The Villages Regional Hospital Jammed

[Carl in Tampa]

Well, apparently the stress of packing for a move and putting her house on the market caught up with Barbara and she made a 911 trip to The Villages Regional Hospital last night.

Arriving at the Emergency Room by ambulance meant that she was seen immediately, and she was tucked into a cubicle in the ER, where she is still housed at 4:15PM the next day.

She and about twenty other people are in the ER waiting for people to check out upstairs so they can be moved to a room. When she arrived last night there were 100 people in the ER waiting room.

Apparently a lot of the crowd was stricken by the Flu. In fact, there is so much Flu in the ER area that people are not allowed to visit patients who are in the ER awaiting being moved upstairs.

Barbara's problem is not the Flu, so she is being kept away from other ER patients. Hopefully, she will be treated and released in a couple of days.

Be careful about your health in this Flu season.

[FMF Doc]

Have a friend with her Mom in Leesburg Regional Hospital. She has been waiting for a room since last night. Sounds like the same scenario.

[aletarw]

Well, apparently the stress of packing for a move and putting her house on the market caught up with Barbara and she made a 911 trip to The Villages Regional Hospital last night.

Arriving at the Emergency Room by ambulance meant that she was seen immediately, and she was tucked into a cubicle in the ER, where she is still housed at 4:15PM the next day.

She and about twenty other people are in the ER waiting for people to check out upstairs so they can be moved to a room. When she arrived last night there were 100 people in the ER waiting room.

Apparently a lot of the crowd was stricken by the Flu. In fact, there is so much Flu in the ER area that people are not allowed to visit patients who are in the ER awaiting being moved upstairs.

Barbara's problem is not the Flu, so she is being kept away from other ER patients. Hopefully, she will be treated and released in a couple of days.

Be careful about your health in this Flu season.
I am considering moving to the Villages. Hospital crowding concerns me. Is this normal for hospitals in the Villages?

[asianthree]

I am considering moving to the Villages. Hospital crowding concerns me. Is this normal for hospitals in the Villages?

Right now it’s normal in many states. Up north we are at 100% and have been for 13 days. The flu has hit hard for not only seniors, but kids as well.

[New Englander]

This years Flu Bug is reaping havoc. Many hospitals around the country are being deluged with people very sick with it.

[Carl in Tampa]

I am considering moving to the Villages. Hospital crowding concerns me. Is this normal for hospitals in the Villages?

The Villages Regional Hospital is the only hospital actually located in The Villages. Being convenient for getting to, it is sometimes overwhelmed by things such as a flu epidemic. However, there are a couple of other hospitals just a short trip away.

Additionally, there are a number of Urgent Care Clinics in and around The Villages, which are geared for problems like sports injuries (Pickleball players) and illnesses that do not require hospitalization.

It has been my general practice to be treated at Urgent Care offices. On one occasion the doctor identified a life threatening condition and I was immediately transferred to the hospital.

If someone's condition is not urgently life threatening, excellent medical attention is available at various specialty hospitals in Tampa, which is an hour and a half drive south of The Villages, and in the highly regarded Shands Hospital in Gainesville, just over an hours drive north of The Villages.

[Wiotte]

The Villages Regional Hospital is the only hospital actually located in The Villages. Being convenient for getting to, it is sometimes overwhelmed by things such as a flu epidemic. However, there are a couple of other hospitals just a short trip away.



Additionally, there are a number of Urgent Care Clinics in and around The Villages, which are geared for problems like sports injuries (Pickleball players) and illnesses that do not require hospitalization.



It has been my general practice to be treated at Urgent Care offices. On one occasion the doctor identified a life threatening condition and I was immediately transferred to the hospital.



If someone's condition is not urgently life threatening, excellent medical attention is available at various specialty hospitals in Tampa, which is an hour and a half drive south of The Villages, and in the highly regarded Shands Hospital in Gainesville, just over an hours drive north of The Villages.



If you live in TV south of Hillsborough Trail, Leesburg Regional is closer. Head east on SR44, no roundabouts.


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[pauld315]

I went to the doctor's office in my town in NC today and it was packed, A lot of people in there wearing masks. I make sure I touch nothing and used purell 3 times while i was in there.

[fw102807]

The problem is that they are so inefficient at discharging people. My husband was admitted last year for a cardiac stent. He was cleared to leave the following morning by his cardiologist but had to wait all day to be discharged by the admitting physician.

[starflyte1]

Isn't Leesburg Hospital owned and managed by the same group that has The Villages Hospital? There is Monroe and West County Marion in Ocala. Monroe would be choice.

[dbussone]

I am considering moving to the Villages. Hospital crowding concerns me. Is this normal for hospitals in the Villages?



Hospital crowding is an issue all over the country during a serious flu season.


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[dillywho]

The problem is that they are so inefficient at discharging people. My husband was admitted last year for a cardiac stent. He was cleared to leave the following morning by his cardiologist but had to wait all day to be discharged by the admitting physician.

Please understand that it is not an efficiency problem. It is a process. Many of the physicians will explain to patients (when they have the time) that just because he/she says you can go home, it does not mean that getting there will be quick.

That doctor will have to see the remainder of his/her patients on that floor, go to the desk and write up all orders, many of which may or may not be dismissals. They do them all at once, not one at a time. This has to occur with any and all doctors who are or have been involved in your care. All doctors do not make rounds at the same time and some have patients on more than one floor or section, which means that your floor may be the last one they get to. Some may have already "dismissed" you from their care, but not from the hospital. It just means that there is no need for them to be involved any longer. Once this is done, the nurse has to prepare the paperwork, sometimes requiring that nurse to call and arrange any followup appointments if requested by the doctor to do so; that just depends on how each individual doctor handles dismissals. Any and all IV's must be removed (if not already out), telemetry monitors removed, and you have to go over the paperwork with your nurse and then sign it. Meanwhile, that same nurse will also have some new admits coming to the floor which can require that he/she drop everything else and do what has to be done with/for them. In the midst of all this, some patients who are neither being dismissed nor admitted, will press their call buttons for numerous reasons and those must be addressed. Dismissals go to the bottom of the priority list. When all is said and done, then someone has to be called to transport you to your vehicle for your ride home. Depending on the number leaving at the same time, this can also take a little while.

With hospitals at capacity and so many having to wait hours to be admitted, they do their very best to get patients ready for dismissal as quickly as possible. They understand the urgency of getting patients out of the ER, Cath Lab, Surgery, etc. for care. They also understand that once you have been told by so much as one doctor, you are ready! Even when patients do leave, all the cleaning and preparation has to be done before others can be brought to the floor and room.

Just remember, home is not going anywhere. It is still there, awaiting your return along with any pets you may have. They are just as anxious to see you as you are them and your spouse is ready for your return.

I sincerely hope your husband is doing well. Stents are an awesome lifesaving invention.

[Arlington2]

Please understand that it is not an efficiency problem. It is a process. Many of the physicians will explain to patients (when they have the time) that just because he/she says you can go home, it does not mean that getting there will be quick.

I recently had a TV Emergency room into the hospital experience. In the late afternoon I had chest pains and was immediately taken in for an EKG .The waiting room was about 3/4 full. When it was determined my condition was not life threatening but serious enough for more attention I was no longer top priority which I understood and accepted. After approximately 5 hours I was sent to a bed in the emergency section with the expectation I might spend the night there unless something opened in the hospital which it did about 2 hours later. 2 days later I was discharged in the late afternoon. The discharge process took about 2 hours from the time the cardiologist said I was to be discharged and the actual discharge. While there I was told that on another floor the flu patients overwhelmed the hospital and beds were in the hallway. I believe the process worked in my case. It is designed to attend to the most needy and patient safety - definitely not for patient convenience. By the way the staff was excellent through the process. I would absolutely go the TV hospital next time a real emergency need arises, but to a urgent care if not life threatening.

[fw102807]

Please understand that it is not an efficiency problem. It is a process. Many of the physicians will explain to patients (when they have the time) that just because he/she says you can go home, it does not mean that getting there will be quick.

That doctor will have to see the remainder of his/her patients on that floor, go to the desk and write up all orders, many of which may or may not be dismissals. They do them all at once, not one at a time. This has to occur with any and all doctors who are or have been involved in your care. All doctors do not make rounds at the same time and some have patients on more than one floor or section, which means that your floor may be the last one they get to. Some may have already "dismissed" you from their care, but not from the hospital. It just means that there is no need for them to be involved any longer. Once this is done, the nurse has to prepare the paperwork, sometimes requiring that nurse to call and arrange any followup appointments if requested by the doctor to do so; that just depends on how each individual doctor handles dismissals. Any and all IV's must be removed (if not already out), telemetry monitors removed, and you have to go over the paperwork with your nurse and then sign it. Meanwhile, that same nurse will also have some new admits coming to the floor which can require that he/she drop everything else and do what has to be done with/for them. In the midst of all this, some patients who are neither being dismissed nor admitted, will press their call buttons for numerous reasons and those must be addressed. Dismissals go to the bottom of the priority list. When all is said and done, then someone has to be called to transport you to your vehicle for your ride home. Depending on the number leaving at the same time, this can also take a little while.

With hospitals at capacity and so many having to wait hours to be admitted, they do their very best to get patients ready for dismissal as quickly as possible. They understand the urgency of getting patients out of the ER, Cath Lab, Surgery, etc. for care. They also understand that once you have been told by so much as one doctor, you are ready! Even when patients do leave, all the cleaning and preparation has to be done before others can be brought to the floor and room.

Just remember, home is not going anywhere. It is still there, awaiting your return along with any pets you may have. They are just as anxious to see you as you are them and your spouse is ready for your return.

I sincerely hope your husband is doing well. Stents are an awesome lifesaving invention.

Still it is a process that ties up much needed beds. In our case it was a physician who came in after he was done seeing his own private practice patient for the day. We did not get out until 6:00.

[graciegirl]

Still it is a process that ties up much needed beds. In our case it was a physician who came in after he was done seeing his own private practice patient for the day. We did not get out until 6:00.

The doctor who released me, signed my papers so I could go home a few weeks ago at TVRH was also my own PCP and I went home at nine in the evening after an eight day stay to the Christmas that we had all been waiting for.

During that time, every day, I saw my cardiologist early in the morning and after supper, and my PCP at all hours too.

I realized personally the long days that doctors commit themselves to.

Thank God for them and for TVRH.

[capecoralbill]

I was in a semi private room after my 'outpatient' surgery in December 2017 , but I had to wait 4 hours to be discharged by the admitting physician. They do have bottlenecks over there.

[Bonny]

I was admitted to the hospital twice in the last couple of weeks.
People need to realize that everything, including discharge is a process involving many different medical personnel in the hospital.
"Dillywho" pretty well hit the nail on the head, so I won't repeat any of that.
The ER was packed and it did take a bit to get a room, however, in the meantime, I had very good care in the room I had in the ER & wonderful care, as always, while in the hospital.

[billethkid]

All descriptions of "process" are reasonable explanations.

