Unfortunately, I can't steer you toward a good internist...wish I knew one. But I can comment on the reason for everyone's frustrations. It may be that we're in Florida, but more likely it's a sign of the times.
I used to go to a husband/wife practice in South FL. She is an internist; he's a gastroenterologist. I'll quote from a letter they sent when they converted their practice to "concierge" status in late 2007:
"The pressures of our patient volume, decreasing reimbursements from Medicare and private insurance companies, sky-rocketing expenses and high malpractice insurance premiums, have taken away from the satisfaction of practicing medicine and considerably limits the amount of time needed to provide the highest quality care to our patients...we can no longer absorb the fee cuts and meet our obligations."
The fee to sign on as a concierge patient was $1,800 per year. In return they promised to limit their practice to 450 patients each in a "smaller, nonchaotic" environment.
So I think the main problem, is the Medicare/insurance co. rate of reimbursement. Also, it's probably more difficult to have an organized practice as an internist as people are calling in sick and have to be squeeze in.
I didn't sign up for the $1,800 fee as I knew we'd be moving. But neither have I found an internist. Your problems sound serious, so I hope you are able to solve your dilemma satisfactorily and soon.
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