Navigating the Referral Process for Endocrine Surgery: What You Need to Know

At Arizona Endocrine Surgery, we specialize in the surgical treatment of conditions affecting the body’s hormone-producing glands. While many patients come to us through referrals from their endocrinologist or primary care provider, it’s important to understand why This article will help you to better understand the Arizona Endocrine Surgery referral process.

What Conditions Does an Endocrine Surgeon Treat?

Dr. Harding focuses on surgical solutions for disorders of the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands, and certain endocrine tumors.

Common conditions we evaluate and treat include:

• Thyroid nodules, goiters, or thyroid cancer requiring partial or total thyroidectomy

• Parathyroid gland disorders, such as primary hyperparathyroidism, often leading to surgery

• Adrenal tumors, including those producing excess hormones or suspicious for malignancy

• Neuroendocrine tumors or endocrine metastases affecting the neck or abdomen

• Complex cases requiring reoperative endocrine surgery or second opinions

These conditions may be discovered through blood work, imaging, biopsies, or longstanding symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, bone loss, or high calcium levels.

Why a Referral Doesn’t Automatically Mean a Surgical Appointment

Even if you’ve been referred to us by your provider, not every endocrine condition requires surgery. Endocrinologists are experts in diagnosis and medical management, and they often refer patients for surgical evaluation when imaging or lab results suggest that surgery might be necessary.

However, before scheduling a consultation:

Our team must first review your medical records, test results, and imaging reports.

This helps us determine:

• Whether surgery is appropriate—or if additional tests or treatment may be needed first

• Which surgeon is best matched to your case

• How urgent the situation is and what documentation is still pending

  
  

What Happens After Your Records Are Reviewed?

Once we’ve reviewed your information, our office will:

• Contact you to confirm if a surgical consultation is appropriate

• Let you know if we need more records from your other providers

• Provide next steps for scheduling, including any preparation you may need before your visit

This process ensures your time is respected, and that when you come in, we’re fully equipped to provide personalized, expert care.

Request an appointment at Arizona Endocrine Surgery today