However, there is no doubt the archaic, multi level approval....when available, does lack efficiency.

I personally believe current communications technology already residing within the hospital systems could easily accommodate improvement in the discharge process.

Further, I suspect the approval redundancy has much to do with litigation avoidance and billing and not much to do with efficiency.

The process for sure could stand to be improved.

[MrGolf]

I had the same issue with discharging so I signed an AMA (against medical advise) and checked myself out. That was after waiting almost 5 hours for the hospitalist to return from Leesburg to sign me out

[fw102807]

All descriptions of "process" are reasonable explanations.

However, there is no doubt the archaic, multi level approval....when available, does lack efficiency.

I personally believe current communications technology already residing within the hospital systems could easily accommodate improvement in the discharge process.

Further, I suspect the approval redundancy has much to do with litigation avoidance and billing and not much to do with efficiency.

The process for sure could stand to be improved.

Couldn't have said it better

[dbussone]

I had the same issue with discharging so I signed an AMA (against medical advise) and checked myself out. That was after waiting almost 5 hours for the hospitalist to return from Leesburg to sign me out



If the Hospitalist is NOT your attending MD (he/she is not the primary determinant of your care) his/her orders are subservient to the physician who admitted you. The admitting physicians discharge orders take precedence and you have no need to wait around. The Hospitalists are agents of the hospital and are not ultimately responsible for your care unless your admitting doc gives them that authority.

The hospitalist is primarily there to make sure that your care has met the standards required for reimbursement.

Learn to become your own advocate. SPEAK UP!

Another bottleneck in the care provided locally that is easily fixed.


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[Hancle704]

What if the admitting doctor was the ER doctor?

[CFrance]

If the Hospitalist is NOT your attending MD (he/she is not the primary determinant of your care) his/her orders are subservient to the physician who admitted you. The admitting physicians discharge orders take precedence and you have no need to wait around. The Hospitalists are agents of the hospital and are not ultimately responsible for your care unless your admitting doc gives them that authority.

The hospitalist is primarily there to make sure that your care has met the standards required for reimbursement.

Learn to become your own advocate. SPEAK UP!

Another bottleneck in the care provided locally that is easily fixed.


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And good to know this information, db. We had a similar problem two summers ago. But where does one go (besides you, and thank you) to get such information? It could have saved us a few hours. Plus I'm wondering what else we don't know that could speed things along.

[dillywho]

Bottom line is, patients not going home take precedence. You have probably been there at least one day, possibly more, so what is a few more hours?

As for the physician not showing up until after he had seen all his office patients, would you be a happy patient in his office if he didn't? People here already scream loud enough at the doctors office about taking too long to be seen. Medicine is not fast food nor should it be handled as such. Every patient is important to the doctors, nurses, ER, first responders, etc. Otherwise, none of them would be in the business of putting up with the abuses they endure on an almost daily basis. They know you don't feel well and would most certainly prefer to be elsewhere and cut you some slack. How about doing the same for them? Until the day comes that all phases of medicine can be one on one, then we just have to live within what we have. I certainly cannot fathom ever having that day, but who knows. People once thought of travel to the moon and back impossible.

[billethkid]

Bottom line is, patients not going home take precedence. You have probably been there at least one day, possibly more, so what is a few more hours?

As for the physician not showing up until after he had seen all his office patients, would you be a happy patient in his office if he didn't? People here already scream loud enough at the doctors office about taking too long to be seen. Medicine is not fast food nor should it be handled as such. Every patient is important to the doctors, nurses, ER, first responders, etc. Otherwise, none of them would be in the business of putting up with the abuses they endure on an almost daily basis. They know you don't feel well and would most certainly prefer to be elsewhere and cut you some slack. How about doing the same for them? Until the day comes that all phases of medicine can be one on one, then we just have to live within what we have. I certainly cannot fathom ever having that day, but who knows. People once thought of travel to the moon and back impossible.

Yes there are issues/problems/etc/etc.
However to "...we just have to live within what we have..."
Such a statement can only be valid with the assumption that what we have is the best it can be under the current capabilities/schedules/circumstances/etc.

Many of us KNOW from experience, that is not the case.

[graciegirl]

Yes there are issues/problems/etc/etc.
However to "...we just have to live within what we have..."
Such a statement can only be valid with the assumption that what we have is the best it can be under the current capabilities/schedules/circumstances/etc.

Many of us KNOW from experience, that is not the case.

I thought Dillywho's post was the best and most valid.

Our youngest daughter, now 52 was first diagnosed at the Cleveland Clinic when she was 18 months old and she began frequent hospitalizations for issues related to her congenital heart problems that slowed down when she had open heart surgery at 16. (That was the dawn of the heart lung machine and skill that brought her living through that kind of surgery to better than 50-50 odds. ) Every time it was time for release was a wait. I remember it well, she was a little munchkin and wanted to get out of there and there was still (I now see) procedures that made us have to wait. This happened time and time again

The reason we consult the medical community and rely on them is because they are experts at what they do. We don't know if our electrolytes are stable or if our last lab tests have been looked at. We don't know how long we need to be breathing "room air" before we can exit stage right. Etc. etc. etc.

I know that some lags at being released are avoidable but ............sometimes we just have to exercise Patience Grasshopper. The world does NOT revolve around us. There are sicker people there who are probably holding up the works. I can't tell you how many code blues I heard when I was recently hospitalized.

[graciegirl]

Bottom line is, patients not going home take precedence. You have probably been there at least one day, possibly more, so what is a few more hours?

As for the physician not showing up until after he had seen all his office patients, would you be a happy patient in his office if he didn't? People here already scream loud enough at the doctors office about taking too long to be seen. Medicine is not fast food nor should it be handled as such. Every patient is important to the doctors, nurses, ER, first responders, etc. Otherwise, none of them would be in the business of putting up with the abuses they endure on an almost daily basis. They know you don't feel well and would most certainly prefer to be elsewhere and cut you some slack. How about doing the same for them? Until the day comes that all phases of medicine can be one on one, then we just have to live within what we have. I certainly cannot fathom ever having that day, but who knows. People once thought of travel to the moon and back impossible.

Bumping Dilly's post. She has much reason to know of what she speaks.

[fw102807]

Bottom line is, patients not going home take precedence. You have probably been there at least one day, possibly more, so what is a few more hours?

As for the physician not showing up until after he had seen all his office patients, would you be a happy patient in his office if he didn't? People here already scream loud enough at the doctors office about taking too long to be seen. Medicine is not fast food nor should it be handled as such. Every patient is important to the doctors, nurses, ER, first responders, etc. Otherwise, none of them would be in the business of putting up with the abuses they endure on an almost daily basis. They know you don't feel well and would most certainly prefer to be elsewhere and cut you some slack. How about doing the same for them? Until the day comes that all phases of medicine can be one on one, then we just have to live within what we have. I certainly cannot fathom ever having that day, but who knows. People once thought of travel to the moon and back impossible.

The issue for me is not having to wait a few more hours but patients in the ER waiting for a bed and patients waiting to get in the ER because of the backup. As was said there has to be a better way.

[graciegirl]

The issue for me is not having to wait a few more hours but patients in the ER waiting for a bed and patients waiting to get in the ER because of the backup. As was said there has to be a better way.

Patients in the ER have a bed and a small room once they are seen at TVRH.... But it is a room and you are constantly watched. ER's all over the country are clogged and there are waits due to the severe flu and here it is worse because people get sicker because they are away from their primary care physician and end up in emergency. It is still Triage. Breathing emergencies are number one...Cardiac and severe bleeding next. Pain is awful but not always life threatening. Sometimes we have to try and see outside the awfulness that is happening to us.

Emergency rooms are jammed everywhere and some of it is because people do not consult a physician when they aren't THAT sick.

long waits in emergency room. - Bing (https://www.bing.com/search?q=long+waits+in+emergency+room.&form=EDGHPT&qs=PF&cvid=21b83f49900b4389831837dda699ff99&refig=1a014a3a582347a0ac83fdf044271e63&cc=US&setlang=en-US&elv=AXK1c4IvZoNqPoPnS%21QRLOMSN6Pb7Bw7oIHylZXygfIA 1UQvlC9QPjTBGcbc01Y7qbtU74XpIyTSmjM9DV32x3haivc%21 a9xF8VlCmXprntGe&PC=DCTS)

[fw102807]

Patients in the ER have a bed and a small room once they are seen at TVRH.... But it is a room and you are constantly watched. ER's all over the country are clogged and there are waits due to the severe flu and here it is worse because people get sicker because they are away from their primary care physician and end up in emergency. It is still Triage. Breathing emergencies are number one...Cardiac and severe bleeding next. Pain is awful but not always life threatening. Sometimes we have to try and see outside the awfulness that is happening to us.

Emergency rooms are jammed everywhere and some of it is because people do not consult a physician when they aren't THAT sick.

long waits in emergency room. - Bing (https://www.bing.com/search?q=long+waits+in+emergency+room.&form=EDGHPT&qs=PF&cvid=21b83f49900b4389831837dda699ff99&refig=1a014a3a582347a0ac83fdf044271e63&cc=US&setlang=en-US&elv=AXK1c4IvZoNqPoPnS%21QRLOMSN6Pb7Bw7oIHylZXygfIA 1UQvlC9QPjTBGcbc01Y7qbtU74XpIyTSmjM9DV32x3haivc%21 a9xF8VlCmXprntGe&PC=DCTS)

That does not mean that there isn't a better way. If everyone just accepted things as the way it is then we would still be getting around in a horse and buggy. There is always a better way it just takes someone to discover it.

[PennBF]

The impact of the Flu is pretty pervasive as we were at Shande's Hospital in Gainesville yesterday and they have set rules that no shaking of hands and only 2 guests per patient regardless of the length of stay. :ho:

[perrjojo]

The issue for me is not having to wait a few more hours but patients in the ER waiting for a bed and patients waiting to get in the ER because of the backup. As was said there has to be a better way.
So true. I came into the hospital through the ER and waited 7 hours In the waiting room and then anotherb12 hours before getting a room. 5 Days latter my Gastrointestinal came by a 7:00 AM and said I was good to go but I had to wait until 7 PM for the ER doctor(who admitted me) to come by and say I could leave. All I could think about was all of those people waiting unnecessarily in the ER.

[MrGolf]

In my case I came in through the ER. Was told the hospitalist was the person responsible for the release. I was sent to the ERfrom my cardiologist.

[dillywho]

That does not mean that there isn't a better way. If everyone just accepted things as the way it is then we would still be getting around in a horse and buggy. There is always a better way it just takes someone to discover it.

I did not mean that there cannot be a better way, but right now there isn't. Until that discovery, and I do believe there are people working on it in the medical arena everywhere, it is what it is. Complaining, or whatever you wish to call it, on TOTV or any other forum is not that discovery.

The backup many times is from patients who use the ER as their primary physician, not just here, everywhere. They are not the only problem, but a very significant part of it. The ones I am talking about are the ones who will not purchase insurance or pay for their care in any manner, yet will have the latest in electronic gadgets, drive nice cars, buy the latest fashion fads, etc. and then depend on the taxpayers for their medical needs whether major or minor.

