Community Chat

[beach-mom]

I am so upset. We've been with them for almost 30 years. This is long, so I apologize in advance!

When we moved here we went to a physician who worked out of his home. He didn't take insurance, but they had forms we could fill out to be reimbursed. That worked for a while, and then became just too hard to keep up.

My OB/Gyn doctor recommended a family practice. There were two doctors- Dr. Adams and Dr. Bell. I saw Dr. Bell more, so when they split up I followed him.

He went in with Dr. Carter. They added a new doctor, right out of residency, Dr. Davis. I knew him, but I never saw him. Dr. Bell moved away, so I started seeing Dr. Carter.

 She and Dr. Davis formed a new practice, and welcomed Dr. Evans. I saw Dr. Carter, but it was really hard to get an appointment with her, so she recommended Dr. Evans. I LOVED Dr. Evans! We had a lot in common, and once in a while she would ask my opinion about something else. She was also very thorough. So I felt comfortable and in good hands. Then her husband was transferred. She recommended I go back to Dr. Carter, and made a note in my chart.

Then I had to be seen after getting a tick bite. When I called they gave me Dr. Davis. It had been a while. I remember him before he was married, and now he was older with a family. I started seeing him only. He always takes his time and answers any questions I have. I'm very fond of him.

 I have an appointment coming up with him. DH has been going to him much longer than I have. He saw him today.

You know how hospitals are being swallowed by corporations? That happened to our local hospital. He told DH he is selling the practice. He told DH he and Dr. Carter had had enough with the new owners of the hospital. 

They can't practice in the area for a year. Then they hope to come back to the area, affiliated with another hospital. 

Most people I know, both friends and acquaintances, are complaining about the new owners of the hospital. My GYN doctor left too, but he's not far. I have noticed changes too. The "personal care" the hospital was known for has disappeared.

He gave DH the name of a good friend of his. Here's my dilemma:

He has a lot of confidence in this doctor, but she is still affiliated with the hospital. I'm trying to decide whether to go with her and stay with the hospital, or find a doctor affiliated with the other two hospitals near us.

I know it's not the end of the world, but I'm just so upset about it.  

[lgfan]

A couple of years ago my primary doctor dropped me because she no longer took my insurance. This was a blessing because I found a better doctor that was more attentive towards her patients. I would suggest that you find another doctor that is affiliated with the other two hospitals near you.

[elated]

---

@lgfan wrote:
A couple of years ago my primary doctor dropped me because she no longer took my insurance. This was a blessing because I found a better doctor that was more attentive towards her patients. I would suggest that you find another doctor that is affiliated with the other two hospitals near you.

---

I moved to Kentucky in 2022. I knew nothing about the doctors so I just picked one close to home. I stayed with her because I was reluctant to change. She was a terrible doctor. Spent very little time with me and kept referring me to specialist. If you had an appointment at a specific time, she was always an hour or more late. I had enough and spoke my mind. She sent me a certified letter the next day, I was no longer her patient. That was the best day of my life. I found a new doctor and she is very nice. I should have left sooner. Change is hard but sometimes it really makes a difference.

[Carmie]

Yes, this happens and way too often.  I have had several physicians that I loved retire, my derm passed away as well as my plastic surgeon who removed cysts for me.  

One of my eye doctors retired and the newer one that replaced her got cancer and died. He wasn't that old.

My dentist that I have been going to for about 25 years is hinting that he will retire soon.  

Right now I have a younger guy as my PCP.  My kids are older than he is. I suspect he will out live me.

 My ortho surgeon who did my knee replacement is 63.  He seems to be in excellent health and runs marathons and skis.

He is really a good surgeon.  My other knee will need replaced in the future, but I can live with it for now.  In the back of my mind, I wonder if I should just get it replaced before he retires too. I would hate to have to go to someone else.

As we get older, so do our medical providers.  It's a sad fact of life. 

[Tinkrbl44]

Unfortunately, medical professionals go through changes, as well.  

In the past ten years, I've had my long time Dentist die (practice was then closed, not sold).  Also lost my Gyno to retirement.  Then my long time PCP retired and I had to get aqainted with the new doc that took over his practice!

Then I had to change Rheumatologists due to an insurance change.  

Searching for and then "auditioning" new physicians is a hassle.

Then, if that wasn't bad enough, my long time miracle worker hairdresser abruptly retired and moved to Las Vegas!   

It's always something ..... lol

[catter70]

I always worry about that, too. My doctor must be about 70 (I'm 72). I had to get a new dentist 3 years ago, as mine passed away. Good luck with your search.

[ID2]

I thought my life was over several years ago when my longtime doctore decided to retire. This was a blessing and I didn't even know it at the time! I have a wonderful young doctor now that has all the smarts of current medicine practices. Not the old fashioned way that my other doctor did. I was introduced to much easier ways to handle my disease. My life and health is so much better now.

[qualitygal]

We've had to change doctors too, about a year ago.  Health changes, have sent us down other doctor roads.  Anyway, we just have to adjust.  Choose whatever or whomever it is that you feel comfortable with.  

[jlkz]

@beach-mom 

Unfortunately, quite a number of folks are going through similar unwanted changes to our choice in medical service providers.  We are losing control of a portion of our lives and history.  

However, as some of the posters have already stated, it turned out for the best as their new choices are better equipped to provide the latest approaches to care and are more responsive.

The end of your post basically gives you two choices:

1. Go with the recommended doctor even though she is affiliated with the "changed" strategy of the hospital.

          a.  She may also leave them

          b.  She may be better suited to your needs

          c.  You can return to the last doctor after the year

                of his contract with the hospital is up

          d.   He may chose to not return to the area.

2. Travel to wherever the favored doctor has set up his

           one-year temporary practice if possible.

Just remember, nothing is permanent.....he can retire also or move to another geographic location as his life also changes.

You do have choices AND you will survive and be resilient !

[AngelPuppy1]

Having to change doctors when you have formed a trusted relationship with one over a long period of time is so very hard.  I have had this happen to me many times and with many kinds of doctors.  Doctors retire, pass away, move away, and other situations.  It leaves you feeling vulnerable and rather lost.  I have asked family and friends for recommendations.  I don't always like the ones they have but I have found some by doing this.