topic Re: How Many Times Have You Changed Primary Care Physicians in Wellness

How Many Times Have You Changed Primary Care Physicians

cuddlesmama — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 17:29:44 GMT

My husband has had the same doctor for many years and felt quite content with him until recently. At his annual physical my husband was asking questions about his health and the doctor said "You are asking too many questions I have other patients" On another occasion my husband wasn't feeling well and the Doctor said all that you are feeling is all in his head. My husband fell off a ladder and when the hospital did a CT scan and found something on his liver and they said follow up with your PCP, which my husband did and he ordered another CT scan and when I called him and stated he shouldn't have another cat scan so soon because of the radiation he would be getting he said yes you are right so he ordered a MRI instead. So he had a CT in Dec 2016 and an MRI March 2017.Everythin came out negative I am so grateful for that as I was soo worried. Anyone else have rude experiences with your PCP?

Re: How Many Times Have You Changed Primary Care Physicians

Coquille — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 17:45:35 GMT

I don't know anyone that has had that experience. People are complaining that the doctors are not giving them the time and the attention that they use to get. But to verbally say that, it must have been a bad day for the doctor. He should have never said that, even if it's true. Nonetheless, if you really are questioning his behavior, by all means change doctors. The medical situation has gotten horrible. The doctors don't get paid what they use to ( boo hoo) and they see more patients. They are only alloted a certain amount of time per patient. They can choose not to stick with that time. I have had my doctors for 30 years so they do not treat me like that way. My internist retired a few years ago, found another doctor but she passed away at the age of about 50. I sa her for 3 years. Really nice woman and great doctor. So sad. Now I am seeing another internist from the same practice and he is from what I'm told, brilliant. He has a good personality and doesn't necessarily rush (just a little bit). Anyway, I would change when you get to the point of feeling uncomfortable but remember, The Grass Is Always Greener On The Other Side or is it?

Re: How Many Times Have You Changed Primary Care Physicians

henderson — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 17:52:41 GMT

My new primary care physician says she always has time to answer my questions even if that means she's running behind with her appointments. I think I'd look for another one.

Re: How Many Times Have You Changed Primary Care Physicians

software — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 18:03:36 GMT

@cuddlesmama wrote:
My husband has had the same doctor for many years and felt quite content with him until recently. At his annual physical my husband was asking questions about his health and the doctor said "You are asking too many questions I have other patients" On another occasion my husband wasn't feeling well and the Doctor said all that you are feeling is all in his head. My husband fell off a ladder and when the hospital did a CT scan and found something on his liver and they said follow up with your PCP, which my husband did and he ordered another CT scan and when I called him and stated he shouldn't have another cat scan so soon because of the radiation he would be getting he said yes you are right so he ordered a MRI instead. So he had a CT in Dec 2016 and an MRI March 2017.Everythin came out negative I am so grateful for that as I was soo worried. Anyone else have rude experiences with your PCP?

To think that is one thing, to say it is another.

I assume your husband is a paying customer so he is paying for the doctor's time. Unless the doctor is treating him for free.

Glad it was't serious.

Maybe the doctor was in a hurry to catch a bus.

Re: How Many Times Have You Changed Primary Care Physicians

Meowingkitty — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 19:41:03 GMT

I changed doctors several years ago because I got sick of her running a minimum 3 hours behind with no concern for my time. Made no difference if I scheduled the first or last appt of the day, she was always 3 hours late so I fired her. Other than that my doctor visits are uncomplicated and don’t take much time.

Re: How Many Times Have You Changed Primary Care Physicians

Kachina624 — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 20:33:22 GMT

@henderson wrote:
My new primary care physician says she always has time to answer my questions even if that means she's running behind with her appointments. I think I'd look for another one.

@henderson My doctor is the same. I ask her a million questions. I've been seeing her 17 years, ever since I moved to the area. If a doctor got impatient, I'd find another one.

Re: How Many Times Have You Changed Primary Care Physicians

Snowpuppy — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 20:46:28 GMT

I've had my current dr for 10 yrs. Longest I've had any dr.

You can book a short appt of 12-15 minutes or request a long appt of 30 minutes. He keeps to his schedule, never had to wait more than 10 minutes.

My neighbor is a nurse, appointments are 12 minutes in her office. Period. She had to verbally reprimand a new nurse at her practice for counseling a patient who was not tolerating their meds well and spent 20 minutes with the patient.

Re: How Many Times Have You Changed Primary Care Physicians

excpa — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 20:59:02 GMT

I have had so many bad experiences with PCPs that I no longer have one. I decided no medical care was better (and safer) than bad medical care.

For some reason, this has infuriated some people. I guess being happy and healthy without the permission of the medical community is unacceptable.

Four years and counting. No prescription meds. No expensive, annoying tests.

I don't trust anyone who thinks that old age is curable and whose goal is to keep people alive, regardless of personal wishes, at least until their insurance runs out.

May not work for everyone, but for the last 4 years I have been free of fear. I expect to die someday and don't want to be treated like someone's profit center.

Re: How Many Times Have You Changed Primary Care Physicians

sandraskates — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 21:11:57 GMT

I've gone to the office of my primary care physican for almost 20 straight years. There were a couple years when I was on my hubby's Kaiser insurance but once I had the option to go back to my own insurance I went back to my original doctor.

The difference is. . .now I don't usually see him, I see one of his nurse practitioners for routine appointments. And that's fine as they run on-time and I never feel rushed.

My PCP is a sports medicine doctor that has become quite popular. The last time I actually saw *him* was a couple years ago when I was having a neck problem. He saw me, had his tech take an X-Ray, and then spent the time reviewing it with me.

I really like him and all his staff.

Re: How Many Times Have You Changed Primary Care Physicians

Snowpuppy — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 23:37:34 GMT

@excpa wrote:
I have had so many bad experiences with PCPs that I no longer have one. I decided no medical care was better (and safer) than bad medical care.
For some reason, this has infuriated some people. I guess being happy and healthy without the permission of the medical community is unacceptable.
Four years and counting. No prescription meds. No expensive, annoying tests.
I don't trust anyone who thinks that old age is curable and whose goal is to keep people alive, regardless of personal wishes, at least until their insurance runs out.
May not work for everyone, but for the last 4 years I have been free of fear. I expect to die someday and don't want to be treated like someone's profit center.

Oh I completely agree with you that many doctors like to practice total cashectomies on their patients.

Altho I live with an auto immune disorder I don't see my dr but once or twice a year unless I get a nasty flare.

Re: How Many Times Have You Changed Primary Care Physicians

halfpint1 — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 00:07:58 GMT

I moved 17 years ago and I got a new doctor for I didn't want to travel back to my former city. The new doctor retired so I had to get another. I did not like his attitude for when he saw my leg he said cancer. It was a small spot and I was sent to a doctor who took it out in his office. l then got the doctor who I see now. I like him He is the first one who comes in the room with his hand to shake yours. The only thing is the doctors now a day do not spend much time with a patient.

Re: How Many Times Have You Changed Primary Care Physicians

kelsey17 — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 00:38:19 GMT

I haven't changed docs but am considering changing one of the specialists i have seen for the last yr and half....BUT my complaint is even with the docs i have been to for years these days now they have mostly all hired the Phys Ass'ts

or NP and cut some of their hours and the office tries to set your appt up with the PA or NP before seeing the doc....

These days now i won't accept a PA or NP if i can avoid it...

3 times they haven't solved the problems................I pay for a doc...i want to see a doc.....

Re: How Many Times Have You Changed Primary Care Physicians

gloriajean — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 01:21:48 GMT

I sure like mine I have at the Clinic. There are also 3 or 4 Nurse Practioners, very nice people. A NP took a biopsy of a spot on my cheek, and it was cancerous so made the appointment at the Dermatologist. They make you feel special there! I have My Chart and any questions I ask there, and the Doctor answers me.

I feel so lucky to have found them.

Re: How Many Times Have You Changed Primary Care Physicians

Moonchilde — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 06:28:28 GMT

I don’t change unless I’m really unhappy or it’s beyond my control. I’m basically healthy except for the past couple of years, so I customarily only needed to go once a year unless I had a flu, bad cold or infection. Add to that, my workplace insurance kept changing and I had to choose new doctors. So I was kind of accustomed to not having a closer relationship with a doctor, as there was never anyone I saw more than a few times.

I finally got into a group practice I basically liked, and was there 6-8 years until I moved. But even with them, I saw four different doctors until I found my favorite. The good part of that place was that if I had to get a quickie appointment, I could/would see any of the doctors or the NP, so I could “try them out.”

My current doctor is tolerable unless I get really ill. The practice is a huge clinic that is in some ways the only game in town, and it’s pretty cattle-call in there. He doesn’t honestly care about me as an individual personality, and why should he? I’m just a name and a number.

But - I don’t like his treatment of my diabetes or his attitude about it (it’s not what you think - IMO he’s too liberal, not too strict) and that actually is pushing me to think about changing doctors and not staying at that clinic.

Maybe because I’ve worked in healthcare my whole working life, while I wish for a doctor I like and trust and who relates to me, I don’t actually think I’ll ever find one again.

The practice of medicine has changed dramatically since the 70s, and that’s not the doctor’s fault. The regulations they’re tied up with, that take up huge chunks of time, aren’t their fault. The cost of running a practice is far from peanuts. Doctors, except for specialist surgeons, aren’t rolling in dough. The govt and the FDA are on their heinies every minute of every day - that’s not their fault either.

If I had a doctor that I felt was genuinely dismissive of me and my concerns and honestly didn’t give a kwap, I’d find another doctor. Doctors honestly have “too many” patients to deal with properly on a daily basis, so if patients leave a practice, they’re not exactly crying. It just means they have a tiny bit of breathing room.