[dillywho]

So true. I came into the hospital through the ER and waited 7 hours In the waiting room and then anotherb12 hours before getting a room. 5 Days latter my Gastrointestinal came by a 7:00 AM and said I was good to go but I had to wait until 7 PM for the ER doctor(who admitted me) to come by and say I could leave. All I could think about was all of those people waiting unnecessarily in the ER.

Thank you for thinking of those other people waiting for rooms.

Unfortunately, the hospital cannot chance pulling the ER doctor away from there long enough to dismiss patients. My guess is, and it is only a guess, that the ER doc comes by at the end of his/her shift and does dismissals. Just because their shift has ended, does not mean that they can hang it up and go home. The same holds true for everyone there. They are simply lucky when they can. Many of the nurses are there after their shifts to finish up the paperwork required at dismissal for their patients. By then, the next shift is seeing to the ones not getting to go home. Too many of us are from occupations that when the clock says it is quitting time, we quit. That never has been, nor will it ever be, in the medical profession.

With the current shortage of doctors and nurses, it may be a while before there is much relief nationwide. Only the truly dedicated are even entering the field, when there are less demanding and lucrative jobs to be had.

[fw102807]

I did not mean that there cannot be a better way, but right now there isn't. Until that discovery, and I do believe there are people working on it in the medical arena everywhere, it is what it is. Complaining, or whatever you wish to call it, on TOTV or any other forum is not that discovery.

The backup many times is from patients who use the ER as their primary physician, not just here, everywhere. They are not the only problem, but a very significant part of it. The ones I am talking about are the ones who will not purchase insurance or pay for their care in any manner, yet will have the latest in electronic gadgets, drive nice cars, buy the latest fashion fads, etc. and then depend on the taxpayers for their medical needs whether major or minor.

I agree that this is not something that is going to be resolved during this flu season. Policies and procedures need to be reviewed and I am sure that technology will play a large part in a solution but public ignorance will always be a challenge. I just do not like hearing people say well that's just the way it is.

[dillywho]

I just do not like hearing people say well that's just the way it is.

I agree, but sometimes it's true. Solutions, like so many other things, just take time. That's not to say they are not out there and you are right, mid-crisis is not the time for those solutions to be explored. Sometimes solutions can come because of the lessons learned during those times.

[graciegirl]

I agree that this is not something that is going to be resolved during this flu season. Policies and procedures need to be reviewed and I am sure that technology will play a large part in a solution but public ignorance will always be a challenge. I just do not like hearing people say well that's just the way it is.


But sometimes...........THAT IS THE TRUTH. I was released to go home at nine O'clock at night by my PCP who did it in person. I had seen him that day at seven in the morning. I was frankly irritated and impatient and grouchy and my dear crew of Henry and Helene had been there with me every waking hour since I was admitted eight days prior, sitting on hard and uncomfortable seats and swearing they weren't.

But I am here. Getting better every day and I have complete trust and even more respect for our doctor. It is not an easy vocation. It may change, the process, and then people will be bringing suit against hospitals for being released too soon.

[dillywho]

But sometimes...........THAT IS THE TRUTH. I was released to go home at nine O'clock at night by my PCP who did it in person. I had seen him that day at seven in the morning. I was frankly irritated and impatient and grouchy and my dear crew of Henry and Helene had been there with me every waking hour since I was admitted eight days prior, sitting on hard and uncomfortable seats and swearing they weren't.

But I am here. Getting better every day and I have complete trust and even more respect for our doctor. It is not an easy vocation. It may change, the process, and then people will be bringing suit against hospitals for being released too soon.

Good point!

[8notes]

That does not mean that there isn't a better way. If everyone just accepted things as the way it is then we would still be getting around in a horse and buggy. There is always a better way it just takes someone to discover it.

:bigbow:

[PennBF]

We love Mayo in Jacksonville and could not even think of going somewhere else. They saved my wife who had Stage 3 Cancer. Having said this she spent 8 days in the hospital and was treated like a queen. The staff, Dr's, aides, etc could not be better as well as the room and all facilities. BUT when she was discharged from the Hospital there was a wait. Not sure how long but it was not immediate. I guess all hospital discharges have a built in wait and so I guess you have to just sick it out!!:ho:

[fw102807]

My point is not that people have to wait to be discharged but that people in the ER have to wait to get the room. On the day my husband went in there were people on gurneys in the hallway waiting for an ER room because people in the rooms were waiting to be admitted and that was last year not now in the middle of a flu epidemic. No one can tell me that there is not a better way to deal with this than to hold people for 10 hours waiting to be discharged. There is ALWAYS room for improvement.

[JoMar]

Things always have solutions when you are on the outside looking in.

[dbussone]

In my case I came in through the ER. Was told the hospitalist was the person responsible for the release. I was sent to the ERfrom my cardiologist.



You have choice as to who your physician of record is. If you don’t have a doc, you will be assigned one. My primary doc will be my physician of record, and if a surgeon or other specialist is needed my primary will request an appropriate consultation.


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[dbussone]

Thank you for thinking of those other people waiting for rooms.



Unfortunately, the hospital cannot chance pulling the ER doctor away from there long enough to dismiss patients. My guess is, and it is only a guess, that the ER doc comes by at the end of his/her shift and does dismissals. Just because their shift has ended, does not mean that they can hang it up and go home. The same holds true for everyone there. They are simply lucky when they can. Many of the nurses are there after their shifts to finish up the paperwork required at dismissal for their patients. By then, the next shift is seeing to the ones not getting to go home. Too many of us are from occupations that when the clock says it is quitting time, we quit. That never has been, nor will it ever be, in the medical profession.



With the current shortage of doctors and nurses, it may be a while before there is much relief nationwide. Only the truly dedicated are even entering the field, when there are less demanding and lucrative jobs to be had.



It’s not the ER doc who discharges patients, it’s a hospitalist- a doc employed by the hospital to care for admitted patients. In many cases the hospitalist is a specialist of one type or another who works hospital shifts for extra money.


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[CFrance]

Things always have solutions when you are on the outside looking in.
Or on the inside looking to get out!

[Dan9871]

hospitalist- a doc employed by the hospital to care for admitted patients.
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Villages Health employs its own hospitalists for Villages Health members that are admitted to Villages Hospital.

[dbussone]

Villages Health employs its own hospitalists for Villages Health members that are admitted to Villages Hospital.



That’s common for large practices, and even insurers like HMOs.


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[dillywho]

Please, no matter your level of frustration with the system, do not take out those frustrations on the nurses and their techs. They are just doing their jobs and do not make policy, procedures, etc.

Just how would it go over with you if your employees did their jobs other than how they were supposed to just because someone else didn't like it or agree with how they were doing it? They would soon be told to seek employment elsewhere and likely, their jobs were not even a matter of life and death, unlike nurses. How long would you have lasted at your job?

How about taking it up with your doctor in the office? Better yet, how about setting up a meeting with those that are in charge of setting in place those policies and procedures? They are the only ones who can effect change. They are also the ones who can better explain the whys.

[fw102807]

Nobody is blaming the staff. The system is the bottleneck.

[dillywho]

Nobody is blaming the staff. The system is the bottleneck.

True, but patients do take it out on them. We've been there enough times to have seen plenty of it. That is why I asked that they take it up with those who can effectively impact the system. Yelling, yes yelling, at the staff is not the way to go.

[vintageogauge]

True, but patients do take it out on them. We've been there enough times to have seen plenty of it. That is why I asked that they take it up with those who can effectively impact the system. Yelling, yes yelling, at the staff is not the way to go.

The way to go is another hospital. I would much rather drive an hour than to set there for 10 hours, assuming I have at least an hour of life left in me. That place is terrible, been there once in an emergency and will never go back, one less person to wait in line for, well 2 more as my wife will never go back either.

[fw102807]

True, but patients do take it out on them. We've been there enough times to have seen plenty of it. That is why I asked that they take it up with those who can effectively impact the system. Yelling, yes yelling, at the staff is not the way to go.

Absolutely 100% agree

[mlmarr1]

Welcome to winter in the south.. biggest healthcare problem is getting and keeping staff, nurses, MA, PA, patients services..
Plus flu is hitting staff hard also.. we are human too.Be well...

[Susan Schonfeld]

But if you have the Villages united health care advantage insurance they won’t pay or at least as much if you go out of the network.

[kleisz2001@yahoo.com]

Almost two years ago I went not once, but twice to Ocala Regional Hospital. Absolutely the best experiences I have ever had in any hospital ER. In and out very quickly both times with prescriptions that they told me I could get for free from Publix, which I did. Awesome!

[kidnerkim]

Summer field urgicare on 441 is wonderful if you are at the Mulberry end of the Villages

[billethkid]

But if you have the Villages united health care advantage insurance they won’t pay or at least as much if you go out of the network.

A major issue when deciding which health coverage to use.
The reason we chose not to participate.
There is no wrong or right.....a very personal decision/choice.

[OhioBuckeye]

I am considering moving to the Villages. Hospital crowding concerns me. Is this normal for hospitals in the Villages?

I'm sure the Villages hospital is a good hospital for certain things but I'm really surprised with over 100,000 retirees here that they don't have a heart ward & do heart surgeries here. When I first moved here I had a 5 way heart bypass & that's when the flu was in full swing. I had an issue with something I had done with my bypass, not real serious. My heart Dr. told me not to even catch a cold. (virus) I told the receptionist that & she wanted me to stay in the waiting room & at that time there were 3 people there that had the flu & came in with puke buckets. Needless to say I won't ever come back to The Village hospital unless it's an absolute emergency. Oh yea, the Dr. I saw was a PA & he did absolutely nothing, seriously nothing! Got a bill from from them for almost $4,000, I did have to pay anything after my wife & I talked to the CEO of the hospital. The CEO about had a heart attack when we told her what happened.

[OhioBuckeye]

I am considering moving to the Villages. Hospital crowding concerns me. Is this normal for hospitals in the Villages?

Is this the norm! We have over 100,000 retirees here probably 60 yrs. & older, what do you think?

[OhioBuckeye]

The problem is that they are so inefficient at discharging people. My husband was admitted last year for a cardiac stent. He was cleared to leave the following morning by his cardiologist but had to wait all day to be discharged by the admitting physician.

That's an interesting comment. Most Dr. want to discharge you as soon as they can, because hospitals can be where you catch a lot of things.

[banjobob]

Hospital emergency room for the flu ??

[fw102807]

That's an interesting comment. Most Dr. want to discharge you as soon as they can, because hospitals can be where you catch a lot of things.

We had to wait for the doctor to come in after he was done his office hours. That seems to be the problem. Maybe a solution could be that they hire doctors to simply handle admissions and discharges or maybe they could teleconference. They just need to review the whole system to see how they can improve it.

[wsachs]

I had great care at Florida Hospital Waterman in Tavaras, just south of us. Well worth the drive. My leaking heart valves were diagnosed very promptly and was assigned a great cardiologist. I just walked into the ER around 10 am and was taken care of promptly.

