[CFrance]

Originally Posted by sunny70

I have to support what OP said. I was with the Villages Health from day one. Happy with my doctor. Unfortunately, she was popular and after a couple years of just seeing her for the six month check up I came down with a horrible cough. After trying to contain it with Over the Counter Meds, I called to get in. NOPE! Had to see the PA. She gave me some meds and sent me home. Meds didn't work and I went back after a week to see my Doc. NOPE! Had to see the PA. She gave me more meds. Four days later I was taken by EMT to The Villages Hospital Where I spent four days having been diagnosed with Pneumonia. Had my DOCTOR seen me, I believe she would have ordered an X-Ray and then hopefully ordered a C Scan. She has since retired. I loved the next doctor I had for a year, but she moved "back home" to VA. So, the Third doctor was my last. I also was very happy with her for several years of just going for my regular checks. This past July I had some serious Back Issues and called to ask her to order a MRI. The PA was rude and it two days of calling to get it done. I won't go into all the details, but several weeks later I was having extreme pain in my Back and Side. I called to see my Doctor and the lady at the desk said NO WAY! She didn't have any open appointments for 3 months. Of course,I could see the PA! I asked exactly WHO does the Doctor see if she doesn't have openings and she said the people who have regular check up appointments. So I finally went to the PA who told me I had an irritated stomach and should buy ProBiotics. I didn't do it! I knew she was wrong! Two days later my husband took me to Urgent Care and I was diagnosed with Shingles! Two shots and three Prescriptions later I was out the door and felt much better in a couple days. My point being, I don't see what good it does to see a DOCTOR when you're feeling good, but not be able to see that Doctor when you are very Ill. I've lived in The Villages for 15 years and watched The Villages Health from start to present. I think they are filling their care centers with PA's and not enough doctors. I left this January, found a doctor at Laural Manor that I am very happy with and she told me they do NOT employ PA's! She said I will see HER unless she is out sick! That's the way it

My story is not unusual. I have many friends in my Little Enclave who go to The Villages Health and are experiencing the same thing. Always the PA is the only person who will see them. Some have left, some don't mind. I guess it's a personal decision!

I have had a similar bad experience with a PA totally misdiagnosing a medical condition. Thank goodness it wasn't anything serious. But other than the derm, I won't go to a doctor who uses a PA. I'm paying for the doctor; I want the doctor and his attendant medical education.