[Frangyomory]

Because I am in a PPO I have to follow a list of doctors in order to have coverage. My biggest problem is finding an English speaking doctor. There are a lot of doctors here but not all speak English and not all are very good. At my age, 64, I need a specialist in Internal Medicine. I am diabetic; have heart issues and back problems so a general practitioner won't work for me.

Went to ExpressCare in Leesburg and over the months it got intolerable. Never saw a doctor but had many, many tests ordered. Ultimately left and now see Dr. Schwartz at Sumter Landing. He is very bright and personable but you do have to wait to see him. This is a major problem, waiting and getting appointments.

I fear doctors who are not educated in this country, always have. I don't know what is required for them to pass in overseas medical schools and do not trust the schools in the "islands" because I have seen 60 Minutes stories about them.

I don't know how foreign doctors are credentialled here and if they are required to do internship and residency in our hospitals. What tests do they have to pass, etc. Also, a doctor being "board eligible" is not the same as "board certified" in a particular speciality. Graduates from medical school are board eligible....to take the credentialling tests. Those who are board certified have passed the appropriate tests. Lots of HMOs have "board eligible" doctors and that won't work for many.

So, I am still, after almost two years, on the horns of a dilemma about medical care here.