[dmkot2nd]

My dad went to the ER a few weeks ago by ambulance. Again, 100 people in the waiting room. He was taken to a room tucked in the back. We sat with him for five hours. Nurse could not tell us when he would see a doctor. I was told by a retired nurse from Fort Lauderdale that Florida law says a doctor must see a patient within 48 hours. The problem is, they do not have enough ER doctors on staff.

[fw102807]

Apparently us old folks are the problem

Research Shows Shortage of More than 100,000 Doctors by 2030 (https://news.aamc.org/medical-education/article/new-aamc-research-reaffirms-looming-physician-shor/)

[skip0358]

I have not had a problem however I only go to an ER IF it's an Emergency. Urgent care is quicker & cheaper. You know ALL the local Hospitals are slammed especially this time of year and especially with this years flu season. So why not go to one of the many Urgent cares?
I think some people to the ER just so they can come on here and blast TVRH. Well guess what most all ERs are the same no matter where you live. Why because people go there to be treated instead of Urgent Cares or your normal MD except it's tough to get an appointment at the MD.

[vintageogauge]

The first and last visit we had to the he-- hole we noticed that most of the people waiting for help were young, way to young to be villagers. Don't know why but that is what we saw. Maybe the older villagers were smart enough not to go there.

[graciegirl]

The first and last visit we had to the he-- hole we noticed that most of the people waiting for help were young, way to young to be villagers. Don't know why but that is what we saw. Maybe the older villagers were smart enough not to go there.

I see you are from Hudson, Ohio, practically chipping distance from The Cleveland Clinic. We Buckeyes grew up in an atmosphere similar to those who live in Massachusetts or near Houston in Texas with excellent teaching hospitals around us at almost every location.

However, although this is the first time I have to disagree with you, after having been brought to TVRH on December 21 with a life threatening emergency and staying there in Critical Care for eight days, I cannot think why you would call TVRH a hell hole. I had amazing care, every change, every need was immediately reacted to, and taken care of, both major and minor and the staff of nurses, and aides were exemplary. The cleanliness was stellar. My room was mopped and cleaned every 24 hours and I could watch a huge machine cleaning the halls every 24 hours. A special machine was used to clean the bathrooms daily as well. They were very careful that I identified myself with my date of birth before any procedure and were extremely smart and completely aware of every change that could happen to me. As far as kindness, I felt that they went above and beyond any expectations I might have for them. Even those people who transported and came in to do x-rays were very kind and polite and gentle and so careful.

I am very sorry we have to disagree about this issue because I long to meet you and know I would so enjoy your company and soon just like everyone else I meet you would like my Henry and Helene so much better than me.

[Abby10]

Hospital emergency room for the flu ??

I have not had a problem however I only go to an ER IF it's an Emergency. Urgent care is quicker & cheaper. You know ALL the local Hospitals are slammed especially this time of year and especially with this years flu season. So why not go to one of the many Urgent cares?
I think some people to the ER just so they can come on here and blast TVRH. Well guess what most all ERs are the same no matter where you live. Why because people go there to be treated instead of Urgent Cares or your normal MD except it's tough to get an appointment at the MD.

Posting these together because this is definitely part of the problem. It is beyond me why people do not use urgent care more often. When I had the flu last year, instead of calling my doctor to get an appt, I immediately went to the local urgent care. They took me right in, tested me, gave me medication, and I was home and in bed in no time. The doctor's visit would have been cheaper but I knew, besides the antiviral med, what I really needed was fluids and bedrest, so I wanted to make the visit as quick as possible. No phone call needed, just go there.

The ER is often overused and downright abused by some. The last time I took my husband to the ER for a kidney stone, the young man in the next bed had come in because he had just gotten his medical assistance card and wanted to have "a few things checked". "Things" that he had been letting go for months that were definitely not urgent but I guess he thought it would be easier to go to an ER than to find a primary care doctor. I have seen this with a lot of younger people, especially those on assistance. They abuse the ER instead of taking the time to find a PCP.

Note: Before I get slammed by someone for the comment, let me say, I use those on assistance as the example only because most who get insurance through work or on their own usually have high co-pays ($300-600) for ER visits and wouldn't think to go there unless they absolutely had to.

[Bonny]

I have been admitted to the Villages Hospital 8 or 9 times. A couple of them were 9 & 10 days and I went through ER.
I belong to the Villages Health Care System. I had wonderful care at our hospital. I wouldn't hesitate to go there.
If it's something they can't handle, I trust they'll get me where I need to go.

[Fredster]

Hospital emergency room for the flu ??
Flu can be deadly when you are older, the other day,
I was informed a friend who was only 68 died from it!
I don’t know all the circumstances, but possibly she didn’t think
it was serious enough to go to the ER!

[dillywho]

The first and last visit we had to the he-- hole we noticed that most of the people waiting for help were young, way to young to be villagers. Don't know why but that is what we saw. Maybe the older villagers were smart enough not to go there.

I can tell you why. Their health is not a priority for them, so they don't have insurance or doctors. They prefer to spend their money on wants rather than needs. They depend on the ER's for their care. Hospital ER's have to treat, regardless of the ability to pay; Urgent Care facilities do not. The Villages Hospital has an Urgent Care facility. I asked one time why non-emergency cannot be sent over there. That's when they told me that they have to take them, but Urgent Care does not.

[Abby10]

Flu can be deadly when you are older, the other day,
I was informed a friend who was only 68 died from it!
I don’t know all the circumstances, but possibly she didn’t think
it was serious enough to go to the ER!

This is true, but upon first symptoms it generally is not necessary to go to an ER. Early treatment with antivirals, after positive testing, can be done through an urgent care very quickly. The antivirals are not a cure, but can lessen the symptoms, severity, and longevity of the flu. Some people develop complications from the flu that make it deadly as you say. Others who already have immune deficiencies may find going to the ER to be appropriate, but in general it is not an ER situation.

[dillywho]

I have not had a problem however I only go to an ER IF it's an Emergency. Urgent care is quicker & cheaper. You know ALL the local Hospitals are slammed especially this time of year and especially with this years flu season. So why not go to one of the many Urgent cares?
I think some people to the ER just so they can come on here and blast TVRH. Well guess what most all ERs are the same no matter where you live. Why because people go there to be treated instead of Urgent Cares or your normal MD except it's tough to get an appointment at the MD.

They don't have to pay at ER (they do try to collect). Urgent Care can refuse to treat you if you don't pay.

[kdmerida]

You were very lucky as that is rare. They usually are short of nurses and doctors on call.

[graciegirl]

You were very lucky as that is rare. They usually are short of nurses and doctors on call.

Not sure what post you are responding to and what nurses and doctors .....

[dbussone]

I can tell you why. Their health is not a priority for them, so they don't have insurance or doctors. They prefer to spend their money on wants rather than needs. They depend on the ER's for their care. Hospital ER's have to treat, regardless of the ability to pay; Urgent Care facilities do not. The Villages Hospital has an Urgent Care facility. I asked one time why non-emergency cannot be sent over there. That's when they told me that they have to take them, but Urgent Care does not.



Under the federal law called EMTALA, ERs must take and treat emergent patients. Non-emergent patients can be discharged, without treatment, from the ER, after a brief screening exam.

Whomever told you ERs have to treat everyone doesn’t know what they are talking about. It is true that ERs must treat without regard to payment, but again, only for emergent patients.

If The Villages hospital wanted to they could have a nurse (or PA, or ARNP) conduct a preliminary screening exam and triage a patient to a more appropriate setting. If the nurse were unsure, he/she could refer the patient for a screening exam by a physician.

With an overflowing waiting room, a screening exam would be useful in eliminating patients who did not need the level of care provided in an ER. In one of my hospitals we placed a nurse in the waiting room. It was that person’s job to perform a screening exam within five minutes of arrival. That exam eliminated all the drug seekers, minor injuries and other lesser issues than could be referred to urgent care or even a clinic.

The Villages hospital spent millions on an expansion of the ER several years ago. I predicted then that physical enhancement was not going to resolve the problems being experienced at that time. Sorry to say I have been proven correct. The bottlenecks are primarily people and processes - not folks in beds upstairs waiting to be discharged.


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[golfing eagles]

Under the federal law called EMTALA, ERs must take and treat emergent patients. Non-emergent patients can be discharged, without treatment, from the ER, after a brief screening exam.

Whomever told you ERs have to treat everyone doesn’t know what they are talking about. It is true that ERs must treat without regard to payment, but again, only for emergent patients.

If The Villages hospital wanted to they could have a nurse (or PA, or ARNP) conduct a preliminary screening exam and triage a patient to a more appropriate setting. If the nurse were unsure, he/she could refer the patient for a screening exam by a physician.

With an overflowing waiting room, a screening exam would be useful in eliminating patients who did not need the level of care provided in an ER. In one of my hospitals we placed a nurse in the waiting room. It was that person’s job to perform a screening exam within five minutes of arrival. That exam eliminated all the drug seekers, minor injuries and other lesser issues than could be referred to urgent care or even a clinic.

The Villages hospital spent millions on an expansion of the ER several years ago. I predicted then that physical enhancement was not going to resolve the problems being experienced at that time. Sorry to say I have been proven correct. The bottlenecks are primarily people and processes - not folks in beds upstairs waiting to be discharged.


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Agree 110%. Right on target as usual.

[dbussone]

Agree 110%. Right on target as usual.



Wow. That was quick! [emoji41][emoji106]


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[JanBrown]

I am considering moving to the Villages. Hospital crowding concerns me. Is this normal for hospitals in the Villages?

During snowbird season, yes this is normal. Plus when a hospital in the area starts turning patients away (due to no rooms available), other hospitals take the brunt and then THEY have to start turning patients away.

But the question I have is...WHY IS EVERYONE WITH THE FLU GOING TO THE HOSPITAL instead of staying home until it moves out of your body. Or if you feel you really HAVE to see a doctor, why not go to an Urgent Care facility???

[fw102807]

Under the federal law called EMTALA, ERs must take and treat emergent patients. Non-emergent patients can be discharged, without treatment, from the ER, after a brief screening exam.

Whomever told you ERs have to treat everyone doesn’t know what they are talking about. It is true that ERs must treat without regard to payment, but again, only for emergent patients.

If The Villages hospital wanted to they could have a nurse (or PA, or ARNP) conduct a preliminary screening exam and triage a patient to a more appropriate setting. If the nurse were unsure, he/she could refer the patient for a screening exam by a physician.

With an overflowing waiting room, a screening exam would be useful in eliminating patients who did not need the level of care provided in an ER. In one of my hospitals we placed a nurse in the waiting room. It was that person’s job to perform a screening exam within five minutes of arrival. That exam eliminated all the drug seekers, minor injuries and other lesser issues than could be referred to urgent care or even a clinic.

The Villages hospital spent millions on an expansion of the ER several years ago. I predicted then that physical enhancement was not going to resolve the problems being experienced at that time. Sorry to say I have been proven correct. The bottlenecks are primarily people and processes - not folks in beds upstairs waiting to be discharged.


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This makes sense to me. At least someone willing to admit there is a problem that can be improved with a some planning and policy changes. That was the only point that I was trying to make.

[dbussone]

This makes sense to me. At least someone willing to admit there is a problem that can be improved with a some planning and policy changes. That was the only point that I was trying to make.



I’m pleased you think my response was logical. I spent the better part of my career trying to make sure those who reported to me did their best to improve hospital operations. I made it a point to Implement best practices in all the hospitals that reported to me.

I should also note that Golfing Eagles, MD, has a tremendous background in ERs and physician practices. He and I may make some statements that some don’t like, but we do our best to be honest and constructive.


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[fw102807]

I’m pleased you think my response was logical. I spent the better part of my career trying to make sure those who reported to me did their best to improve hospital operations. I made it a point to Implement best practices in all the hospitals that reported to me.

I should also note that Golfing Eagles, MD, has a tremendous background in ERs and physician practices. He and I may make some statements that some don’t like, but we do our best to be honest and constructive.


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I just get annoyed when people throw up their hands and say there is nothing that can be done when I know there is, I don't know what but I know there has to be a better way.

[jnieman]

Posting these together because this is definitely part of the problem. It is beyond me why people do not use urgent care more often. When I had the flu last year, instead of calling my doctor to get an appt, I immediately went to the local urgent care. They took me right in, tested me, gave me medication, and I was home and in bed in no time. The doctor's visit would have been cheaper but I knew, besides the antiviral med, what I really needed was fluids and bedrest, so I wanted to make the visit as quick as possible. No phone call needed, just go there.

The ER is often overused and downright abused by some. The last time I took my husband to the ER for a kidney stone, the young man in the next bed had come in because he had just gotten his medical assistance card and wanted to have "a few things checked". "Things" that he had been letting go for months that were definitely not urgent but I guess he thought it would be easier to go to an ER than to find a primary care doctor. I have seen this with a lot of younger people, especially those on assistance. They abuse the ER instead of taking the time to find a PCP.

Note: Before I get slammed by someone for the comment, let me say, I use those on assistance as the example only because most who get insurance through work or on their own usually have high co-pays ($300-600) for ER visits and wouldn't think to go there unless they absolutely had to.

I went to the urgent care and there were 16 patients ahead of me most coughing and hacking. It felt actually dangerous to be in that room with all of those germs. I left there, called my doctor got an appt for the next morning. Went to his empty office the next day and was seen in 20 minutes. I much prefer this and will only go to the urgent care if I have no other choice. I think this time of the year there are two reasons for the urgent cares to be slammed. One is the fact that there are so many renters here who have no primary care doctor to call. Second of course is that we have so many cases of the flu right now going around.

[golfing eagles]

During snowbird season, yes this is normal. Plus when a hospital in the area starts turning patients away (due to no rooms available), other hospitals take the brunt and then THEY have to start turning patients away.

But the question I have is...WHY IS EVERYONE WITH THE FLU GOING TO THE HOSPITAL instead of staying home until it moves out of your body. Or if you feel you really HAVE to see a doctor, why not go to an Urgent Care facility???

Simple answer-----FEAR

Not so simple solution------According to the CDC, the highest year for adult flu vaccination in the last decade was 2009-10, with only 43.6% getting their flu shot. Want to SIGNIFICANTLY lower your chance of getting the flu? Want to avoid the crowded ER? Want to save the cost of doctor, ER visits and expensive antiviral meds? GET YOUR FLU SHOT, EVERY YEAR!. No, it is not 100% effective, but it is still your best chance to avoid the flu.

[Abby10]

I went to the urgent care and there were 16 patients ahead of me most coughing and hacking. It felt actually dangerous to be in that room with all of those germs. I left there, called my doctor got an appt for the next morning. Went to his empty office the next day and was seen in 20 minutes. I much prefer this and will only go to the urgent care if I have no other choice. I think this time of the year there are two reasons for the urgent cares to be slammed. One is the fact that there are so many renters here who have no primary care doctor to call. Second of course is that we have so many cases of the flu right now going around.

Sounds like you made a wise move to call your doctor and avoid the germs. When I had the flu, my doctor's office was overloaded, but at the urgent care I walked in and was the only patient there. I'm still up north so it may be a little different up here with the situation being reversed. Either way, it seemed to work out the best for both of us. Hope you are finally feeling better, by the way. :wave:

[Abby10]

Under the federal law called EMTALA, ERs must take and treat emergent patients. Non-emergent patients can be discharged, without treatment, from the ER, after a brief screening exam.

Whomever told you ERs have to treat everyone doesn’t know what they are talking about. It is true that ERs must treat without regard to payment, but again, only for emergent patients.

If The Villages hospital wanted to they could have a nurse (or PA, or ARNP) conduct a preliminary screening exam and triage a patient to a more appropriate setting. If the nurse were unsure, he/she could refer the patient for a screening exam by a physician.

With an overflowing waiting room, a screening exam would be useful in eliminating patients who did not need the level of care provided in an ER. In one of my hospitals we placed a nurse in the waiting room. It was that person’s job to perform a screening exam within five minutes of arrival. That exam eliminated all the drug seekers, minor injuries and other lesser issues than could be referred to urgent care or even a clinic.

The Villages hospital spent millions on an expansion of the ER several years ago. I predicted then that physical enhancement was not going to resolve the problems being experienced at that time. Sorry to say I have been proven correct. The bottlenecks are primarily people and processes - not folks in beds upstairs waiting to be discharged.


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What a great idea! I knew you were a very smart man. Better watch out, The Villages hospital will be calling both you and GE and giving you offers you can't refuse to come out of retirement.

[JMB]

Monroe is now run by Shands ......Best bet is to drive up to Ocala for care.

[dbussone]

Monroe is now run by Shands ......Best bet is to drive up to Ocala for care.



Shands would not be my automatic first choice for true emergency care. It would depend on the specific issue.


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[NotGolfer]

Here's a scenario: You are ready to be seen, be it in the ER, the room OR even to be discharged. THEN an emergency arrives that takes presidence to you and "they" have to rush to take care of that. The doctor may have signed off on you to leave BUT the nurse is also involved in this (at least she was when I've been there). She's the one who brings the papers to be signed and to give instruction etc. BUT someone down the hall has a life-threatening incident happen. We, who have NO medical knowleg or training are often so quick to judge what is going on and it becomes a preception. This hospital is a "mirror" of what's happening nationally right now. I saw on the news where in one community they had tents set up outside to take the over-flow. Would you want that? With the flu....be seen at an Urgent Care or a clinic!!! So many folks think they just have a bad cold and it's NOT that. The flu is serious this year (I had it along with pneumonia) but I went in TWICE to see my doctor and to be treated. IF it's nighttime, call the clinic number and speak to the doctor on call. Sometimes they may tell you "go to the ER"...but "IF" you do, be prepared to wait. You may feel like "death" but the hospital is there treating accident victims, heart attacks, strokes and more.

[billethkid]

Here's a scenario: You are ready to be seen, be it in the ER, the room OR even to be discharged. THEN an emergency arrives that takes presidence to you and "they" have to rush to take care of that. The doctor may have signed off on you to leave BUT the nurse is also involved in this (at least she was when I've been there). She's the one who brings the papers to be signed and to give instruction etc. BUT someone down the hall has a life-threatening incident happen. We, who have NO medical knowleg or training are often so quick to judge what is going on and it becomes a preception. This hospital is a "mirror" of what's happening nationally right now. I saw on the news where in one community they had tents set up outside to take the over-flow. Would you want that? With the flu....be seen at an Urgent Care or a clinic!!! So many folks think they just have a bad cold and it's NOT that. The flu is serious this year (I had it along with pneumonia) but I went in TWICE to see my doctor and to be treated. IF it's nighttime, call the clinic number and speak to the doctor on call. Sometimes they may tell you "go to the ER"...but "IF" you do, be prepared to wait. You may feel like "death" but the hospital is there treating accident victims, heart attacks, strokes and more.

Excellent presentation of what could be going on in and around a given situation.

However, the difference being that the discharge delay issues are not random or occasional....the means and methods currently employed are the norm. There is, without a doubt, room for improvement.

No doubt what so ever.

[NotGolfer]

Excellent presentation of what could be going on in and around a given situation.

However, the difference being that the discharge delay issues are not random or occasional....the means and methods currently employed are the norm. There is, without a doubt, room for improvement.

No doubt what so ever.

Still I agree...no doubt! I "JUST" had a call from TVRH for a synopsis of my "visit". I did tell her my care was very good BUT that they do need improvement and I told her they are short staffed. We'll see! I'm going to write a letter as well as an e-mail when I feel better as well.

[justjim]

Simple answer-----FEAR

Not so simple solution------According to the CDC, the highest year for adult flu vaccination in the last decade was 2009-10, with only 43.6% getting their flu shot. Want to SIGNIFICANTLY lower your chance of getting the flu? Want to avoid the crowded ER? Want to save the cost of doctor, ER visits and expensive antiviral meds? GET YOUR FLU SHOT, EVERY YEAR!. No, it is not 100% effective, but it is still your best chance to avoid the flu.

:agree::agree: I am amazed at the number of people that will not get the flu shot or pneumonia shot and it’s free to those on Medicare. Many have read “Something” about the so called side effects and have become paranoid about vaccinations in general. I understand if you do get the flu that recovery is better if you have the flu shot.

[billethkid]

:agree::agree: I am amazed at the number of people that will not get the flu shot or pneumonia shot and it’s free to those on Medicare. Many have read “Something” about the so called side effects and have become paranoid about vaccinations in general. I understand if you do get the flu that recovery is better if you have the flu shot.

All the medical info we are overloaded with creates fear and confusion.
Most medicinal warnings and side effects are cofined to less than 1% of the using population.

What's the safest (?) drug in everybody's medicine cabinet?
Tylenol or it's generic....could be.
Just google side effects of tylenol and be prepared to be shocked........

Yes there are or will be some that are affected whether the tylenol or the flu shot or other meds..........the rest? The 98%.......are in less pain and much less likely to get the flu.

Perfect examples of too much information (most of which is only of value to an experiment conducting, thesis writing, science study group).

IMHO!

[EPutnam1863]

What if the admitting doctor was the ER doctor?

I believe the ER doctor is the one who admits and discharges you from the ER. If discharged to the hospital instead of home, then the doctor who admits you to the hsoptial becomes your discharging doctor.

So there may be two (and more) doctors involved in your care.

[EPutnam1863]

Others who already have immune deficiencies may find going to the ER to be appropriate, but in general it is not an ER situation.

Problem is that we are not nurses or doctors so we cannot diagnose ourselves. We need to go to ER or someplace to be told we will be ok after all. We need all the reassurance we can get.

[manaboutown]

The thing is it can be hard to know. A long time close friend of mine went to his doctor’s office. Back and neck aching for a while, feeling weak. As soon as the nurse checked his blood pressure she called the paramedics who rushed him to hospital. Turned out to be sepsis and staph infections in his neck and lower back. Two surgeries which could have turned him into a quadriplegic but were successful and weeks of intravenous antibiotics later he has survived but will never regain the health and strength he had. He put off getting things checked out too long when they were life threatening conditions.

[dbussone]

I believe the ER doctor is the one who admits and discharges you from the ER. If discharged to the hospital instead of home, then the doctor who admits you to the hsoptial becomes your discharging doctor.



So there may be two (and more) doctors involved in your care.



There could be far more than two. Your attending physician in the ER is responsible for coordinating all aspects of your care while you are there - unless, of course, your primary care physician takes over your care at your request. The same works on the inpatient side where a hospitalist would be assigned to care for you...unless.....


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[dbussone]

There could be far more than two. Your attending physician in the ER is responsible for coordinating all aspects of your care while you are there - unless, of course, your primary care physician takes over your care at your request. The same works on the inpatient side where a hospitalist would be assigned to care for you...unless.....


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My point is that nothing is written in concrete. There are some generalities though.

Be your own advocate and do your best to have a physician who will be your advocate as well. My PCP knows where I stand on certain issues. Even better, my wife knows where I stand on almost everything.


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[CFrance]

My point is that nothing is written in concrete. There are some generalities though.

Be your own advocate and do your best to have a physician who will be your advocate as well. My PCP knows where I stand on certain issues. Even better, my wife knows where I stand on almost everything.
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I'm wondering if you could give some general topics of "certain issues" for those of us who might end up in the hospital in the future. not being in the medical field, and neither of us having been hospitalized for anything serious, we're really in the dark about this.

[Abby10]

Problem is that we are not nurses or doctors so we cannot diagnose ourselves. We need to go to ER or someplace to be told we will be ok after all. We need all the reassurance we can get.

I'm not saying to not get yourself checked out, just that the ER doesn't have to be the first route to take. Be proactive for one thing - don't wait until you're so ill, or that the symptoms have been going on for so long, that they do turn into something serious as one poster stated. First line might be your PCP or an urgent care if you are not in an immediate life threatening state. Sometimes I think people wait too long before getting checked out and then it can become much more complicated and possibly life threatening.

[dbussone]

I'm wondering if you could give some general topics of "certain issues" for those of us who might end up in the hospital in the future. not being in the medical field, and neither of us having been hospitalized for anything serious, we're really in the dark about this.



Oh wow! CF, this is a really difficult request for me. Without some detail I’m at a loss right now. Let me see if I can entice Golfing Eagles to get involved in this discussion. He is the epitome of a medical practitioner; I’m more of the process/facility consultant.

GE - can you help out here?


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[NotGolfer]

Got that publication that's dropped in the driveway and it gives the guidelines to Urgent Care vs ER.....Some folks tend to disregard that though. I wish this site had a like for those that have common sense responses!!!

[Abby10]

Oh wow! CF, this is a really difficult request for me. Without some detail I’m at a loss right now. Let me see if I can entice Golfing Eagles to get involved in this discussion. He is the epitome of a medical practitioner; I’m more of the process/facility consultant.

GE - can you help out here?


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I'm tellin' ya - you both need to get over to that hospital and straighten that place out! :D

Seriously, TOTV and TV in general are fortunate to have men of your caliber and experience as resources. I've often wondered myself what sort of healthcare discussions a group of retired professionals could offer TV residents about general topics of concern. CFrance may be onto something here.

[NotGolfer]

I'm tellin' ya - you both need to get over to that hospital and straighten that place out! :D

Seriously, TOTV and TV in general are fortunate to have men of your caliber and experience as resources. I've often wondered myself what sort of healthcare discussions a group of retired professionals could offer TV residents about general topics of concern. CFrance may be onto something here.

This would be absolutely awesome I've said something similar (I think) in the past! Folks (the rest of you)..you need to put "feet" on your complaints rather than just complaining and dissing our wonderful community every which way. It's not profitable to you or anyone else.

[Viperguy]

JMHO. If you have excellent care at home, love your doctors, can make easy appointments, have technology assisted care with email and billing, STAY THERE. This place is a joke. Specialists are booked way out. Primary care is impossible unless you have been here a while or are using Villages Health. I can't so I use Tricare for life. The insurance is GREAT but finding and accessing timely healthcare is almost impossible. The system in Florida is BROKE. Offices are jammed and waits are long. Admin staffs are rude and over worked. I say a gain, if you LOVE your healthcare at home, keep it and stay there!. Heart Bypass surgery in Leesburg was phenominal but follow on care with my pcp and specialty is a JOKE!

[CFrance]

Oh wow! CF, this is a really difficult request for me. Without some detail I’m at a loss right now. Let me see if I can entice Golfing Eagles to get involved in this discussion. He is the epitome of a medical practitioner; I’m more of the process/facility consultant.

GE - can you help out here?


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I guess the part that scares me is Be your own advocate. What things you should know or look up. And how to know if your doctor is going to be your advocate. If you have no medical experience or education, this is a very nebulous statement, Be your own advocate.

The one incident we had was very scary. It looked like death or cancer or other bad news. In fact, it was just an esophageal tear. I would have done anything they told me to do. We were lucky.
(And BTW, TVRH was great, although it was August and no one was in the ER.)

But you can't know what questions to ask or things to advocate for when you have no medical knowledge.

I'm not complaining; just asking. There might not be a simple answer, but I thought there might be some guidelines.

[NotGolfer]

I guess the part that scares me is Be your own advocate. What things you should know or look up. And how to know if your doctor is going to be your advocate. If you have no medical experience or education, this is a very nebulous statement, Be your own advocate.

The one incident we had was very scary. It looked like death or cancer or other bad news. In fact, it was just an esophageal tear. I would have done anything they told me to do. We were lucky.
(And BTW, TVRH was great, although it was August and no one was in the ER.)

But you can't know what questions to ask or things to advocate for when you have no medical knowledge.

I'm not complaining; just asking. There might not be a simple answer, but I thought there might be some guidelines.

It does take work and time but you can advocate for yourself. I have several medical issues and I read up on them. I'm not a genious nor do I understand many things but I get the basics at least so I can ask questions. A good dr. is a team worker and you have to feel comfortable with them. To wait til you have an emergency---THEN---that's trouble and of course it's back to square one. I hope you find the info you need and that everything will work out for you!!

[graciegirl]

It does take work and time but you can advocate for yourself. I have several medical issues and I read up on them. I'm not a genious nor do I understand many things but I get the basics at least so I can ask questions. A good dr. is a team worker and you have to feel comfortable with them. To wait til you have an emergency---THEN---that's trouble and of course it's back to square one. I hope you find the info you need and that everything will work out for you!!

It is my opinion that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We three have blood tests and follow up with our PCP (board certified) quarterly. Even then an unexpected electrical malfunction of my heart (ten months after wearing the Holter Monitor for a 24 hour period) threatened my life. BUT I had my PCP and Cardiologist in place when I arrived at the hospital in an ambulance last month

I am very happy with my doctor but not so much with what seems to be an ever changing staff. I think that he is part of a larger business that hires medical staff. Sometimes I think many are products of the very brief medical training you hear touted on TV. I have to suspect they get paid far less than experienced medical staff that are available to hire. Sometimes I feel that they don't understand me because many have English as a second language. Sometimes I don't understand them because my hearing is flawed as well. It doesn't make for the comfortable fit I felt in Cincinnati with my doctor's staff.

I still say that having a PCP who knows your health history and monitors your current health more frequently than once a year is very important if you are over seventy years old.

[billethkid]

It is my opinion that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We three have blood tests and follow up with our PCP (board certified) quarterly. Even then an unexpected electrical malfunction of my heart (ten months after wearing the Holter Monitor for a 24 hour period) threatened my life. BUT I had my PCP and Cardiologist in place when I arrived at the hospital in an ambulance last month

I am very happy with my doctor but not so much with what seems to be an ever changing staff. I think that he is part of a larger business that hires medical staff. Sometimes I think many are products of the very brief medical training you hear touted on TV. I have to suspect they get paid far less than experienced medical staff that are available to hire. Sometimes I feel that they don't understand me because many have English as a second language. Sometimes I don't understand them because my hearing is flawed as well. It doesn't make for the comfortable fit I felt in Cincinnati with my doctor's staff.

I still say that having a PCP who knows your health history and monitors your current health more frequently than once a year is very important if you are over seventy years old.

Wholeheartedly agree 100%.
And as mentioned by a previous poster, being as educated as possible about ones self and their personal needs is a definite plus.

I consult with "Dr. Google" on everything in my health back ground and needs. Medicines, procedures, therapies, etc.
Sorting out and using the pertinent information to facilitate asking questions and asking for alternatives (assuming there are any).

I have yet to meet a doctor or medical professional who is not impressed with a prepared patient.

[Abby10]

The last 3 posts are on the right track. This is what I often recommend to family, friends, and customers of mine (just to clarify, I'm a pharmacist currently working in retail) - read up, research, ask questions.

Also, be forthright with your doctor about what you know about yourself relating to your ailment. I have heard people say when they go to the doctor that the doctor should have known this or that. Sometimes your words, your story, is just as important in diagnosing as the doctor's examination and/or testing. How you have actually been feeling, what changes you have noticed most recently, and especially anything that you notice that is out of the norm for you. Remember, we are all different and sometimes what is normal for one person is not the same for another. I think this is valuable information that only you, the patient, would know since you know your body better than anyone else. In other words, don't withhold information that you may think can be helpful to the doctor in diagnosing and evaluating. Not everyone is the same in presentation of illnesses so it is unfair to make judgment on the doctor if the patient is not forthcoming.

I have somewhat of a passion about this because I think both of my parents were guilty of not doing this and suffered some severe consequences as a result. They even kept me in the dark, maybe because I did not live close and they didn't want to worry me, I don't know. But since then (they have now passed on) I feel compelled to help others be their own advocate, or if one is unable for some reason or another, find someone who is willing to advocate for you. This is a really good and important discussion. I applaud those who have brought attention to it on this thread.

[dbussone]

The last 3 posts are on the right track. This is what I often recommend to family, friends, and customers of mine (just to clarify, I'm a pharmacist currently working in retail) - read up, research, ask questions.



Also, be forthright with your doctor about what you know about yourself relating to your ailment. I have heard people say when they go to the doctor that the doctor should have known this or that. Sometimes your words, your story, is just as important in diagnosing as the doctor's examination and/or testing. How you have actually been feeling, what changes you have noticed most recently, and especially anything that you notice that is out of the norm for you. Remember, we are all different and sometimes what is normal for one person is not the same for another. I think this is valuable information that only you, the patient, would know since you know your body better than anyone else. In other words, don't withhold information that you may think can be helpful to the doctor in diagnosing and evaluating. Not everyone is the same in presentation of illnesses so it is unfair to make judgment on the doctor if the patient is not forthcoming.



I have somewhat of a passion about this because I think both of my parents were guilty of not doing this and suffered some severe consequences as a result. They even kept me in the dark, maybe because I did not live close and they didn't want to worry me, I don't know. But since then (they have now passed on) I feel compelled to help others be their own advocate, or if one is unable for some reason or another, find someone who is willing to advocate for you. This is a really good and important discussion. I applaud those who have brought attention to it on this thread.



It’s really nice to hear the advice provided by another healthcare professional.

One other thing I think we should note for the lay people reading threads like this is the availability of public information about physicians, other professionals and facilities. For example, the State of FL can provide a tremendous amount of data if you know where to look.

Before I visit any physician I check out their educational and training background, as well as malpractice cases or the lack of them. Similar information is available on about 40 types of licensed providers - and many facilities types as well.

Get used to checking this type of data on a regular basis. Medicare, The Joint Commission (TJC) and state health departments are also invaluable sources.

Start here and get used to looking around:

FL HealthSource • Health Care Resources for Consumers & Providers (http://www.flhealthsource.gov/)



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[Abby10]

One other thing I forgot to mention, when doing your research about disease states, make sure you are using reputable sites. Listed below are 3 very good ones from well known healthcare organizations. The information presented is written more for the lay person so it is generally easy to understand and not bogged down with unfamiliar medical terminology.

Diseases and Conditions Collections | Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/adult/)

Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/)

Disease & Conditions | Cleveland Clinic (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases)

[EPutnam1863]

Wholeheartedly agree 100%.

I have yet to meet a doctor or medical professional who is not impressed with a prepared patient.

When I had my first appointment to establish as a new patient, my PA was impressed by the knowledge I had about my health. She thought I was trained in the field. I explained I made it my business to educate myself as best as I could. She sighed that she wished all her other patients, young and old, did the same.

[EPutnam1863]

One other thing I forgot to mention, when doing your research about disease states, make sure you are using reputable sites. Listed below are 3 very good ones from well known healthcare organizations. The information presented is written more for the lay person so it is generally easy to understand and not bogged down with unfamiliar medical terminology.

Diseases and Conditions Collections | Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/adult/)

Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/)

Disease & Conditions | Cleveland Clinic (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases)

WebMD is pretty good too. Also I have had a lot of very good help from JustAsk.

[EPutnam1863]

Not everyone is the same in presentation of illnesses so it is unfair to make judgment on the doctor if the patient is not forthcoming. per Abby here

Right on! I warned my hip replacement doctor that I was a big bleeder, so they were prepared. After the surgery, the doc said I was correct and he was grateful I had warned him.

[EPutnam1863]

There could be far more than two. Your attending physician in the ER is responsible for coordinating all aspects of your care while you are there - unless, of course, your primary care physician takes over your care at your request. The same works on the inpatient side where a hospitalist would be assigned to care for you...unless.....


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I think it depends how the system is set up and whether the ER is affliated with the hospital. When I was diagnosed with tick disease by the ER, I was transferred to the hospital in the same building because the ER was a separate entity. . The
ER doctor was then out of the picture as indicated by records.

At another time in a different town, I was diagnosed by ER to have a viral infection. I was transported by ambulance to a hospital 15 miles away because the hospital that the ER was affliated with did not have the proper staff and equipment.

So again it depends on the system. I doubt very much that an admitting ER physician would continue to be involved in the care of a patient that is in a hospital miles away - even hours away.

[dbussone]

I think it depends how the system is set up and whether the ER is affliated with the hospital. When I was diagnosed with tick disease by the ER, I was transferred to the hospital in the same building because the ER was a separate entity. . The
ER doctor was then out of the picture as indicated by records.

At another time in a different town, I was diagnosed by ER to have a viral infection. I was transported by ambulance to a hospital 15 miles away because the hospital that the ER was affliated with did not have the proper staff and equipment.

So again it depends on the system. I doubt very much that an admitting ER physician would continue to be involved in the care of a patient that is in a hospital miles away - even hours away.



I’m confused. Was it a true ER you mean was not part of the hospital, or do you mean the ER physicians were not employed by the hospital?

In every state I know, a hospital (with very rare exceptions, like a long term care hospital) must have an integral ER to receive regulatory approval and become licensed. I’m also familiar with Free-standing ERs. But this one is new to me. I learn something every day.

On the last part of your response, I don’t think I implied that an ER physician would continue to be involved in care of a transferred patient. If anything, I believe I stated that an ER doc’s medical responsibility typically ceases when the patient is discharged from that ER.


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[EPutnam1863]

But you can't know what questions to ask or things to advocate for when you have no medical knowledge.

One can very easily obtain medical knowledge, rudimentary or advanced, through the Internet. Whenever I had a medical situation that I knew nothing about, I always made it my business to check it out before going to the appointment. My PCP wished everyone else in town would do same.

So if we have computers or there are libraries with computers, there is no excuse to not gain knowledge on one's own.

[EPutnam1863]

JMHO. If you have excellent care at home, love your doctors, can make easy appointments, have technology assisted care with email and billing, STAY THERE. This place is a joke. Specialists are booked way out. Primary care is impossible unless you have been here a while or are using Villages Health. I can't so I use Tricare for life. The insurance is GREAT but finding and accessing timely healthcare is almost impossible. The system in Florida is BROKE. Offices are jammed and waits are long. Admin staffs are rude and over worked. I say a gain, if you LOVE your healthcare at home, keep it and stay there!. Heart Bypass surgery in Leesburg was phenominal but follow on care with my pcp and specialty is a JOKE!

Thank you for being honest.

[CFrance]

One can very easily obtain medical knowledge, rudimentary or advanced, through the Internet. Whenever I had a medical situation that I knew nothing about, I always made it my business to check it out before going to the appointment. My PCP wished everyone else in town would do same.

So if we have computers or there are libraries with computers, there is no excuse to not gain knowledge on one's own.
There's lots of medical misinformation on the web. Even WebMD is not recommended. Besides, by advocate, I mean more of a when-you-are-in-the-ER. Advance planning is fine, but when you're under fire, who's to know how to advocate or even what to look out for.

[Abby10]

There's lots of medical misinformation on the web. Even WebMD is not recommended. Besides, by advocate, I mean more of a when-you-are-in-the-ER. Advance planning is fine, but when you're under fire, who's to know how to advocate or even what to look out for.

You make several very good points. I wish I had an answer for you, but unfortunately even if a family member can advocate for you they may not be available at the time of a real emergency. But having an advocate can still be valuable on follow-up. For example, many years ago my husband asked my mother's cardiologist why he couldn't order cardiac rehab for her after she experienced an event. The cardiologist responded that because it was not diagnosed as a true heart attack, he could not. But my husband, being the persistent one that he is, said, why do we have to wait for that to happen. She obviously had a heart condition, why not take preventative measures. Lo and behold, and even to the doctor's surprise, the insurance did end up covering for her to have cardiac rehab.

What I'm trying to say by this is having someone who is not afraid to think outside of the box and ask questions can really make a difference. Unfortunately, it may not be feasible in all instances as you state.

Regarding medical misinformation on the web, I couldn't agree with you more. That's why I had recommended the sites from medical institutions instead in a previous post.

[CFrance]

You make several very good points. I wish I had an answer for you, but unfortunately even if a family member can advocate for you they may not be available at the time of a real emergency. But having an advocate can still be valuable on follow-up. For example, many years ago my husband asked my mother's cardiologist why he couldn't order cardiac rehab for her after she experienced an event. The cardiologist responded that because it was not diagnosed as a true heart attack, he could not. But my husband, being the persistent one that he is, said, why do we have to wait for that to happen. She obviously had a heart condition, why not take preventative measures. Lo and behold, and even to the doctor's surprise, the insurance did end up covering for her to have cardiac rehab.

What I'm trying to say by this is having someone who is not afraid to think outside of the box and ask questions can really make a difference. Unfortunately, it may not be feasible in all instances as you state.

Regarding medical misinformation on the web, I couldn't agree with you more. That's why I had recommended the sites from medical institutions instead in a previous post.
And I thank you for those sites, Abby 10, which I have bookmarked for reading. We're readying a house for sale right now (though not leaving TV or even Tamarind Grove).

I like the think-outside-the-box idea. That would definitely be our older son, who got it from his father and took it to another level.

[Abby10]

And I thank you for those sites, Abby 10, which I have bookmarked for reading. We're readying a house for sale right now (though not leaving TV or even Tamarind Grove).

I like the think-outside-the-box idea. That would definitely be our older son, who got it from his father and took it to another level.

Sure glad to hear that. :)

[EPutnam1863]

This book may help some of you as it helped me tremendously: Snowball in a Blizzard by Steven Hatch, pub 2016. It helped me gain enough confidence to stop one of my providers from bullying me into getting a biopsy after a mammogram which remained the same year after year for 20 years.

[EPutnam1863]

There's lots of medical misinformation on the web. Even WebMD is not recommended. Besides, by advocate, I mean more of a when-you-are-in-the-ER. Advance planning is fine, but when you're under fire, who's to know how to advocate or even what to look out for.

WemMD is not recommended by whom? I have found it to be very helpful and almost identical to Mayo Clinic, etc.

But you're right in that in cases of new medical situations that we have never experienced before, it would not be possible to gain enough knowledge beforehand to ask good questions and to understand what is going on and may happen.

In the current situations in ERs in TV, it sounds as if though flu is the biggest culprit. Flu has been all over the news, and there is no excuse for anyone to not bother to read up on it beforehand in the event they do get it.

[Abby10]

This book may help some of you as it helped me tremendously: Snowball in a Blizzard by Steven Hatch, pub 2016. It helped me gain enough confidence to stop one of my providers from bullying me into getting a biopsy after a mammogram which remained the same year after year for 20 years.

Thank you for mentioning this. Looks like a good book. I had not heard of it before. In looking it over briefly on-line, it reminds me of something else I often say - that although medicine is based on science and uses scientific methods, it is, of itself, not an exact science. Biggest reason being our bodies are all different. If you take the exact same medicine and put it in different bodies, even though the diagnosis may be the same for each, the results will not necessarily be the same. That's why it's so important that you are in touch with your own body and that you relay any peculiarities to your doctor. And then even so, it is often trial and error to find the right treatment for each patient.

But getting back to your statement above - yes, don't be afraid to ask questions or speak up. It's encouraging to hear about some of your experiences. It goes back to advocacy - if you have a difficult time being your own advocate, find one who will be one for you.

[golfing eagles]

This book may help some of you as it helped me tremendously: Snowball in a Blizzard by Steven Hatch, pub 2016. It helped me gain enough confidence to stop one of my providers from bullying me into getting a biopsy after a mammogram which remained the same year after year for 20 years.

Please, please tell me there really isn't a doctor out there that wanted to biopsy a 20 year old unchanged breast lesion. Please. I don't know if I should be angry, amused, scared, or just pity his patients.

[dbussone]

There's lots of medical misinformation on the web. Even WebMD is not recommended. Besides, by advocate, I mean more of a when-you-are-in-the-ER. Advance planning is fine, but when you're under fire, who's to know how to advocate or even what to look out for.



And lots of medical BS is being spread on this thread. Be careful CF. There is a lot of snake oil being passed for medical expertise here. Ask where a poster’s source of medical expertise comes from. If it from an individual’s research on the internet, that should be an issue. Do they have any real life expertise in medical care or the health system?

If someone is suggesting that an individual should not move here because of medical issues, I CALL BS. They don’t know what they are talking about. Plain and simple.



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[CFrance]

And lots of medical BS is being spread on this thread. Be careful CF. There is a lot of snake oil being passed for medical expertise here. Ask where a poster’s source of medical expertise comes from. If it from an individual’s research on the internet, that should be an issue. Do they have any real life expertise in medical care or the health system?

If someone is suggesting that an individual should not move here because of medical issues, I CALL BS. They don’t know what they are talking about. Plain and simple.



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That's why I first posted the medical advocate question to you, db.

[dbussone]

That's why I first posted the medical advocate question to you, db.



And I hope you saw my responses, including how to check on physicians, other providers, and facilities. On top of that, listen to what Golfing Eagles has to say. If I have let you down, tell me what I need to let you know, CF.


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[CFrance]

And I hope you saw my responses, including how to check on physicians, other providers, and facilities. On top of that, listen to what Golfing Eagles has to say. If I have let you down, tell me what I need to let you know, CF.


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You haven't let me down. I just have to stop expecting everything to be laid out in outline form.:o

[dbussone]

You haven't let me down. I just have to stop expecting everything to be laid out in outline form.:o



[emoji41][emoji106]


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[Nucky]

Well, apparently the stress of packing for a move and putting her house on the market caught up with Barbara and she made a 911 trip to The Villages Regional Hospital last night.

Arriving at the Emergency Room by ambulance meant that she was seen immediately, and she was tucked into a cubicle in the ER, where she is still housed at 4:15PM the next day.

She and about twenty other people are in the ER waiting for people to check out upstairs so they can be moved to a room. When she arrived last night there were 100 people in the ER waiting room.

Apparently a lot of the crowd was stricken by the Flu. In fact, there is so much Flu in the ER area that people are not allowed to visit patients who are in the ER awaiting being moved upstairs.

Barbara's problem is not the Flu, so she is being kept away from other ER patients. Hopefully, she will be treated and released in a couple of days.

Be careful about your health in this Flu season.

Hello Mr. Carl, how is your lady friend Barbara doing it has been a while since you posted about the ER visit. Hope all is well. Nucky

[Carl in Tampa]

Hello Mr. Carl, how is your lady friend Barbara doing it has been a while since you posted about the ER visit. Hope all is well. Nucky = Glen

Thanks for asking.

She was apparently suffering from stress associated with selling her house and planning her move from The Villages. Tests showed no residual damage although she was told that she might have experienced a bad outcome if she had failed to seek medical care.

Other health issues make it necessary to move out west to live near her children. This will probably end my visits to The Villages. I will really miss it.

[EPutnam1863]

Please, please tell me there really isn't a doctor out there that wanted to biopsy a 20 year old unchanged breast lesion. Please. I don't know if I should be angry, amused, scared, or just pity his patients.

Angry and pity his patients. Medicare does not pay enough. So it is so important to be own advocate.

We have caught many mistakes in our records, and it is very important that the patients sign up for their patient portals. I caught one huge mistake; the records indicated I was hospitalized for depression and anxiety when actually it was for hip replacement.

So sign up for patient portal at your clinic and then go over the records with a fine-toothed comb (or maybe I should say "mouse?")

[EPutnam1863]

Thanks for asking.

She was apparently suffering from stress associated with selling her house and planning her move from The Villages. Tests showed no residual damage although she was told that she might have experienced a bad outcome if she had failed to seek medical care.

Other health issues make it necessary to move out west to live near her children. This will probably end my visits to The Villages. I will really miss it.

I hope Barb is feeling much better now. I have known many couples where the wife missed her children and/or grandchildren so much that they moved back. Or the new place contains too many unknowns. I myself would not mind moving to TV but the deaf community there has its problems, and I am too tired to have to deal with them.

[OhioBuckeye]

Have a friend with her Mom in Leesburg Regional Hospital. She has been waiting for a room since last night. Sounds like the same scenario.

Personally if I had to go to the hospital with heart issues, I would rather be at Leesburg than TV. Just had a bad experience after I had my 5 way heart bypass 1 month before, I told them my Dr. said DO NOT catch a virus, when the receptionist did nothing to keep me away from 3 people that had puke buckets & the one nearest me was using their bucket. I swore after that I would go to another hospital if it wasn't an absolute emergency. Just don't trust TV hospital anymore. Oh yea, my $3,700. bill was thrown in the trash by TV hospital CEO. $3,700. & they did absolutely nothing!

[Gail herrmann]

Be careful in any season. The medical care in the Villages is beyond atrocious.

[Gail herrmann]

I read in my records that I was suffering from severe depression due to my husbands death. Not only was my husband very much alive but I wan not depressed!

[graciegirl]

Be careful in any season. The medical care in the Villages is beyond atrocious.

I had a very good experience with excellent, skilled medical personnel at TVRH over Christmas when I was hospitalized for eight days in Critical Care.

[fw102807]

I had a very good experience with excellent, skilled medical personnel at TVRH over Christmas when I was hospitalized for eight days in Critical Care.

Your one good experience does not negate everyone else's experience. The Villages Hospital is not the best I have seen but it is all we have and we can only hope that they will work to improve it.

[SandiG]

Yes

[graciegirl]

Your one good experience does not negate everyone else's experience. The Villages Hospital is not the best I have seen but it is all we have and we can only hope that they will work to improve it.

I realize that. I have visited two friends in Critical Care and they were well taken care of. Our grandson visited the ER with an Asthma attack and he was seen at once. I try to dispel rumors and stop unnecessary negativity.

I don't think TVRH is the best hospital in the world, it isn't a teaching hospital attached to a large medical school, but it is more than adequate. I would counsel anyone with cancer or serious and involved problems to go to where the best medical help is available. But that would be my advice, period. I was the on call parent for many years for new parents whose children were born with Williams Syndrome. Their heart issues are so involved it is imperative they seek treatment at large hospitals that have treated many cases of Supravalvar Aortic Stenosis. OR the child could die during surgery.

I am a positive person by nature and I do get very annoyed with mistruths or half truths or people not reporting things accurately.

I had a collapsed lung when my pacemaker was inserted last month, a rare risk, but a known risk that I was told about ahead of time. I cannot lie flat, I have Scoliosis. My lung was nicked. It was then reinflated and I am still here. Perhaps it would not have happened at the Cleveland Clinic, but I was here when my heart lost it's rhythm and was beating dangerously slow. Here the pacemaker was inserted and my lung was re-inflated and I am still kickin'.

[billethkid]

Our personal experiences with TVRH is one has to separate ER performance deficit and lack of patient priority from the admitted patient side of their business.

For scheduled surgery, procedures and admissions we have no complaints. Managed and run as well as some of the best we have been to over the years.

What I have yet to see on TOTV is how a truly life threatening emergency has been handled at TVRH. As per usual, all we hear about is the "bad".

[Happyhippo]

Very true. Just found out my 10 year old grandson has the flu along with many other children in his school. It’s a private school so I’m hoping they close for a few days. ( replying to aletarw)

[manaboutown]

I don't think TVRH is the best hospital in the world, it isn't a teaching hospital attached to a large medical school, but it is more than adequate. I would counsel anyone with cancer or serious and involved problems to go to where the best medical help is available.

I had a collapsed lung when my pacemaker was inserted last month, a rare risk, but a known risk that I was told about ahead of time. I cannot lie flat, I have Scoliosis. My lung was nicked. It was then reinflated and I am still here. Perhaps it would not have happened at the Cleveland Clinic, but I was here when my heart lost it's rhythm and was beating dangerously slow. Here the pacemaker was inserted and my lung was re-inflated and I am still kickin'.

Statistically speaking I agree with the latter bolded statement but not with the former.

It seems to me that the medical community has been unable to adequately keep up with the rapid growth of housing development and hence the number of elderly folks in residence, and understandably so.

[golfing eagles]

Be careful in any season. The medical care in the Villages is beyond atrocious.

Is that your "expert" opinion. Please share with us where you went to medical school, where you did your residency, The length and nature of your inpatient and outpatient experience, and the basis for concluding the care is "beyond atrocious".

I won't hold my breath waiting for a reply, I'll just answer for you:

Nowhere, nowhere, none, and none.

[Bonny]

Be careful in any season. The medical care in the Villages is beyond atrocious.
What were your personal experiences to say this?
We have lived here 18 years. I have been admitted to the Villages Hospital several times. Twice last month. Always had great care and I love all of my Doctors I have in the Villages.

[NotGolfer]

I've been on here numerous times to give my support to TVRH. As Gracie stated...I don't believe it's perfect BUT we don't live in a large metro area. Keep that in mind PLUS the fact we are a community full of aging people with issues. Think, if we didn't have a hospital at all. Our facility is relatively new and we should be grateful to have it. Many folks don't follow the guidelines of using the ER vs a clinic or Urgent Care. I don't know when ER's began to be abused and used as a clinic but they are. I know of NO medical facility or medical person who meets "perfection".

I've utlized our hospital several times in the years we've lived here---both via the ER (transported by EMT or by a family member) AND I've also been a patient. The care I've continually received has been good. I've not been a cardiac or trauma patient so far, so can't speak to that. My spouse was admitted as such and the care we would say, was excellent an en pointe.

Whenever we get injured or sick it's a stressful event. I'm wondering how many folks prepare themselves ahead of time in the event something could happen??!! You don't just wait and hope for the best. I like what DBussone share on here and Golfing Eagles as their backgrounds are from a medical stand-point so we should pay attention to their wise-counsel.

[graciegirl]

I just get annoyed when people throw up their hands and say there is nothing that can be done when I know there is, I don't know what but I know there has to be a better way.

I think that people being released from the hospital is an issue that is very complex.

Each patient has to be evaluated on where he is going home and who is there to provide care for one thing. Another is that someone who knows him needs to make the decision and another is the legal culpability of the Hospital itself. It is often inconvenient, but there are reasons that just can't be hurried.

[fw102807]

I think that people being released from the hospital is an issue that is very complex.

Each patient has to be evaluated on where he is going home and who is there to provide care for one thing. Another is that someone who knows him needs to make the decision and another is the legal culpability of the Hospital itself. It is often inconvenient, but there are reasons that just can't be hurried.

Yes, everything is perfect the way it is and never needs to be improved upon. Change is very bad and we should avoid it at all costs. I get it.

[JoMar]

As always, making judgement from ignorance is easy, assuming there is a "fix" yet having no idea what, or how, or why is easy. Getting involved to understand the issues is hard and takes time, but sitting on here and throwing uninformed opinion makes some peoples day and I hope, makes them feel better since it serves little other purpose.

[fw102807]

Why even discuss it if the consensus is that nothing can be done anyway.