ABOUT THE THYROID TOP DOCTORS DIRECTORY

The following listing includes recommended doctors and practitioners for your thyroid care.

Please note that being listed here in the Thyroid Top Doctors Directory doesn't necessarily mean a doctor is the right one for you. The doctor may be an empathetic and warm physician, but not open to working with drugs like Armour or T3 drugs. Or the doctor may be quite costly and not on insurance programs. Always call the doctor's office ahead of time to find out more about the doctor's philosophy, approach, costs, and other important factors before going in for your first appointment.

Please let us know if you have feedback about doctors listed here, or would like to recommend your doctor.

Carson City

Lee Van Epps, M.D., Internal Medicine/Primary care, 2874 N. Carson Street, Suite 200, Carson City, NV 89706, 775-883-9003, A reader writes: "Recognizes that different thyroid medicines help different people, and is willing to try Cytomel or Armour Thyroid if Synthroid isn't working. Is understanding, and not threatened by informed patients." (Added Apr 06)

Henderson

Heather Kravitz-Coates, M. D. Internal Medicine 2825 Siena Heights Drive Henderson NV 702-617-1227. A reader writes: "She is young and up on all of the current medical information. She knows her stuff and she listens to you and your concerns. She's great!!!" (Added 4/03)

Henderson

Farid L. Farid, Internal medicine, 880 Seven Hill Dr., NV 89052, 702-914-6050. A reader writes: "Accepting new patients. Dr. Farid previously practiced in rural Nevada. I first started seeing him there. I have recently followed him to Henderson and see him there although it is a 4 hour (one way) trip for me. He was the first doctor to ever recommend a combination of T3/T4 to me. He treats my thyroid based on a combination of labs and symptoms. I had another doctor who is closer in distance to me not want to change my dose because I was still within the "normal range" at 4.8. Dr Farid will always take the time to listen to you and is excellent about explaining what he recommends and why. I highly recommend him, not just as someone to manage your thyroid condition, but also as a general physician as well." (Added 6/05)

Another recommendation for Dr. Farid:
"Listens and explains very well. Very patient." (Added 10/05)

Henderson

Dr. Reid Litchfield, Hypothyroid, Hyperthyroid, 2415 Horizon Ridge Suite #100, Henderson Nevada, 702-434-8400. "He is absolutely the best Endo in the area!! Really hard to get into at first, but well worth the wait. He listens to your concerns better than any Dr. I have ever been to. He has a P.A. named Kevin that is great also. Their office runs like a well oiled machine and EVERYONE there actually seems to CARE about their patients." (Added 6/05)

A reader writes:
"He is a very good Dr. took a medical history personally and truly listens to the patients, looks at labs as well as symptoms before treating you. He is the top Dr. to see in Las Vegas for Endo." (Added Apr 06)

Henderson

Craig M. Jorgenson MD, Internal Medicine, 9975 S. Eastern ave #110, Henderson, Nevada 89123, 702-361-2273. A reader writes: "My TSH was normal and my T4 was in normal low range, but my antibodies were positive and I had a mild goiter...I went to six doctors that wanted me to take the sit and watch approach. I felt like crap during this time. I am a nurse and met Jorgenson at work and spoke to him about my situation. He was very knowledgeable and started me on synthroid. He is in the pool of thinkers that will treat when there are symptoms and a positive antibody count. He takes his time and is very good. If you need medicine, he is the man to see. You can call and make an appointment or just walk in. The practice is an Urgent Care facility." (Added 1/06)

Las Vegas

Carol Barlow, Allergy/holistic, 2225 E Flamingo Rd, 3280 N Rainbow Blvd -89108, Las Vegas, NV 89119, 702-731-3117. "Listens to you & your concerns!" (Added 6/02).

A reader writes:
"She never watches the clock when treating you, most definitely a "last ditch doctor" when all else has failed. Her knowledge is second to none. Only drawback is she constantly runs behind no matter what time your appt is and not by just a few minutes, be prepared to wait an hour or so on a consistent basis, although she gives you just as much time, very friendly and willing to share many of her own experiences." (Added Apr 06)

Las Vegas

A reader writes: "The Doctor's name is Louis Kaplan, DO he is located at 6420 W. Spring Mountain Rd. #15, Las Vegas, Nevada Phone is 702-889-9293. He has limited hours as he just went through two hip replacements and has many health problems of his own. He has the kindest heart. Many times tears would come to his eyes as he said how he wished such a young thing as me wouldn't have to suffer so. He swore to fix me and he did. I believe it is the inspiration of healing by the doctor that has such a profound effect, even more so than the medicines. He is one of a kind!"

