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Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,992
Registered: ‎03-16-2010

Did you ever pick the wrong Doc?

After retiring and moving to a new community, I had to set up my entire medical group. It's all gone smoothly except for the PCP.

 

I liked my new doc but could NEVER see her. (This is not a discussion about the conpentency of NP of PA's) I was ALWAYS diverted to some else in the practice. So I decided to make a change. 

 

The new doc had good credentials. My visit was so disappointing. No eye contact--no personality--seemed bored--It just is not going to work. I typed out 1/2 page relavant points about my health and she would ask my questions from the computer screen prompts. I would say "I think that is on my sheet." She said she was going to step out and order blood work. Never came back in and never said "do you have any questions?" If she had I was prepared to say "Am I a good fit for your practice?"

 

New doc already got my records! I might have to limp along for 12 months and try again. I don't think Medicare wil be happy if I try a new doc now. 

 

Now I feel better talking to you all and my hubby thanks you for listening!

Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,776
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

Re: Did you ever pick the wrong Doc?

[ Edited ]

New eye doc....YELLED at me because he "figured" I must be deaf.   Then he treated me like a child because he figured I was senile.   THEN told me I was almost blind because he thought I was dumb.   

 

Prescribed new glasses, and they were no different script than the previous one.....      Where do these "professionals" get their training???

♥Surface of the Sun♥
Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,753
Registered: ‎08-16-2016

Re: Did you ever pick the wrong Doc?

No reason not to change right now if you don't think you've got the right doc.

 

Medicare has no rules about this as far as I know, and most clinics expect it and don't take it personally. Your health and comfort is a higher priority than trying to accommodate the providers, because you never know when you might have an urgent issue and really need someone you already know and trust.

 

That said, I'd never suggest being critical in even the slightest way about your PCP--it's just mutual no-fault incompatibility. That can happen in any relationship.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,662
Registered: ‎07-18-2013

Re: Did you ever pick the wrong Doc?

I think all the docs have to ask the questions and enter info on the computer screen as it is part of their documentation requirements.  I find taking in information doesn't help the visit and you will be given the forms and asked the questions they are "supposed" to do.   I now only take an updated list of my medications and hand it to the nurse who is doing my vitals and covering medication information or use it to respond to her/his questions about meds. That way I know the dosage information is correct.   I keep this on my computer and print out for each doctor visit.  When I take a sheet with information about my diagnoses,  I use it to be sure I cover the information with the doc and I don't give it to  them to read because the doc will still ask the questions.  I look on answering the medical questions as a time to build my doc/patient relationship.  I suspect this doc didn't find you particularly cooperative either.  

 

My experience is that when the doc says they are stepping out to order labs or medications  etc. that is the end of the visit and they don't come back in.   The nurse comes back in and gives you your sheet to take to the check out window.  That sounds normal for all the offices I go to.  

 

I would research your Medicare guidelines to see if you can change docs again.   

If my dog doesn't like you, neither do I.
Honored Contributor
Posts: 12,295
Registered: ‎03-27-2010

Re: Did you ever pick the wrong Doc?

@granddi @Jk9  And this is practicing medicine.  I think being a medical doctor must be as frustrating today as it is for the patient.  I met someone yesterday that said he and his wife pay additional coverage for "concierge" doctors...meaning they pay extra to see doctors that consult with a few patients a day rather than dozens.  @granddi   I hope you find an acceptable doctor.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,401
Registered: ‎07-15-2016

Re: Did you ever pick the wrong Doc?

I've been lucky.   Even with referrals, medical group changes, etc.

 

Medical records are all computerized - and I've stayed within the same network - no matter which doc I saw.

 

 

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,662
Registered: ‎07-18-2013

Re: Did you ever pick the wrong Doc?

@phoenixbrd There is a medical practice near me that provides "concierge" services.   Sad that individual attention is considered an add on...  

If my dog doesn't like you, neither do I.
Valued Contributor
Posts: 804
Registered: ‎02-02-2021

Re: Did you ever pick the wrong Doc?

[ Edited ]

When I moved to the "sticks" after being a big city girl all my life..I had and still have the opposite problem,..All the Drs. are in the "medical clinic" in the local hospital..

Everytime I get used to a new Dr. or Specialist they leave and I have no choice but to start all over with someone new..

They seem to use this place as a stepping stone for their resume.

 

In 7 yrs. I have had 6 specialists for 1 thing leave and I've had 4 different Primary's.

When a new one comes in ..I have to get on a waiting list for an appt.!..

Right now(6 months) I am waiting for them to get a new specialist..that I need to see for a chronic problem..without going 80 miles away.

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 33,580
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Did you ever pick the wrong Doc?

I don't know what the rules are for medicare but in my area, with most practices, in order to switch PCPs you have to become an established patient with the practice.  That means you have to have a wellness exam with them first.  And many practices have a wait time of 8-12 months for a wellness exam.  Not to mention my insurance will pay for 1 wellness exam per year.  

 

If you aren't established is a PCP and you have an illness, you are almost forced to an Urgent Care because no one will take you if you aren't considered their patient.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,992
Registered: ‎03-16-2010

Re: Did you ever pick the wrong Doc?


@Jk9 wrote:

@phoenixbrd There is a medical practice near me that provides "concierge" services.   Sad that individual attention is considered an add on...  


 

 

I'm going to research this and it probably varies by provider group. And the question is will a concierge practice accept Medicare (or other insurance) and bill for services that insurance will cover. And then just sign an ABN for "non-covered" services. 

I asked a cardiologist for a calcium score test. Her response was that it is not covered by insurance. Me: Thank you for the information. I want the referral for the test and will private pay.

 

Has anyone had any success with a hybrid system of partly insurance and partly private paid services?

 

You said it all "individual attention is considered an add on"

 

Yes, information must be entered into the electronic records. But sometimes my history does not fit into check off boxes.