Why is it so difficult to get diagnosed with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's in the current healthcare system? As a healthcare practitioner, it's pretty rare when a patient says, "Yeah, I had symptoms and right away they diagnosed me with hypothyroidism.” Several reasons go into why it’s hard to get a hypothyroidism diagnosis: • The disease comes on slowly so it can go misdiagnosed for years. • Doctors do not screen for thyroid antibodies that would catch early Hashimoto’s because it’s not covered by insurance or considered standard of care. • Conventional lab ranges are too wide. • TSH can fluctuate up and down and may be normal at the time of the test. • HMO doctors are assessed based on how much each of their patients cost and avoid tests they feel are unnecessary. To learn more, visit the site or the online Hashimoto's: Solving the Puzzle course page. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/solving-the-puzzle-with-dr-datis-kharrazian. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.