When we were thinking of moving here, one of the deciding factors was The Villages Health System and the presence of such a large Regional Medical Center so nearby. It seemed like a very important part of the retirement decision, and we moved here.
When I went to The Villages Health System at Sumter Landing to get a new primary care doctor I was surprised and disappointed to learn that you have to use United Health Care Medicare Advantage plan or they won't accept you. It so happens that I have United Healthcare group insurance, but it didn't matter: give up your Medicare or don't come here. All those nice neighborhood medical facilities were not for me.
My 104 year old mother fainted at her nursing home and she was sent to the Regional Medical center for evaluation and treatment. When I went there she was in an exam room and as I looked around I saw IV needle caps on the floor and small alcohol prep pads with blood on them lying on the floor. The sink in the room was loose on the wall. Altogether second rate. I say that with some knowledge as I was a fire rescue paramedic in Miami for 30 years and I've seen many emergency rooms but never one like this.
More recently my wife's mother visited and became very ill. She was transported to the Regional Medical Center where she was examined and then left lying on a gurney for more than 12 hours, in the hallway of the emergency room. Eventually she was admitted and her treatment was very good. One of the ER staff explained that during the season the demand for rooms and services is beyond their ability to keep up. I actually understand that but something needs to be done.
In an earlier post someone gave directions to two medical centers in Ocala. That's too far in a heart attack or stroke situation, but for more routine things that's where I'll go.
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