A good specialist visit is a two-way conversation, and the fastest way to raise the quality of your care is to arrive with questions. Not because your doctor won't volunteer information — a good one will — but because your questions steer the visit toward what you actually need to know.
Here's the list we wish every patient brought. A doctor who welcomes these questions is a keeper; a doctor who's bothered by them just told you something important.
About your diagnosis
What exactly is my diagnosis, in plain words? How confident are we — and what else could explain my symptoms? Which of my lab values are you watching, and what do you want them to be? Is anything about my case unusual?
About your treatment
What are all of my options, including doing nothing for now? Why this medication over the alternatives — and what are the honest trade-offs? What should improve, and by when? What would make you change the plan? If cost is a concern, is there an equally good cheaper option?
About life between visits
What symptoms should make me call you before my next appointment? How do I reach your team with a quick question — and how fast do you respond? When will I be rechecked, and will results be explained to me or just filed? Can routine follow-ups be done by televisit?
Why patients choose Ohio Endocrinology
We're not generalists. Hormones and metabolism are all we do — and it shows in how visits feel.
Specialists, not generalists
Led by Dr. Vikram Kumar, MD, FACE — practicing endocrinology since 1993, Division Chief of Endocrinology at Fairview Hospital (Cleveland Clinic) and Chief of Medicine at University Hospital Elyria.
Answers at the visit
A1C tested in-house with results while you're in the room, plans adjusted the same day, and everything explained in plain language — no phone tag.
Care that fits your life
Two offices — Elyria and Westlake — plus secure televisits anywhere in Ohio. Request an appointment online and we'll call you within one business day.
Common questions
Is it rude to ask a doctor to explain their reasoning?
Should I write down the answers?
What if I run out of time before my questions are answered?
What should I bring to make the visit productive?
What our patients say
Real feedback from patients across Northern Ohio.
My experience with the office was a great one. There was no wait for my appointment and the physician assistant was very thorough and friendly. They are awesome and I love that I can do televisits anytime!
Dr. Kumar and his PA, Nam, are an awesome team! Together the two of them got my blood sugars on track!
They saved my life as far as I’m concerned. By adjusting my medication and explaining everything, I feel better than I have in years about my diabetes.
Related care
Ready to talk it through?
Send us your details and we'll call you within one business day — or call the office now.
This page offers general health information and isn't a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For guidance about your own health, please schedule a visit. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.