How my healthcare experience has differed from New York to Michigan

Last June, my partner and I moved from New York City to Michigan. I was very involved with the healthcare system in New York, for better or worse. I was diagnosed with Cushing’s disease in 2020, and even though my main doctor is in Los Angeles, I still had multiple team members in New York. I was nervous about changing part of my medical team when I moved, but it’s been a relatively smooth transition.

There have been some similarities, but the differences are glaring. The following are my observations:

PCPs

My primary care providers (PCPs) in both states have been similar. My PCP was my favorite doctor in New York. She worked with other team members, listened to my needs, offered virtual and in-person appointments, and advocated for me. My current PCP does the same and is thorough and easy to reach.

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Other doctors

The biggest difference I’ve noticed so far is the way doctors listen to me. In New York, I’d mention my Cushing’s disease diagnosis, and many providers wanted me to prove it. They’d request proof, ask me to stop my medications to undergo testing at their facility, and sometimes even question my symptoms.

But here in Michigan, when I’ve told doctors I have Cushing’s disease, they accept it and consider the diagnosis when treating me. It’s been surprising; usually, I’m on the defensive and prepared to prove myself. Luckily, I haven’t had to do that here.

I’ve also noticed a difference in how providers approach Cushing’s disease that is cyclic, as mine is. (This basically means that my pituitary tumors release excessive amounts of hormones occasionally instead of constantly.) In New York, many doctors dismissed my diagnosis because it was cyclic. But here in Michigan, my providers validated my diagnosis and said they test for cyclic Cushing’s in the same way that my endocrinologist does. It was a relief and a breath of fresh air.

MRIs

Every six months, I have to get a 3T MRI to check on the status of my pituitary tumors. In New York, things were often missed, and my new scans weren’t always compared with my previous ones. But in Michigan, my MRI scans were compared with past imaging, I received a much longer report, and both of my tumors were caught right away.

There have also been differences in how MRIs with contrast are performed. In New York, technicians would often enter the room, slowly administer the contrast, then return to their station to capture images. Here in Michigan, technicians capture images while a machine administers the contrast, allowing for more thorough imaging.

Labcorp

I do much of my testing through Labcorp, and it’s been harder in Michigan. In New York, there were dozens of Labcorp offices open at different times with unlimited supplies. Here, I’ve had to call ahead to ensure the necessary supplies are in stock, and the office is closed on weekends. This means I have to find time during the week to go in for blood work and to drop off saliva and urine tests, which can be challenging.

Overall, there were more conveniences in New York, but the care I’ve received in Michigan has been more extensive. I didn’t expect my experiences to be so different, but I’m glad I’m here and appreciate the care I’m getting.

You can also follow my journey on TikTok and YouTube.

Note: Cushing’s Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cushing’s Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Cushing’s.