Blevins, Thomas C, Md - Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology

I have been going to TD&E for six years now and am extremely pleased with the quality of care I have received. Having been a type 1 diabetic for 20+ years now, I have seen my fair share of endocrinologists, and they all pale in comparison to the care I have received here. more

BEWARE and STAY FAR AWAY. We will pursue further discussions with our Insurance Company and BBB to report what we feel is fraudulent and unprofessional behavior from Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology, in particular Dr. Espinosa. more

Quite literally the worst practice I've ever been to. The doctors and nurses are rude and unprofessional, particularly Dr. Blevins. They are not capable of treating Type 1 diabetics. Their standard of care is low. Though they didn't see me but once nor treat my diabetes, they claimed my health records for an additional incentive payment through my insurance carrier in addition to the office visit reimbursement. Others I've talked to about this practice have similar reviews. They make people feel like failures. Worst of all, they are not compassionate. more

Quite literally the worst practice I've ever been to. The doctors and nurses are rude and unprofessional, particularly Dr. Blevins. They are not capable of treating Type 1 diabetics. Their standard of care is low. Though they didn't see me but once nor treat my diabetes, they claimed my health records for an additional incentive payment through my insurance carrier in addition to the office visit reimbursement. Others I've talked to about this practice have similar reviews. They make people feel like failures. Worst of all, they are not compassionate. more

The range of reviews parallels with the range of care at this facility. If you are fortunate enough to have Dr. Blevins, who is the star physician at this place, good for you. However, I did not have Dr. Blevins and never felt that the quality of care was the level I needed from all the others who quickly read my file and adjusted my medication and sent me on my way. Once I had difficulty parking causing me to be ten minutes late, and I was asked to reschedule. Another time I was asked to reschedule because the nurse had planned her vacation during the time I was scheduled. My doctor quit and I was reassigned to another and was not informed of this. I am trying a different set of doctors. If anyone from the location ever reads this review, my advice is that your entire team needs to decide if patient health is first - and if it is - how can you better communicate that priority through the behaviors of your staff? more

Not cold as in temperature although I wouldn't be surprised if the temperature does drop in the place because of how they treat their patients. My husband who so deemed by them is a brittle diabetic, meaning that he has diabetes critically bad. It's hard to control, etc. He has been a patient of their's for probably 5 years now and sometimes he would miss appointments due to his job or even his illness itself. He would call and cancel or change them sometimes, I readily admit there were times when they got no notice of it. But as a caring and responsible doctor's office I would think some of that would be expected. more

If I could give this a zero I would. DO NOT go here if you can help it- request to be referred to another office. I scheduled my appointment a month in advance and drove from South to North Austin on a Monday morning, only to be told that my appointment had been canceled. While I understand that you have processes to follow, I should have been notified of the cancelation or they should have at least worked to have me seen since I waited for a month. I was referred by my primary physician because of test results and when I spoke to the Practice Manager, she said there are urgent patients that need to be seen not just people with abnormal test results. While I completely want urgent patients seen ahead of me, I want my health to be taken care of and some office manager not telling me that my health is just not important. Avoid this office at all cost as I think the manager hired people with the same careless attitude to work under her. I am not speaking of the doctors because I did not meet with one but I know I would not trust this admin staff to handle my medical records or appointments- EVER more

After moving to the Austin area I needed to become established with an Endocrinologist for my newly found thyroid nodule. I also have diabetes. My PCP recommened I see Dr Espinosa. I had to see a CNS first and was ok with this as I feel that Carol George spent more time with me and help understand the course of action. I will be seeing Dr Espinosa at my next vist. more

I know people usually give reviews only when they have bad things to say about a company. I give this office 4 Stars. I was diagnosed with diabetes by my PCP and when I got in to see Dr. Blevins she told me I was in good hands. My experiences at this office have always been good, from beginning to end that includes the procedures in between. I'm proof that all the hype about this office is true. more

Well now I know why they are handing out patient surveys. Sad that most don't write good reviews because this is a good group of doctors. Long time hypothyroid patient. Yes, I understand the complaints about seeing nurses instead of doctors and insurance hoops to jump through. But I am most impressed with the quality of care.....outstanding. Questions always answered, phone calls always returned and staff always pleasant. No frills office. more

I was new to the Austin area and self referred myself to TDE based on their appearance on the approved list of specialists for my insurance plan. Due to a cancellation, I was able to see a doctor quickly and had a diagnosis within a relatively short period of time. Dr. Emerson recommended doctors for surgery with which I followed up and within a short time I had a particularly large tumor removed. I go to the Mo Pac facility and everyone has been pleasant, competent and helpful. I am now saddened to learn that Dr. Emerson is leaving the practice to work in a hospital setting. I have only had positive experiences dealing with this practice. The cancellation and billing policies are no different than I have experienced with Dentists, and other health practioners in this metropolitan area. more

Dr. Shaw spent all the time I needed helping me understand my situation and my options -- she was never in a rush at all. She's really knowledgeable and yet she never talks down to you or makes you feel silly for asking a question. I didn't want a doctor who was strictly clinical, as though you were getting information out of a vending machine. She seems to have an integrated approach to medication, and isn't one of those who swears by one medication or method. The whole time I felt like we were partners in trying to get my thyroid meds right, and she truly listened. I saw her at the Round Rock location, and everyone there was super nice, and the office was laid back. I am so happy to have found her!!! Pros: Great bedside manner Cons: Can't think of any! more

Dr. Blevins came recommended to me, however he does not see new patients, so you are left seeing one of his associates. This review is for the Round Rock location. Needless to say, I will not be returning. My experience in a nutshell is as follows: 1) Rude staff (administrative and nurses), only care about your insurance and billing information, not why you are being referred 2) Received a rude letter in mail prior to visit stating you must arrive 30 minutes early and if you don't confirm three days prior, your appointment will be automatically canceled. If you don't bring your insurance card you will be considered ""self-pay"". (I was already pre-authorized by my insurance). 3) Jumped to conclusion of needing surgery before even putting hands on me for a physical exam or reviewing further tests. Referred me to the radiologist and the surgeon that they use exclusively??? Referred me for testing (no benefits or risks explained). When I called back NEXT DAY to discuss concerns, was told that doctor does not return phone calls and I should cancel all my tests and have to come in and pay for another appointment. Was told that doctors not returning calls was their ""policy"". 4) Blame patients--told me that I should have known what the testing was via the ""handouts"" they gave me even though there was NOTHING there about testing. 5) Nurse was able to read what test referred for off of a piece of paper, but was unable to explain what they were. Referred me to Radiology clinic to explain. 6) Dismissive of patient concerns. Told my concerns were ""not relevant"" and referred me back to PCP. Overall experience, felt like somewhere between cattle and a child. There does not seem to be a genuine concern or caring about you or your welfare as a patient. There is the feel of being pushed around and subtly manipulated for the sole purpose of making a quick buck. I am concerned for those who might be more vulnerable and unable to advocate for themselves. Cons: Rude staff, dismissive, treat you like a $ more

I visited the round rock location since it's nearest and I was very disappointed with their service. I went during my pregnancy because I developed gestational diabetes and a friend recommend them, however she went to the Austin office . The nurse that helped me was polite and professional but the doctor and nutritionist there were awful. All they want to do is charge the insurance money for nothing. The nutritionist basically told me what I already knew from a book I purchased online about gestational diabetes. She rushed through everything, seems she wanted to get me out of there ASAP. I asked about a meal plan or list of foods to eat/avoid expecting to get a print out or a booklet like my friend did, instead she wrote something really quick on a sheet of paper and sent me on my way. Next time I went was to see the endocrinologist which was a waste of time, she basically stared at me and answered my questions with a question. I gained nothing from seeing her, no new input from her, told me everything I already knew. I was there for about 20 minutes and again, she rushed me out, she seemed uninterested in me. I was asked twice about how I was going to pay which seems to be what they really care about. In my opinion, they only want to get you in to charge the insurance and that's all. Save yourself the time and expense, all you need is to buy a book on the subject and read all about it, see the nurse who will put you on a schedule on how often to check your blood, keep a log, send them the log, etc. There is no point in seeing either the nutritionist of endocrinologist, they will do nothing for you. Maybe the Austin office has better staff but the round rock location needs major improvement. Pros: polite nurse Cons: incompentent and unprofessional doctor and nutritionist more

