Mon - Fri 9AM - 4PM

1-561-600-2408

1-561-600-2414

info@endocrinologywellness.com

550 SE 6th Ave. #200, Delray Beach, FL 33483

Top

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some conditions I may need to see an Endocrinologist about?

You may benefit from a consultation with an endocrinologist if you are struggling with diabetes, thyroid disease, thyroid cancer, osteoporosis, low testosterone, polycystic ovarian syndrome, obesity, or other conditions that could result from hormonal imbalances.

After I start seeing an endocrinologist, will I stop seeing my Primary Care Physician?

An endocrinologist works together with your PCP.  An endocrinologist understanding of hormonal diseases assures you’ll have access to the newest, most innovative treatment for your specific condition.

Will Dr. Rodríguez still care for me and my diabetes or thyroid if I get pregnant?

Being a diabetes patient and a mom herself, Dr. Rodríguez is committed to providing special attention to all her patients (with diabetes or thyroid disease) who decide to have a baby.

Most women with diabetes and thyroid disease can have a safe pregnancy and delivery if they have tight blood sugar control and treatment before becoming pregnant. An endocrinologist, as part of your pregnancy medical team, is the specialist best suited to help you keep tight control of your condition to ensure the health of your baby and yours too.

Can Dr. Rodríguez see patients under the age of 18?

Unfortunately, no.

However, if you’re close to turning 18 and have a endocrine condition currently being treated by a pediatric endocrinologist, Dr. Rodríguez can certainly work with you, your parents and your current pediatric endocrinologist to develop a transition plan to ensure your continuity of care.

What is Direct Specialty Care?

Direct Care is a model of medical practice that prioritizes the patient by removing the insurance company “middleman” from the doctor-patient interaction. Direct Care involves direct payment by the patient to the doctor for services rendered. This model of care allows decisions to be made in the best interest of the patient rather than the best interest of the insurance company. This results in shorter wait times for appointments, more face-to-face time with your doctor, and much better access and health care overall.

Why does Dr. Vanessa Rodriguez offer Direct Specialty Care?

Dr. Rodríguez chose to become a Direct Care Endocrinologist to prioritize quality, individualized care. Unlike the traditional health insurance billing model, which demands more patients and less time with each, she aims to provide personalized attention by avoiding these constraints.

Is a Direct Care practice the same as a Concierge practice?
Not exactly. In Direct Care, the patient pays the doctor directly for medical services. In contrast to a Concierge practice, we do not bill insurance companies, not even Medicare.  Additionally, our Direct Care membership includes many procedures like thyroid ultrasounds, and discounts on medications, labs, and radiology exams making Direct Care a more cost-effective and comprehensive option.  We also offer non-membership fee-for-service options.
Can I pay for my visits over time?

Certainly, you have two convenient payment options for your annual membership:

  1. Monthly Payment Plan: You can opt for a monthly payment plan for your membership.
  2. Annual Pre-Payment: If you choose to pre-pay for the entire year, you’ll only need to cover 11 months, giving you savings equivalent to one month’s fee for your annual membership.

Moreover, if any of your family members wish to become patients of Dr. Rodríguez, they will receive a 25% discount on either the monthly payment plan or the pre-paid annual membership. Feel free to contact us if you’re interested in this option.

No matter how you choose to pay for your membership, rest assured you will have the same benefits and access to Dr. Rodríguez.

Do you take insurance?

We do not accept or bill any insurance plans. We will see anyone regardless of insurance coverage or lack thereof.

As a patient of The Endocrinology Wellness Institute, will I still need health insurance?

We strongly advise our patients to maintain continuous health insurance coverage, especially to safeguard against unexpected and serious medical situations that may necessitate hospitalization or surgery. Additionally, it’s essential for our patients to regularly schedule follow-up appointments with their primary care provider.

Will I be able to use my insurance for medications, labs, imaging, and other tests?

Yes, absolutely. Even with health insurance, we will always try to get you a better deal, sometimes as self-pay.

Can I try to get reimbursed by my commercial insurance for fees paid at my visit?

The possibility of reimbursement depends on your commercial insurance plan and its policies. We recommend contacting your insurance company beforehand to check eligibility and reimbursement requirements for your visit. Please note that we cannot guarantee any reimbursement of fees paid to The Endocrinology Wellness Institute by your insurance.

If I am on Medicare, can I still receive care at The Endocrinology Wellness Institute?

Yes. But please be aware that you cannot request reimbursement from Medicare for any fees paid to Dr. Rodríguez. A private contract stating these terms must be signed by you and the doctor and will be kept in your chart as required by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Do I need an annual membership to become a patient of Dr. Rodríguez?

If you don’t have diabetes and only require occasional visits with Dr. Rodriguez, our fee-for-service options might be more suitable. These appointments are still thorough and unhurried, ensuring you can address any questions you may have.

For direct access to Dr. Rodríguez in urgent situations, coordination with your primary care physician (PCP), discounts on common generic medications, and numerous other benefits, our Membership is the ideal choice. Click here for a comprehensive list of membership perks.

Which hospitals does Dr. Rodríguez have privileges?

Dr. Rodríguez has hospital privileges at:

  • Bethesda Hospital East
  • Bethesda Hospital West
  • Delray Medical Center
Does Dr. Rodríguez provide hospital medical consults when a patient is hospitalized?

Exclusive to our practice members is the advantage of endocrinology hospital consultations with Dr. Rodríguez.

Should a member require hospitalization at any of the hospitals where Dr. Rodríguez is affiliated, she can personally oversee and manage all aspects of their endocrine condition. In the event you are admitted to a different hospital, Dr. Rodríguez will collaborate with your admitting physician to ensure your endocrinology care is coordinated seamlessly.

Where do I call or go if I have an emergency?

If you have a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1.

Please head to the nearest medical facility. If feasible, choose one of the hospitals where Dr. Rodríguez is already affiliated:

  • Bethesda Hospital East
  • Bethesda Hospital West
  • Delray Medical Center

Please contact our office to inform us of your situation.

Please note, only Members have the benefit of endocrinology hospital consults with Dr. Rodriguez.