I feel bad for doctors and patients both. All the regulations, ongoing and increasing, are what has screwed up the practice of medicine, not money-hungry doctors.

Re: How Many Times Have You Changed Primary Care Physicians

cuddlesmama — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 09:15:59 GMT

@excpa wrote:
I have had so many bad experiences with PCPs that I no longer have one. I decided no medical care was better (and safer) than bad medical care.
For some reason, this has infuriated some people. I guess being happy and healthy without the permission of the medical community is unacceptable.
Four years and counting. No prescription meds. No expensive, annoying tests.
I don't trust anyone who thinks that old age is curable and whose goal is to keep people alive, regardless of personal wishes, at least until their insurance runs out.
May not work for everyone, but for the last 4 years I have been free of fear. I expect to die someday and don't want to be treated like someone's profit center.

I so agree with you but who do you see if you get really sick and have to see a doctor? Do you go to one of those walk in health centers?Just wondering because my Dr did say once that people do not have to have a PCP I was surprised when she said that but wonder what do people do if they get really sick.

Re: How Many Times Have You Changed Primary Care Physicians

Blingqueen023 — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 09:51:56 GMT

@cuddlesmama wrote:
@excpa wrote:
I have had so many bad experiences with PCPs that I no longer have one. I decided no medical care was better (and safer) than bad medical care.
For some reason, this has infuriated some people. I guess being happy and healthy without the permission of the medical community is unacceptable.
Four years and counting. No prescription meds. No expensive, annoying tests.
I don't trust anyone who thinks that old age is curable and whose goal is to keep people alive, regardless of personal wishes, at least until their insurance runs out.
May not work for everyone, but for the last 4 years I have been free of fear. I expect to die someday and don't want to be treated like someone's profit center.
I so agree with you but who do you see if you get really sick and have to see a doctor? Do you go to one of those walk in health centers?Just wondering because my Dr did say once that people do not have to have a PCP I was surprised when she said that but wonder what do people do if they get really sick.

Primary Care Doctors are a waste of money.. The only time I see mine is when I have a cold and need a prescription. If I'm having trouble with my heart, I see a Cardiologist, if I'm having trouble with my eyes, I see an eye doctor, if I'm having trouble with female problems I see GYN doc. I really don't see any reason to keep going back to a primary care doc, unless of course you carry MDIPA insurance and you need a referral to see a specialist which to me to see two doctors just for the referral is a huge waste of time and money. I can't believe people still buy that insurance. Amazing.

Re: How Many Times Have You Changed Primary Care Physicians

ID2 — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 11:19:12 GMT

I had my pcp for almost 30 when he retired. I was devastated! But he did give me choices of other doctors to pick from that would be good with my issues. I was with this new doctor for just a few years when we moved and I had to find a doctor where I now live. My new doctor is young and very knowledgeable in the new medicine. I see now that my old doctor was very old in his ways of practicing medicine.

Re: How Many Times Have You Changed Primary Care Physicians

AngelPuppy1 — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 11:51:30 GMT

I have not had good luck with doctors for the most part!

I had one PC for quite a long while and was getting more disallusioned with him as time went on. Sure, he was a nice guy but that doesn't always make a great doctor! He was very --- what's the word --- reticent? lax? I don't know. It got to the point where I would have to ask him for things --- for example, when I wasn't feeling well, he would say something like take a couple Tylenol and see if that helps. It would go on and on and then I'd go back and say --- don't you think I should have blood work or an x-ray, or whatever? And he'd say -- well, I guess if you want, it couldn't hurt. Or some other bland comment. One time I got really sick in the middle of a store. I called him and he never called me back for days. I called several times. The sickness passed but I did not feel great. Shortly thereafter I had to go to the hospital for tests, x-rays, etc. They said I had recently had a mild heart attack. ???? He never did anything for me and obviously that was what was going on when I got sick in the store.

Since then I went to a different practice with a lot of doctors. Every time I get one that I really like --- they leave!

I had had doctors tell me --- you're getting older --- what do you expect? Like, that's a reason to just throw up your hands and say --- sorry --- can't help you?

Re: How Many Times Have You Changed Primary Care Physicians

Hayfield — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 12:12:53 GMT

I've had to change PCP quite a lot over the last 40 years due to them "opting out" of the insurance I have. I've gone to the same group for the last 15 years or so but my PCP went to one of those boutique doctor groups where you pay a large amount of money to have access to a doctor easier. I have a PA that I see since I don't have any major health issues. I've belonged to a HMO for years and that's part of the problem, but again, since I haven't had any major health issues, it's been fine. We'll be going on Medicare in a couple of years and I think I'll be switching to BCBS for my secondary insurance since, as you get older, health issues are bound the come up and I've read that having good secondary health inusrance is important.

Re: How Many Times Have You Changed Primary Care Physicians

lulu2 — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 14:36:00 GMT

Intentionally I've changed PCP just once. There were 3 other times my PCP moved.