If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been dealing with symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, brain fog, or a racing heart for far too long — and you still don’t have clear answers. You’ve seen doctors, maybe even specialists, but no one has connected the dots. Now you’re looking for a POTS doctor accepting new patients in Maryland, hoping that this time, someone will finally understand what’s going on.
You’re in the right place.
At Diekman Dysautonomia, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and related forms of dysautonomia. We understand that starting care can feel overwhelming, especially after a long medical journey. So in this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to expect during the intake process — from your first contact to your first treatment steps.
What Is POTS, and Why Is It Hard to Diagnose?
Before diving into the intake process, let’s briefly define what we’re dealing with.
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a form of dysautonomia, a disorder of the autonomic nervous system. In people with POTS, the heart rate increases significantly — usually by 30+ beats per minute — upon standing, often leading to:
- Light headedness or fainting
- Brain fog
- Extreme fatigue
- Nausea
- Rapid heartbeat
- Exercise intolerance
POTS can be triggered by viral illness (including COVID-19), surgery, pregnancy, or autoimmune conditions, and is often misdiagnosed as anxiety, depression, or chronic fatigue.
That’s why choosing the right POTS specialist in Maryland is critical — someone who understands how to interpret a wide range of overlapping symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect During Intake
Finding a POTS doctor in Maryland who is accepting new patients is only the beginning. Once you book your appointment, here’s what the intake process typically looks like:
1. Initial Inquiry and Scheduling
How to get started:
- Call our clinic directly or fill out the online new patient request form
- Provide basic contact information, insurance, and availability
- You’ll receive intake paperwork via email or patient portal access
Our front desk team is trained specifically to assist patients with POTS and dysautonomia, so we understand that brain fog, fatigue, and symptom flares may delay forms or calls. You’re not just another number here — you’re a patient with complex needs, and we treat you accordingly.
2. Pre-Visit Questionnaire
Before your appointment, you’ll complete a detailed medical history and symptom tracker. This helps us build a full picture of your experience before you even walk through the door.
We’ll ask about:
- Symptom onset and duration
- Triggers and patterns (heat, standing, eating, etc.)
- History of fainting or near-fainting
- Past diagnoses and mis diagnoses
- Medications, supplements, and dietary habits
- Coexisting conditions (like Ehlers-Danlos, Long COVID, or autoimmune disorders)
This form may feel long, but it’s incredibly important — many patients have overlapping symptoms that look like anxiety, IBS, or migraine. Our job is to connect the dots.
3. First Appointment: In-Depth Clinical Assessment
During your first visit with your POTS doctor MD, expect a longer-than-average appointment — typically 60–90 minutes. Here’s what it usually includes:
- Medical History Review
We’ll go over your questionnaire and ask clarifying questions:
- When did symptoms start?
- Do they improve when lying down?
- How does your body react to heat, meals, or standing?
- Physical Exam
A full systems review, including:
- Heart rate and blood pressure in different positions (lying, sitting, standing)
- Skin and circulation checks
- Abdominal exam (to assess blood pooling and digestion)
- Orthostatic Testing
This may include:
- Active stand test
- NASA Lean Test
- 10-minute standing heart rate measurement
These in-office tests provide initial data on how your heart and nervous system respond to postural changes — a key diagnostic component of postural orthostatic tachycardic syndrome MD.
4. Diagnostic Testing and Referrals (If Needed)
If clinical signs point to POTS, we may order follow-up testing to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes.
Common Tests Include:
- Tilt table test – Gold standard for POTS diagnosis
- 24-hour Holter monitor – To assess heart rate over time
- Blood work – For thyroid, vitamin levels, adrenal function, autoimmunity
- Autonomic testing – QSART, Valsalva maneuver, and deep breathing tests (when indicated)
We may also coordinate with other specialists if you have overlapping symptoms (e.g., gastroenterology, neurology, cardiology). Our team acts as your care coordinator — not just a single-visit provider.
5. Diagnosis and Personalized Treatment Plan
Once testing is complete, we’ll sit down and review everything — together.
If you meet the diagnostic criteria for POTS, we’ll create a custom treatment plan based on your symptoms, tolerance, and goals.
Treatment may include:
- Lifestyle adjustments (hydration, salt intake, bed elevation, compression garments)
- Recumbent exercise program (to recondition safely)
- Medications if appropriate (beta-blockers, fludrocortisone, midodrine, etc.)
- Nutrition guidance – Especially if low blood volume or GI symptoms are present
The goal is not just symptom control — it’s to help you regain function, independence, and quality of life.
What Makes Diekman Dysautonomia Different?
Most patients who come to us have been misdiagnosed multiple times, seen 5+ providers, and are often told “your labs are normal” or “you’re just anxious.” We’re here to change that.
Why patients choose us:
- We specialize in POTS and dysautonomia exclusively
- We understand complex, overlapping symptoms
- We’ve helped hundreds of Maryland patients finally get answers
- We offer telehealth options when appropriate
- We build long-term care relationships, not one-and-done visits
You deserve a provider who listens, believes you, and knows how to help.
How to Prepare for Your First Visit
POTS can make it hard to plan, but a few small steps can make your intake smoother:
Tips for Preparation:
- Wear loose clothing and bring water/snacks
- Bring a support person if you need help remembering or communicating
- Use a notebook or app to track symptoms for a week before the visit
- Bring past test results, referrals, or medical records if available
- Don’t worry if you forget something — we’ll fill in the gaps together
We’re Here for You — And We’re Accepting New Patients
We know how hard it is to keep pushing when you’re sick, misunderstood, and exhausted. But you’re not alone — and you’re not stuck.
If you’re looking for a POTS doctor accepting new patients in Maryland, our clinic is here to help.
