Pediatric Endocrinology

Under the supervision of our founder and medical director, board-certified pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Elizabeth Parker, our providers treat a variety of general pediatric endocrine disorders, including but not limited to: 

• Thyroid, pituitary or adrenal problems

• Poor growth 

• Type 2 diabetes

• Short stature 

• Early or late puberty

• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) 

• Prader-Willi Syndrome

• Turner Syndrome

• Klinefelter Syndrome

• Hormone imbalances

• Calcium and Vitamin D disorders 

We also treat many children and adolescents who are referred to us with symptoms that may suggest an endocrine problem, such as:

• Fatigue

• Cold/heat intolerance

• Excessive/unwanted hair growth (in females)

• Enlarged breast tissue (in males)

• Increased thirst and/or urination

• Irregular, very heavy or very painful periods

• Enlarged thyroid

If your child’s physical exam and test results rule out an endocrine disorder but indicate that their symptoms may be caused by another type of health problem, our providers will connect you with the appropriate type of specialist (for example, a neurologist, rheumatologist, gastroenterologist, etc.).

In every interaction with Parker Place, your family will be treated with compassion and respect, as detailed in Our Approach to Care.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY

What age range of patients do you treat?

We accept new patients from birth through age 21. In some cases, we will temporarily continue care for young adults with serious disabilities or whose circumstances necessitate the hands-on treatment approach offered by our practice.

Do you require a referral?

We are happy to see any child or adolescent whose symptoms or health history indicate a possible endocrine issue. Referral requirements vary by insurance carrier, and we encourage you to contact your insurance directly to confirm whether you will need a referral to see a specialist. If a referral is required, our office staff will be happy to request one from your primary care provider; however, please be aware that it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure the referral has been received prior to your child’s appointment date.

How does your office approach sensitive topics? I don’t want my child to feel badly about needing medical care for their condition.

At Parker Place, the children and teenagers we treat are dealing with a wide variety of health issues: everything from struggling with their weight to growing at a different rate than their peers to experiencing physical development that outpaces their chronological age and ability to understand. In addition, many of our patients also experience depression, anxiety, gender dysphoria, and other challenges. Our practice is a welcoming, accepting and empowering place for all families, and we want kids to feel great about coming here for care. Please be assured that your child will, at all times, be treated with discretion and respect, and sensitive topics will be addressed in a kind and age-appropriate manner.

Do you treat type 1 diabetes?

While we do treat type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes, managing type 1 diabetes requires a level of provider staffing and medical equipment that is beyond the scope of our small practice. That being said, we are happy to consult with the families of children and teens with type 1 diabetes on how to manage blood sugars using nutrition and exercise in addition to insulin. Please feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment.

Do you provide hormone therapy for transgender patients?

Our practice offers an open, accepting environment for all patients and their families, and we currently treat a number of trans kids and teens for a variety of medical conditions, including the endocrine disorders listed above and/or helping them to manage their weight. For families wishing to explore hormone therapy as part of their transition, we recommend utilizing a multidisciplinary practice that can help your child navigate both the medical and psychological considerations during this important time in their lives. Please feel free to contact our office and we’ll be happy to provide contact information for these practices!

Will you prescribe growth hormone for my child?

As with any medication or procedure, treatment with growth hormone is presented as an option when it is determined by your provider to be clinically appropriate. Prior authorization from your insurance company is almost always required, and insurance carriers’ criteria for approval varies widely. Your provider can explain this process, and any additional testing that may be needed, in detail during your appointment.

My child needs help managing their weight in addition to their endocrine condition - can you help with both?

Absolutely! At Parker Place, we take a holistic approach to helping our patients manage the “big picture” of their health and adopt healthy habits for a lifetime. In addition to evaluating and treating any endocrine problems, our providers can also provide resources and support for eating more healthfully, incorporating more physical activity, improving sleep, and managing stress - all in a body-positive, family-focused way.

What if my question isn’t answered here?

For other questions about our medical practice, or other services offered at Parker Place, please check out our general Frequently Asked Questions. You can also contact us at any time to speak with a staff member - we’re always happy to help!

If you feel your child would benefit from a consultation in our medical practice, please speak with your child’s primary care doctor or feel free to give us a call directly to speak to a member of our staff. You can also view our accepted insurance plans and payment options, check out our online patient portal, or contact us directly to make an appointment for your child with one of our providers.