[ssmith]

.....I work in Cardiology up North....I am worried about the Medical there too. I have seen the medical profession decide they run like a business...I do understand....they need to pay bills too.....but I believe in some cases it has become a moral issue. You see Medicare does not pay well....most in that area are on Medicare....too much hastle. Why would a doctor move there to practice when he can make more money elsewhere....with less Medicare patients....where in Ocala or elsewhere there is a lesser percentage of Medicare patients. Sorry just reality! We have similar issue up north...most Cardiology patients are on Medicare....we have had to make some drastic decisions regarding this to make it profitable.

I wonder if many temp visitors go to the ER cause of insurance...less hastle. I also wonder if some go to the ER cause the flu can be quite serious for the those with compromised health issues (ie already have heart issues etc).

I do agree about calling EMS....what may seem like a simple issue with chest pain etc can quickly become life threatening and I feel sorry for the loved one put in that position of driving and then someone becomes critical on the way. With this being said....common sense should rule....No need for EMS for fever and chills ...if you get my drift.

Again I am glad there is good medical just 1/2 hr away and at times I do know that you should not drive that far if it is a very dire situaltion but...in many major cities it takes a half hours to just go a few miles so be sure to weigh that in the decision process as well.

Take care all of you and glad this is coming to the forefront so everyone can make wise decisions. It definitely would not keep me from moving there if only I could.