Our Family Physician is Closing His Practice - Page 3

Kitty Galore · ‎03-16-2010

my past ophthalmologist referred me to one that was a specialist in my particular eye condition . At first I was upset as I was seeing him for over 10 yrs , but he was right to send me to the ophthalmologist I have now cause he is young, very well educated in my condition which is all he does mainly , and he has a wonderful friendly personality , jokes around , and I feel very well cared for and comfortable knowing if a problem arises he will see me immediately, it has happened a couple of times and he has.

Now my primary just very recently retired so I had to find someone new and decided on a nurse practitioner that I see at my cardiologist office sometimes . I really like her , she's very competent, and very nice and personable. She takes her work seriously whereas my past prinary seemed to go through the motions the sort few years . it's true there is a shortage of primary drs it seems everywhere . Everyone I know actually sees a NP.

I believe nurses know more then some drs do . Hospitals could never survive without good nurses they are invaluable. Anytime I've had a procedure or surgery the nurses are so attentive and caring.

beach-mom · ‎03-09-2010

Thanks for your comments and advice everyone!

Dr. Davis told DH he was taking a month or two off to spend more time with his family. He said he hasn't taken more than one week off in the past three years. And he said he would be back, and he would see us in a year.

I haven't had to go in much, mostly for sinus infections or other URI's. Someone in the office called me a few years ago and asked why I hadn't been in. I said because I hadn't been sick! She said they needed to see me before "the computer" dropped me. So I made an appointment for a "checkup"! LOL!

I've also followed my dermatologist around. I take medication for rosacea. I called my refill in, and the receptionist told me they couldn't refill it unless I came in! That was a first. So I made an appointment. Again, I've known this doctor for a long time, through the birth of her child, and years later, through her divorce and eventual remarriage.

She walked in and while looking at the notes asked me what I was doing there. I told her. She seemed annoyed. She said while I was there she would look at my face. After about one minute she walked out with me, went to the checkout window and told the checkout receptionist there would be no charge. Then she said goodbye to me.

She left that practice a few months later!

What happened to the days when you didn't call for an appointment unless you NEEDED one? It seems they are scheduling people who don't need to be there. And those people are taking time from the ones who do!

tansy · ‎01-02-2011

Years back I decided that I preferred having my care providers be considerably younger than me.

It is upsetting to lose a doctor that you had a good relationship with.

Stray · ‎04-20-2013

I had been with my gyn 1985 - 2020 when he retired. I was heartbroken as he not only saved my life but thru every life stage, he adjusted my care. I worked OB/GYN the first 20 yrs of my career in NYC and no one was like him & the best hands. He was more like my PCP as I could discuss anything with him. I have a new gyn & only have to go every 2 yrs now. She’s nice but not like Dr B. He loved his profession & it showed.

He referred me to a wonderful breast surgeon who I loved as well. He retired & died less than a year later of pancreatic cancer. I miss him as I am in need of a breast specialist after my last mammogram but will never find anyone as kind or sweet natured and good as he was.

It’s hard as you get older & must find new health care

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@ID2 wrote:
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.

@ID2 @beach-mom

I think it's important to point out here that it's always good to have a set of "fresh eyes" see, examine and learn about you.

SaveTheTurtles · ‎10-09-2023

@beach-mom This same scenario happened with my pcp about 5 years ago. They sold their practice to another system, moved like 30 miles away and then the new system built them a new building back in the original city. We followed them around and are still with them today. However, it's nothing like when they were in private practice and independent physicians. But, in order to keep up and make any money they had to go this route. Hospital systems gobble up the private practices.

ScrapHappy · ‎03-28-2010

I watched a news show and it was about a group of physicians making their own union. They were fed up with all the paperwork, less time with patients and overall care they were directed to give to their patients (part of a hospital network). The physicians all voted for the union but it will still time a lot of time to get thru the entire process.

wilma · ‎03-13-2010

I've had several of my doctors & specialists retire in the last several years. Since I am in my 60s, and most of my doctors are older than me, I knew this would happen eventually. Still, it's difficult when you've been going to the same doctors for many years. My dentist and gynecologist are about 10 years younger than me so I still have a bit of time left with them before they retire.

The most difficult doctor to lose was my Internist. I have several chronic health issues, and he oversaw my care and kept all my other doctors and specialists informed for 40 years. He kept up with the latest treatments and info. He had a great bedside manner which is very important to me, and gave me great care. Our last visit was quite emotional. He told me he was sorry he wouldn't be here for me anymore.

At my last visit, we talked about choices to replace him as my doctor. It's a large practice associated with a hospital. Since I have several complicated health issues, he wanted me choose a physician. Family members who see the same doctor, but have no real health issues were assigned NPs and PAs.

The female doctor is very popular, but very difficult to get an appointment with; could take months, so I vetoed that one. The other choices were an older established doctor with the practice, or a new younger doctor specifically brought in to replace my doctor. My doctor said he thought either would be fine. After talking it over, he assigned me the younger doctor. I will see him for the first time in March. Will definitely be different. Hope it works out.

Wishing Everyone Good Health!

RedTop · ‎09-01-2010

My area of southern WV has very few private practice physicians. The trend here is clinics staffed by DO's, PA's and NP's.

When my provider closes his office, I'm picking the closest clinic. My provider only does in office care; hospitalists take care of all patients admitted to the hospital. It won't be a big deal for me if/when he moves on.

hyacinth003 · ‎03-12-2010

Shortly after being diagnosed with breast cancer, I lost both my doctors. The oncologist (who I really liked) left to join another practice. She told me that she thought about me when trying to make a decision. She felt like she was abandoning me, and I had such a rough time with chemo and she wanted to stay with me. I would have stayed wiith her if she didn't go too far. I am not super happy with the other doctor who take her place. Makes a lot of difference.

Then I lose my primary doctor. He decides to go off on his own to a "concierge" practice. You can use insurance for tests, meds, etc. You pay $2,500 per year for unlimited doctor visits. I might consider it as I really liked him. Course, I already pay nearly $575/month for my insurance (same for husband), so we pay plenty now!

My husband and daughter have also had their doctors leave. They said that they have had it.

It's all been made crazy!

Hyacinth