Dr. Valerie Espinosa saved my life and found a tumor that effected all my hormones and could have killed me. No one else in town had the skill to find it and I think I would have died if I had not seen her. Thanks to all at the office involved in my care. Pros: Great doctors Cons: have to deal with insurance like anywhere more

I was hesitant to use this business based upon the reviews that I had read here but my OB/GYN referred me to them when it was discovered that I had a thyroid problem. After reading the reviews I even called the nurse at the OB/GYN office to ask questions about the practice. After my appoinment I can say that I cannot believe the majority of reviews posted here. I had a very good experience from start to finish. The appointment desk was very helpful in providing all the information I would need to make an appointment. My appointment was within two weeks of my call - which was surprising for a specialist office. Upon arrival I did have to wait to be called - but this is not unusual for any doctors office. They had my records from my OB/GYN so they did not have to repeat any of the lab tests or try to ""figure"" out what was going on. The doctor spent about 25 minutes with me explaining the condition and treatment options. When I left I was very satisfied and called my OB/GYN to let them know how pleased I was with the referral. Pros: Thorough evaluation Cons: Parking more

This is my wife's experience with this business: ""If I could give less than one star to these unfeeling, rude people, I would. These guys took $50 from us for a ""missed appointment."" It was unfair, and they boldy refused to return it, clearly indicating they didn't care about losing our future business or the business of anyone who reads this. Here's the story: My mother injured herself severely in March of '07. She stayed in bed quite a bit, barely able to get to dialysis to keep herself alive. Because of a household mishap, she injured herself even worse in August of '07. That's when I took her to the hospital for surgery. She was on a lot of painkillers for her constant, excruciating pain, which made her delirious. By October of '07, she was so delirious, she needed to be hospitalized, because everyone thought she had had a stroke! Unfortunately, during this time, she missed an appointment at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology. Nobody knew where her calendar was, or that she had an appointment, so we had no chance of making it to the appointment. They charged us a $50 no-show fee, which my grandmother paid, because she didn't want to fight them. I held on to their letter, however, because I didn't think it was just. I realize that waiting a long time to ask for a refund is inconvenient for businesses. However, this is a special case, I think. My mother was delirious; she did get better later, but the painkillers had a terrible effect on her. Also, during the time between now and then, I have been occupied taking care of my mom, my three kids, my illness, and my then-unborn child. Also, another reason I'm trying to collect this right now is that I'm now the executor of my mom's estate. My mother was victimized by many people during her final days, and I thought that Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology would see that they had not treated us rightly, and try to rectify the situation. They did not. Their statement was that ""It's only fifty dollars,"" but if it's such a small amount, then why not return it? When doing business with them, ensure that you do not overpay, and that you watch how much you really need to pay them, or the same thing may happen to you. They were willing to make life-long enemies of our family over fifty dollars, which is a small sum to them, by their statement. They hung up on me, twice. That is how much they value their customers. Do they not understand that, in today's economy, $50 is a significant sum to some families?"" Cons: Bad billing practices more

Went there from a referral... more

I drive 5 hours one way for my appointment at TDE and have been doing so for 3 years. No, I don't live in the sticks and there are diabetes physicians both in my city and within a shorter driving period. When I first started going to TDE their Diabetes Educator had been voted as the ""TX Diabetes Educator of the Year"". I have always been treated with complete respect and professionalism by everyone, from the front desk to the nurses in the back, the techs, to the doctors and PA's. I have both diabetes and a goiter on my thyroid. After 11 years and 4 diabetes doctors, no one had checked into my goiter until I came to TDE. The meds I had been taking throughout the 11 years had not helped and TDE both changed and updated me to a better diabetes management program. During these 3 years I have been very sick and had surgeries and they kept up with me during those situations. I highly recommend TDE and encourage anyone with diabetes and/or endocrinology problems to go there. I feel that TDE saved my life and I will recommend them to everyone! Pros: professional, caring, up to date Cons: a little tricky finding the building more

I have not been to these doctors,but after reading everyone's comments, I have decided to forego this clown bunch. Cons: Conveyor belt and factory style mentality more