I have hypothyroidism and a hmo, should i have an endocrinologist as my pcp or is an internal medicine doc good enough?

Internist is PCP: An internist (internal medicine) doctor is skilled at managing hypothyroidism and other endocrine disorders including diabetes. An endocrinologist may be necessary for 'complicated cases' such as thyroid cancer, hyper-thyroid, or diabetes out -of -control. The endocrinologist acts as a consultant and prefers to have the internist manage all the primary care. So internist is pcp.

PCP: An endocrinologist typically will focus on your hypothyroidism and any other endocrine concerns. Some specialists may also function as a primary care provider, but that depends on the individual. If you can choose an endocrinologist without a pcp referral, you can ask your specialist if s/he also practices primary care medicine. Best of luck.

PCP: A general internist should be just fine as a pcp. Internists treat a wide variety of conditions including hypothyroidism. Only if the situation requires more specialized treatment, would you need to see an endocrinologist (such as the case sometimes with nodules, cancer, etc). At that point your pcp can refer you to the specialist.