Las Vegas

Dr. Terry Pfau, Homeopathic Medicine, 2810 West Charleston Blvd. A-6, Las Vegas, NV 89102-1921, 702-258-7860, http://www.iwholehealth.com/DrPfau.htm A reader writes: "Dr. Pfau spends a lot of time with you and will ultimately base treatment on your symptoms, not your test results. He mixes eastern and western medical philosophies and prescribes Armour when he feels it’s the best choice." (Added 10/05)

Reno

Robert S. Fredericks, M.D., Endocrinology/Bone/Hormones, 850 Mill Street Reno, Nevada / 1830 Sierra Gardens Drive, Roseville, CA 95661, 916-772-1681/916-772-1683/. http://www.hormonesonline.com. (Editor's Note: As of June, 2002, patients have written that Dr. Fredericks is not accepting new patients. Please call ahead to check on the current status.) "I have been his patient from 1982 to 1990 then moved 2 1/2 hours away to California when I got married. I was completely mismanaged for 10 years by my new doctors in my new location and finally decided that I've had enough! I was so out of whack with my symptoms and my "new" doctor refused to acknowledge anything else but my TSH and his goal was to get me OFF Synthroid! Feeling fat , ugly, depressed, and fatigued I decided that driving 2 1/2 hours to a REAL doctor was worth it and back to Dr. Fredericks I went! It is taking monthly visits to undo the 10 years of mismanagement but I'm finally feeling better each time I go for a "tune up"! He's the most intelligent doctor I know and I know alot of docs - I'm an ICU nurse-. He's up on the latest info he takes time with his patients and he always asks how I FEEL in DETAIL. If I ever have to move further away I'd even FLY in to Reno to see Dr Fredericks! When I was there last week there was a diabetic man who traveled 200 miles just to see Dr Fredericks. He is definitely a specialist in endocrinology!"

Another reader writes:
"He is thorough, honest and very kind besides being extremely well informed. He's the best game in Reno.

Another reader writes:
"I started with Dr. Fredericks in 1982 when I was first diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I felt great with his treatment. I moved away, and for 10 years I was mismanaged and all my symptoms came back. I was tired of being fat and depressed, so I now make a 100-mile trip to see Dr. Fredericks. It's worth the long drive - I feel wonderful again and am back to my normal weight! Who needs Zoloft??? He's intelligent beyond belief and is still very "human" - a really GOOD person."

From Dr. Fredericks:
"Dr. Fredericks has studied bone metabolism, and disorders such as osteoporosis. He specializes in treating the patient as a unique individual. He has a specific work-up for hormonal, metabolic, and bone disorders. He is experienced, listens well, and is admired by colleagues. He continues to do research to find new ways of treating menopause, menstrual disorders, bone metabolism problems, and thyroid dysfunction."

Reno

Dr. James B. Atcheson, Endocrinologist, Internal Medicine, 75 Pringle Way/In Washoe Medical Center Professional Building - Reno, NV 775-333-8000. A reader writes: "Dr Atcheson has never failed me. He is kind, knowledgeable, caring, and he always listens, never judging. He has always asked me how i feel BEFORE he looks at my lab results. His peers are quick to comment that "if Dr Atcheson is your doctor, you're going to the best"...and they're right. I wouldn't trade him for the world. His office personnel are outstanding too!"

Reno

R. Christi Bonds, M.D. M.A. Diplomate of American Board of Family Practice. Woman's Health -- Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture and Allergy, 1101 W. Moana Lane. Ste.10, Reno -- NV 89509 A reader writes: "Dr. Bonds is the most caring physician I have ever met. She listens and is willing to try different treatments. She's well informed about the latest medical news and never dismisses my ideas or suggestions. She allows me to be involved. I'm feeling so much better just because she took me seriously unlike other Drs. I've visited. She is a TOP DOC!"

Why is a Particular Doctor No Longer Listed?

Doctors who were previously listed here are removed for a number of reasons.

1. The doctor has requested that his/her listings be removed because: he/she does not agree with this site’s philosophy or patient-orientation; the practice is too busy and can’t accept new patients; the doctor does not feel comfortable handling complicated thyroid problems; the doctor did not agree with what was said in the patient recommendations; or the doctor said “take me off the list” and offered no explanation.
2. The doctor has moved, retired, or died.
3. The doctor has lost his/her license, or given up his/her license, and is no longer practicing medicine.
4. Patients have provided negative input about the doctor that is of sufficient concern that, in the opinion of the editor, the doctor should no longer be on the Top Thyroid Doctors List.

Thyroid Top Doctors would face legal concerns if we published specific information about why patients had negative opinions about doctors, or if we shared a doctor’s occasional ranting ”take me off” email, or if we publicized doctors with licensing problems. So please, if you see that a doctor has been taken off the list and want to know why, talk to the doctor directly. If you write to us to ask why a doctor was taken off the list, we’re sorry, but we won’t be able to answer you or share that information.

LATEST UPDATE:

IMPORTANT NOTE: Mary Shomon, the patients who have recommended these physicians and practitioners, or physicians and practitioners who have recommended/listed themselves make no guarantees or warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or validity of the information provided here. Mary Shomon, patients writing in to recommend their doctors, and the doctors/practitioners themselves assume no responsibility for any services provided by listed physicians or practitioners. It is your responsibility to investigate any physician with whom you plan to have a consultation, and you consult with physicians listed here expressly at your own risk.

Copyright © 2006, Mary J. Shomon. PO Box 565, Kensington, MD 20895. All rights reserved.