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Mary Lou
11-13-2018, 11:21 AM
Is there any doctor in The Villages that schedules appointments so your waiting time is minimal? I know things can’t run exactly on time but waiting for more than an hour before you can see the doctor is unacceptable to me. Oh - and I’d appreciate a recommendation other than The Villages Health. I know they are good but they don’t take my insurance. [emoji3525]

retiredguy123
11-13-2018, 12:16 PM
I have not experienced the problem you describe with any doctors I use. Never had to wait anywhere close to an hour.

Rapscallion St Croix
11-13-2018, 12:54 PM
Ask for first appointment of the day.

Dan9871
11-13-2018, 01:29 PM
Is there any doctor in The Villages that schedules appointments so your waiting time is minimal?[emoji3525]

There are a number of doctors in and around The Villages offering concierge services. One of the benefits they offer is on time appointments, along with same day appointments in most cases too.

The can do this because they limit the number of patients they have, which is the same thing Villages Health does.

The do charge an annual fee which is not covered by Medicare and most insurances though.

the villages concierge doctor - Google Search (https://www.google.com/search?q=the+villages+concierge+doctor&oq=the+villages+concierge+doctor&aqs=chrome.0.69i59j0j69i64l3.3689j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8)

billethkid
11-13-2018, 03:55 PM
The on time doctors we see in Ocala do not have a "concierge fee" (BS!).

They do stress they are on time doctors with simple rules.
Report in 15 minutes before one's appointment.

If you are late you will be charged $50 and rescheduled.

Works with no problems for either side.

In my opinion the consierge fee is a scalping of gullible villages residents willing to pay extra to doctors for that which they SHOULD BE providing as a matter of course.

TV resident demand provides fertile ground for the medical opportunists.....what was the name of the oath they took?????

rustyp
11-13-2018, 04:38 PM
I have VHS at Santa Barbara. Longest wait ever was 10 minutes for labs or Doc.

raynan
11-13-2018, 07:39 PM
I've had good luck with SIMED across from Target on 441.

NoMoSno
11-13-2018, 08:04 PM
Make your appointment first in the AM, or right before lunch time, or right before closing....no wait.

Brawnwy123
11-13-2018, 08:15 PM
[QUOTE=Mary Lou;1598743]Is there any doctor in The Villages that schedules appointments so your waiting time is minimal? I know things can’t run exactly on time but waiting for more than an hour before you can see the doctor is

Hi, we moved here form out of state. In some other states, a Doctor could not survive, the reliability of some here is incredible and wrong. But if folks are going to sit there for an hour, then it will continue. We have walked out on two doctors, they were so late. So, they called us at home later, and I told them they will be within 15 minutes or we leave. so they shaped up a bit. It is incredible here for sure. No offense, but if you put up with it, they will continue. They seem to have a captive crowd and a lot of folks who will put up with it. OK, in another state, I sold our house, ready to move, the gent who bought our house, made his rounds, he "interviewed' several doctors in the area, and made it clear on his demands, he said that works. He said they will give him a no charge interview to clarify their service. Be firm and be prompt and do not let them string you out It is up to you.

:welcome:

dillywho
11-14-2018, 01:40 AM
To those who complain of having to wait: What will be your reaction if your 'on time' doctor tells you that you will have to come back another time because other patients are waiting and he/she is going to get off schedule if he/she continues with you any longer? What if that doctor has a patient in the hospital and takes extra time? What if you are THAT patient; do you want your doctor to rush off to the office so nobody has to wait? Remember this, too, when your doctor has said you can go home and has to write your discharge orders. If several are going home the same day, it will possibly skew the office schedule.

Everyone wants the best doctors, but don't want to share. The best doctors will always be the busiest and most usually will have the furthest out appointment times and often times longer waits in the office. I am happy to have the best.

I had the misfortune of having a doctor tell me when I told him I had another question, that he didn't have time. The operative word here: HAD (a doctor).

janewk
11-14-2018, 10:15 AM
Right. Me too. Hardly ever a wait over 10 minutes at Santa Barbara.......But try go for an eye appointment at Lake eye. One and a half hours is common. So irritating. It's like nobody has anything else to do except wait for them all day!. Very inconsiderate scheduling.

Bonnevie
11-14-2018, 03:08 PM
I see Dr. Delbakhsh who has offices in Summerfield and a new one in Wildwood not far from Pinellas Plaza. usually very little if any waiting. 352-435-7321 also very nice doctor and friendly staff. I, too, got frustrated with a previous dr. (the wait was only one thing though) routinely one would wait 45 minutes if one was lucky. while things do come up, it's not like the old days when these doctors made hospital rounds. I understand the occasional situation that may arise, but it's frustrating that if it happens a lot. that being said, if I felt the doctor's expertise was exceptional and worth the wait, I would certainly do it.

