Question 1

What is direct specialty care?

Accepted Answer

Direct specialty care — sometimes called concierge endocrinology — is a membership-based model that allows patients to work directly with their physician without the limitations of traditional insurance-driven visits. Instead of rushed appointments and long delays, patients receive longer visits, ongoing support, and direct access to their endocrinologist through a flat monthly membership.

Question 2

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

This practice does not bill insurance for membership visits or ongoing care. By stepping outside the insurance model, Dr. Williamson is able to provide more time, access, and personalized attention to each patient. Patients may still use insurance for medications, labs, imaging, or outside services when applicable.

Question 3

What conditions do you treat?

Accepted Answer

The practice cares for adults with a wide range of endocrine and metabolic conditions, including diabetes, thyroid disorders, PCOS, perimenopause and menopause, obesity, osteoporosis, insulin resistance, adrenal disorders, pituitary disorders, and more.

Question 4

How long are appointments?

Accepted Answer

New patient evaluations and follow-up visits are typically. Appointments are intentionally longer than traditional endocrine visits, so there is time to fully understand symptoms, history, labs, lifestyle, and goals. Care is designed around thoughtful problem-solving — not rushing through a checklist.

Question 5

Will I be able to contact Dr. Williamson between visits?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Patients have direct access to Dr. Williamson between appointments for questions, symptom changes, medication adjustments, and ongoing support. Some of the most important care happens between visits, and this model makes room for that.

Question 6

Do you offer virtual appointments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Online (telehealth) visits are available to patients anywhere in Texas for many appointments, making it easier for patients across Texas to receive consistent endocrine care without unnecessary travel.

Question 7

What makes this practice different from traditional endocrine care?

Accepted Answer

Traditional endocrine care is often limited by short visits, long wait times, and fragmented communication. This practice is built around continuity, partnership, and proactive care — giving patients direct access to a physician who knows their story and has time to think deeply about their care.

Question 8

Can you help if my labs are “normal” but I still do not feel well?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many patients come to the practice feeling frustrated because their symptoms have been dismissed despite ongoing fatigue, weight changes, hormonal symptoms, or brain fog. Dr. Williamson looks at the full clinical picture — not just isolated lab values.

Question 9

Are labs and imaging included in the membership?

Accepted Answer

Labs and imaging are not included in the membership fee, but the practice has partnered with laboratories and imaging centers to provide deeply discounted cash-pay pricing whenever possible.

Question 10

Who is this practice best suited for?

Accepted Answer

This practice is ideal for patients who want a more thoughtful, connected approach to endocrine care — especially those who feel rushed, unheard, or frustrated by traditional healthcare settings and want a true partnership with their physician.

Question 11

How much does an endocrinologist cost without insurance in Houston?

Accepted Answer

At Shelley Williamson, MD, PLLC, pricing is fully transparent: every new patient begins with a one-time $500 Comprehensive Endocrine Evaluation, and ongoing membership is $325 per month (or $3,600 per year), covering visits, direct physician access, lab review, and care coordination. Labs and imaging are billed separately at deeply discounted cash-pay rates.

Question 12

Do I need a referral to see an endocrinologist in Texas?

Accepted Answer

No. Because the practice does not bill insurance, no referral is required — you can schedule directly with Dr. Williamson. Patients in insurance-based practices often need a primary care referral and face long waits for a specialist; here, the first step is simply reaching out.

Question 13

What is the difference between direct specialty care and concierge medicine?

Accepted Answer

Concierge practices typically charge an annual retainer and still bill your insurance for each visit. Direct specialty care removes insurance billing entirely — one transparent membership fee covers your ongoing care, with no claims, no copays, and no surprise bills.

Question 14

Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay for membership?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most cases. HSA and FSA funds may typically be used for membership fees and visit costs — we recommend confirming with your plan administrator. CareCredit and all major credit cards are also accepted, and superbills are available on request for possible out-of-network reimbursement.

Question 15

How quickly can I get an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Once you are a member, same-day or next-day appointments are available when clinically appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions