still can be. I’m bringing this model back to provide ethical, timely care between myself and my patient. Giving patients direct access typically results in more face-to-face time, a better relationship, and ultimately improved health outcomes. Direct Care saves money as health outcomes are improved and achieved quicker, so less visits are needed after you get well.

Unfortunately, I got sick 2 years ago with Meningitis. It took months to get properly diagnosed, treated, and finally get well. I began my sick journey as any typical patient in the Western medicine system (U.S.) resulting in hours in clinics and hospitals, missed work, lots of medicines with side effects, stigmatization, tears, wasted money, and no end in sight of “getting better”. I was growing sick of being in the hamster wheel of managed care and needed to get out and quick! I was determined to get myself Well - for myself, my family, and for the patients depending on me to take care of them. I quickly realized without Health; you have Nothing. Life and time basically Stop. I eventually ended up paying cash and utilizing direct care, which finally provided me with the education and tools I needed to get well. Thankfully, this is behind me, but it’s part of a beautiful story that brought me here for a larger purpose. I openly share my experience, not for pity, but for reassurance that I’ve been on the other side as a patient. I can empathize with you if you’ve ever felt stuck or felt complete despair within our traditional healthcare system. Please join me as we embark on a milestone in U.S. history and enter an era of global transformative healthcare. We – the nurses and doctors with real-life experience, and expertise, are taking medicine BACK.

No, it’s a set price for each service, paid at time services are rendered. No extra or hidden fees. No unexpected bills or charges. If you have a health savings account (HSA), you may use that towards costs.

Yes! Absolutely. We keep your insurance information on file, with the intention of coverage through outside vendors just like it has always been. We encourage you to use your insurance or Health Savings accounts (HSA) to pay for services such as labs, diagnostics, medications, and supplies through DME or Durable Medical Equipment.

The goal is to see patients within 1 – 2 weeks. No more “waiting for months to see the doctor”. It’s best to get Diabetes addressed promptly, instead of putting your health at risk. Request an appointment online or by calling the office.

Yes. I trust you, and know you need your medications. If you’ve seen me within 6 months to 1 years’ time, please don’t worry about me declining or ever denying your medications. If you want to talk for a few minutes, or clarify anything after our visit, I will ensure you receive correspondence. I firmly believe that human connection is part of effective education and healthcare. Verbal conversations or face-to-face is best – this is how I was raised, so never expect anything less.

No, I do not. Most brand name medications researched are $0 and $25 for even a 90-day supply at your local pharmacy, and they are in stock. Also, many patients qualify to get them for free. These medications go through years of studies, and rigorous clinical trials, and there’s a reason for that: Patient Safety. Here is an excellent educational link by Novo Nordisk that can help you understand how to identify counterfeit medications Report falsified products (novonordisk.com). Compounded medications are made by Pharmacists or Health Care providers locally and regulated at U.S. State government levels; these medications get excluded or have a “free pass” to not undergo any clinical studies due to documented medication shortages. They are also being made in massive production, then imported in from outside countries – most popular being Canada, China, and Mexico. Here is an article by the FDA explaining differences in 503A and 503B compounding pharmacies Compounding Inspections and Oversight Frequently Asked Questions | FDA. I share this information with you to be transparent, and at the heart of nursing is patient education and advocacy.