Re: How Do You Find a Good Medical Doctor?

RedTop · ‎09-01-2010

In this small, rural area of WV, I think selection is somewhat easier. Our primary care providers stopped doing hospital inpatient care when Hospitalists came along. Cardiac, OB/GYN, Ortho, Urology, and Surgeons, etc., still see their patients in the hospital.

We have the Health Department, several different branches of a medical center with numerous DO's, NP's, PA's, etc., so we have lots of providers.

My primary care provider recently joined a larger group practice which did not make me happy, but I fully understand his reasoning. He is within sight of retirement and in looking at his office situation going forward, making a big move now seemed like the best thing to do for him, and his office staff. If he decides, or is forced to retire early due to his health, all of his staff have secure jobs, and all of his patients will be cared for by this group. I'm staying with him and his NP as long as possible, but will not hesitate to go to the medical clinic closest to me if I have to make a change.

Zhills · ‎11-15-2011

I lucked out! When I made an emergency ER visit, I needed a PCP to send the reports to. Didn't have one, just moved here.

She is an ARNP but we talk and decide. She doesn't look, decide and lecture! She actually listens!

I have reactions to the fillers and preservatives in meds and she listens to me and doesn't try to tell me it's all in my mind. She calls in a 30 day supply to a local pharmacy and if I can take it OK, she sends it to my mail order pharmacy!

I recently spent a night in the ER, couldn't breathe!

Finally figured out and proved it was side effects of a popular med I was taking! Took the 30 day supply from local and did good with it, sent it to my mail order and it was a different manufacturer. Problems started.

Quit the medicine, problem cleared up!

This has happened several times! She works with me and tries to help find answers. Love her!

Medicine is changing so rapidly today with the new technology that they seem very different to me.

We rescue cats · ‎01-25-2023

My endo was my PCP, he was also a close personal friend.Owning a travel agency that handled all the travel for the 2 largest hospital in the area had benefits, knowing all the docs was one of them. Sadly he passed away a few years ago, I lost one of my best friends and my doctor. I found a gal that was moving here and opening a practice and we hit it off immediately, I thanked my lucky stars, she's been my POR for 5 years.

Lynn-Critter Lover!
(especially cats!)

NYCLatinaMe · ‎01-14-2017

@Sunshine Kate It is very hard to find a good doctor that one likes. I usually ask for recommendations from friends but sometimes that makes people uncomfortable. I may ask my insurance plan for help. I need an orthopedist, and no one list themselves that way. I may call sports doctors.

My gp is a very good doctor and I have had him for some time, but I don't think he always listens to me. Patients are scheduled every 20 minutes. Only have time to enter stuff in the computer so he can make more $$$. I looked one time and saw all the diagnosis he put in the computer for things I told him that he offered no treatment. I read recently they get paid for diagnosis. But I am left to fend on my own. The truth is most things go away on their own. But if I suggest some tratment, he will usually go along. One time he wouldn't because another doctor, a specialist I went on my own, suggested it. He told me to go to that doctor. But that doctor had left her practice. It is something he should have found, but as things are, the problem went away on its own. Not sure why.

I have seen younger gyn and other specialists, and they seem to take more time to listen and come up with solutions. They also have more ideas because their education is more current. Older doctors have seen everything and have one way of dealing with that, and good luck with any creative thinking.

So I would give younger doctors a try.

NYCLatinaMe · ‎01-14-2017

@PamfromCT wrote:
When our family doctor of forever years retired, we were lost.
We began our search, looking for someone with internal medicine credentials not too far from where we live. We found one, and he has treated us well and advised of various specialists as needed. But all these physicians work for big groups, and he could be gone and relocated.

We had found an ENT we liked, and that practice ownership was dissolved. Fortunately, he is at a large hospital group nearby now, Gone are the independent doctors. They are now employees, working for a group. And the medical care you receive is dictated by your insurance. I remember the good old days when your doctor made all the decisions for your care.

Yes @PamfromCT this is what I am seeing too. The practices emailing me telling me my doctor is no longer in their group and not telling me where to go. I am thinking the doctors maybe are still practicing, I just need to find them. But they are still listed with the old practice that told me they had left. These are youngish women.

Allthingsgirly67 · ‎03-09-2010

Sometimes younger doctors might lack experience but makeup for it by learning the latest knowledge and techniques.

jannabelle1 · ‎09-12-2010

Instead of limiting yourself to an older, more seasoned doctor, you might consider one that's younger. Years ago, my former PCP was in his 30s and I thought very highly of him, but unfortunately he moved. The practice that I go to recommended a younger woman they had hired to take his place. She was in her early 30s, and because I needed a doctor, I agreed. Best decision I made! She's so approachable, very knowledgeable, a great listener and has never let me down.

As far as finding a new doctor, recommendations for your medical practice and/or friends are always good. Also, if you have access to Next Door, you might pose your question and will most likely get a number of good recommendations. Be sure to specify a doctor or practice that will accept your medical provider as one of your criteria. Best of luck to you in your search!

tl98466 · ‎11-07-2010

@Kachina624 Apparently, I'm not one your "most of us settle for one that's just okay and depend on specialists for serious conditions." I have sought out PCP that is ABOVE "okay".