endocrinologist at a low-cost clinic? (St. Louis, St. Clair: health insurance, income, live)

[DonathanCr]

I know this is a long shot, but I figured it can't hurt to ask.

I lost my job last month and my insurance went with it. I have an endocrine disorder that needs to be monitored by an endocrinologist. I live on the IL side of St. Louis and have called a few different places including the Southern IL Healthcare Foundation, United Way, the Health Departments of St. Clair Co. IL and St. Louis, and a few local endocrinologists to ask questions. None of them know of any endocrinologists employed by organizations who serve the uninsured.

Two family physicians have told me they aren't comfortable treating me alone, and referred me to endocrinologists, but both endocrinologists wouldn't see me because I can't pay them, which is understandable.

I've had a couple times when I've thought about going to the ER but I have managed to hold out. It's difficult to search for a job when my endocrine system is starting to fail (this is part of the reason I am awake at 2am!), so I'm getting a bit frustrated as to where I should look. Every place I call refers me somewhere else, and that place in turns says "I'm so sorry, we can't help you."

I'm not eligible for Medicaid because I am a single man and I have roommates who earn too much money (they go by total household income).

[STLCityMike]

I am not sure if they have a specialist such as an endocrinologist, and I am not sure if residency is an issue. I understand there is a free clinic named Grace Hill in the Soulard area of the city (near Gravois and I-55). There may be other such clinics as well.

[jas131]

Call the Barnes Jewish Hospital physician referral line 1-800-TOP-DOCS. They have clinics with all types of specialists including endocrinologists that accept patients without insurance. To start I would ask to be connected to the medicine clinic. There are also social workers available to provide you with resources. I'm in the healthcare field and work with uninsured/medicaid patients and I'm not sure that you've been given the correct information regarding medicaid eligibility.

[rad1182]

You might want to give the Wohl Clinic at the Wash U/Barnes medical campus a shot. If memory serves, they specialize on individuals who may not have health insurance. I believe the number is 314-362-5060, I could be wrong though (just did a quick Google search).

[DonathanCr]

Thanks to all three of you. I'll call these places tomorrow.