They Did What! - Page 2

IMW · ‎06-15-2014

It is terribly upsetting not to be alerted of such a drastic change. It has happened to me over and over and over.

This healthcare situation is a nightmare.

I guess the answer is to roll with the punches, but as I get older and have more health issues I find it very, very challenging.

I wish you luck, the posts have given some great ideas

re finding a new md.

kelsey17 · ‎04-10-2012

It is def changing......every doc i have has been taken over by other "large corporations" and the service has def been effected..............i also had to go to a doc the other day and got the "pad" to fill info out on and i agree....the "germs"

creeped me out............second (not at this appt because i REQUESTED the main doc) they often try to schedule you with a Physicians Assistant INSTEAD of your reg doc (and you still pay the same!!)..........i have had 3 instances at different docs with the Phys Assit and EACH time it didn'tcorrect the problem and i had to go BACK and request to see my REG doc.....................its a nightmare.

It doesn't seem "personal" anymore....more like an assembly line....................and EVERYTIME i go to an appt i have to fill out papers or pad.....ridiculous.........

Dawnie · ‎03-09-2010

Here in SW FL I called over ten physicians. Not taking new patients or a six month wait. The hospital did a sweep, two of my physicians retired. With no replacement. One got a replacement six mos later. I have an appt March 2020. Meanwhile, 3 weeks to see her PA.
Big groups coming in and buying up practices. Doctors that work for the hospital stressed and underpaid, hence leaving area.
Something to consider if relocating!

sweetee2 · ‎06-21-2015

We did receive a letter saying 1 of the Doctor's was leaving and going to practice at a local hospital, but we said there are still 3 left so it didn't matter.

millieshops · ‎03-09-2010

Just over a year ago, one of my doctors took a few minutes to discuss the future of medicine - not in a political sense or a research sense, just observations based on his interests and knowledge.

The one comment that still reverberates in my head was his saying there's going to be a world-wide doctor shortage. He even said that because of my age (late 70's now), I will not be hard hit by the shortage, but he felt even he (I think he'd late 50's) will feel that shortage.

Already, though, I'm finding more and more occasions when all appointments with my own doctors have to be booked months in advance. That works fine for routine needs but not so much when one of those routine visits uncovers a new issue. Needless to say, probably, at my age new issues are just lurking, waiting to attack.

Nightowlz · ‎03-11-2010

Sounds like they are worse about it where you live.

Since my doctor has retired I have been to several doctors. The one that took over his practice told me to find another doctor. I'm pretty sure it's because I would not switch from my natural NP Thyroid medication to their synthetic version levothyroxine.

Have been to several & don't like the one I was left with when my doctor left to go out on his own not excepting Insurance.

At least the hospital the doctors are affiliated with send out a letter when a doctor gets ready to close practice, move etc showing all doctors taking new patients.

I don't really care anything about seeing these doctors that are half my age.

If I could get my thyroid medication without seeing a doctor I would never go back. Wish I could find an alternative.

Mz iMac · ‎07-26-2014

You all w/dr problems have you considered finding concierge doctors?

"Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."

skatting44 · ‎07-26-2019

@millieshops wrote:
Just over a year ago, one of my doctors took a few minutes to discuss the future of medicine - not in a political sense or a research sense, just observations based on his interests and knowledge.

The one comment that still reverberates in my head was his saying there's going to be a world-wide doctor shortage. He even said that because of my age (late 70's now), I will not be hard hit by the shortage, but he felt even he (I think he'd late 50's) will feel that shortage.

Already, though, I'm finding more and more occasions when all appointments with my own doctors have to be booked months in advance. That works fine for routine needs but not so much when one of those routine visits uncovers a new issue. Needless to say, probably, at my age new issues are just lurking, waiting to attack.

Several of my friends are MD's . Some of them have had their own private practice , some worked with groups and some were inpt hospital staff. They all tell me there's going to be a massive shortage as you have pointed out due not only to the average age of physicians but many have issues with Medicare rates & receiving payment.

A couple of my Nurse friends and I used to joke that if one of us became ill in the hospital we'd go and help take care of each other because of the Nursing shortage ..

Meowingkitty · ‎06-19-2010

@Mz iMac wrote:
You all w/dr problems have you considered finding concierge doctors?

I'm 64 years old and only see my doctor once a year for blood tests and a general checkup. I'm not taking any meds and have no issues. I see no reason to pay that kind of money for once a year. Maybe if I had lots of issues and took tons of drugs it might be worth it.

Toppers3 · ‎10-25-2016

@millieshops wrote:
Just over a year ago, one of my doctors took a few minutes to discuss the future of medicine - not in a political sense or a research sense, just observations based on his interests and knowledge.

The one comment that still reverberates in my head was his saying there's going to be a world-wide doctor shortage. He even said that because of my age (late 70's now), I will not be hard hit by the shortage, but he felt even he (I think he'd late 50's) will feel that shortage.

Already, though, I'm finding more and more occasions when all appointments with my own doctors have to be booked months in advance. That works fine for routine needs but not so much when one of those routine visits uncovers a new issue. Needless to say, probably, at my age new issues are just lurking, waiting to attack.

My husband and I have both noticed that many times when we have a doctor's office visit, sometimes we'll be seen either by an NP or a PA-C, and not necessarily by the doctor himself.

We have talked about it, and it doesn't really matter to either of us, as long as we're seen by someone.

This is true especially if we've been waiting for the appointment for some time, and either one of us has especially not been feeling too well.

I'm thinking that more of our health care may be headed in this direction, where we'll be seeing more NPs and PA-Cs for care.