Frequently Asked Questions
What do those letters after your name mean?
DNP – Doctorate of Nursing Practice. This is a terminal education degree in practice-based nursing, the highest level of training in nursing practice.
AGACNP-BC – Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified. This is an advanced nurse practitioner specially trained to provide a wide range of medical health services to adults over the age of 18. Board certification indicates the passing of a competency-based examination in acute care.
CLS – Clinical Lipid Specialist. This is specialty training in lipidology for advanced management of lipid and associated cardiometabolic disorders.
CDCES – Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) designation. This was formerly known as the Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and is a healthcare provider with extensive knowledge in diabetes management, prediabetes, and diabetes prevention. This certification indicates the passing of a competency-based examination.
Do you take my insurance?
Grand Junction Endocrinology accepts most major insurance.
Some insurance plans will reimburse you for your visit if you submit a receipt to them, but this is completely at the discretion of your insurance company and Grand Junction Endocrinology cannot guarantee you will be reimbursed for any expenses. You will want to contact your insurance company if you intend to use your health insurance to cover our fees. In such cases, you will need to inquire about your out-of-network benefits.
When you call your insurance company be sure to ask the following questions:
- Is pre-certification or preauthorization required? If so, ask for (and write down) the number or code.
- Do you have a deductible you need to meet before your insurance starts to cover payment?
- Is there a maximum number of sessions per calendar year?
How much does a visit cost without insurance?
Depending on the complexity of your appointment and whether you are a new patient or returning, your visit could be anywhere between $150 and $325, excluding the costs of additional procedures. Contact the office with specific questions.
Do you offer telemedicine appointments if I don't live locally?
Telemedicine means you will meet with the provider from your home using audio and/or video software. In most cases, appointments can be conducted through your computer or cell phone! The provider must be licensed to practice in the state you are located in. If you are physically located in Colorado, New Mexico, or Virginia, we can likely see you through telemedicine.
Do you prescribe animal thyroid hormone like Armour Thyroid?
No. These medications are not approved by the FDA and are associated with cardiac and skeletal complications when used in humans. For more information, you can visit the American Thyroid Association and the FDA.
Do you prescribe compounded "bioidentical" hormones?
No. These are not safer or more effective than bioidentical manufactured hormones and they lack FDA oversight, often leading to inconsistencies in dosing, which compromises patient safety. For more information, you can visit the Endocrine Society position statement or the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists clinical consensus statement.
Do I still need my primary care provider (PCP)?
YES. Dr. Jeffrey specializes in endocrinology, which means she does not provide primary care services, including screenings and wellness exams. She works in collaboration with your PCP, who will continue to be your primary provider for all things not related to endocrinology.
I have a CDL and was told I can't take insulin! Is this true?
Not anymore! In 2018, much-needed new legislation was passed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that no longer includes a blanket exclusion against the use of insulin. Those with CDL licenses can continue to drive and are no longer forced to choose between their health and their livelihoods.
For more information about the Final Rule on Diabetes, click here.