Henryk
11-14-2018, 03:32 PM
To those who complain of having to wait: What will be your reaction if your 'on time' doctor tells you that you will have to come back another time because other patients are waiting and he/she is going to get off schedule if he/she continues with you any longer? What if that doctor has a patient in the hospital and takes extra time? What if you are THAT patient; do you want your doctor to rush off to the office so nobody has to wait? Remember this, too, when your doctor has said you can go home and has to write your discharge orders. If several are going home the same day, it will possibly skew the office schedule.

Everyone wants the best doctors, but don't want to share. The best doctors will always be the busiest and most usually will have the furthest out appointment times and often times longer waits in the office. I am happy to have the best.

I had the misfortune of having a doctor tell me when I told him I had another question, that he didn't have time. The operative word here: HAD (a doctor).

I become very embarrassed if I’m late for an appointment. If a doctor has an emergency or any other delay, the very LEAST they could do is call me immediately.

This is not an area where I have a lot of patience.

Henryk
11-14-2018, 03:33 PM
Right. Me too. Hardly ever a wait over 10 minutes at Santa Barbara.......But try go for an eye appointment at Lake eye. One and a half hours is common. So irritating. It's like nobody has anything else to do except wait for them all day!. Very inconsiderate scheduling.

Go to St. Luke. Flawless!

Nucky
11-14-2018, 05:15 PM
Right. Me too. Hardly ever a wait over 10 minutes at Santa Barbara.......But try go for an eye appointment at Lake eye. One and a half hours is common. So irritating. It's like nobody has anything else to do except wait for them all day!. Very inconsiderate scheduling.

I have had the exact experience as you in both places. Try being a little late at Lake Eye on a day when they are running like a swiss watch, they were ruthless with a very nice lady who was late because she was moving sorta slow like me. They were going to send her home. My wife gave the lady her time slot and we just came back another day. Rough being married to an angel. My appointment that day was on the money.

Santa Barbara is the best. They really have their act together.

seoulbrooks
11-14-2018, 05:24 PM
Everyone wants the best doctors, but don't want to share. The best doctors will always be the busiest and most usually will have the furthest out appointment times and often times longer waits in the office. I am happy to have the best.

Agreed. I'll wait awhile for a good doctor but I'll wait even longer for a great doctor. Just make sure you find one that works best for you.

ConnectingRod
11-14-2018, 05:29 PM
I always get the first appoint of the day or the first after lunch.It prevents the Domino effect

village dreamer
11-14-2018, 06:25 PM
I always get the first appoint of the day or the first after lunch.It prevents the Domino effect

that's when the 3-4 people in front of you show up 5-10 late.

billethkid
11-14-2018, 06:46 PM
Everyone wants the best doctors, but don't want to share. The best doctors will always be the busiest and most usually will have the furthest out appointment times and often times longer waits in the office. I am happy to have the best.

Agreed. I'll wait awhile for a good doctor but I'll wait even longer for a great doctor. Just make sure you find one that works best for you.

Consider outside the bubble. The cross section of patients is very different. I personally find the doctor's attitudes are very different as well.

mrbgull
11-15-2018, 06:43 PM
Your Dr's apt time is only a mere suggestion as to what time you may actually be seen. Many times I just leave and no one notices .

tophcfa
11-15-2018, 09:54 PM
I always request either the first appointment of the day or the first after the lunch break but often still have to wait. I understand that doctors have to juggle their schedules for emergencies, but here is what bothers me. If you are 5 minutes late for an appointment and the Doctor is ready to see you, your appointment is cancelled and you get charged anyways. If you are early but the Doctor is not ready, you might have to wait an hour or much longer and then the Doctor will hurry your appointment because they are running behind. Apparently your time and health care is not really what is valued?

Dr Winston O Boogie jr
11-16-2018, 07:18 AM
I have not experienced the problem you describe with any doctors I use. Never had to wait anywhere close to an hour.

I don't know that this problem is unique to The Villages. I experienced up north as well.

I had an orthopedic surgeon that was always an hour behind so when I made my next appointment I asked to be the first one in the morning. When i arrived for that appointment, I was told that he was an hour behind. I asked how that could be and was told that he was tied up. I happened to look over the counter at the appointment book to see that they had booked three patients in every 15 minute slot. I told them to cancel my appointment and that I wouldn't be back. They told me that I would be charged for the appointment as a no show and my insurance wouldn't cover it. I told them that I showed and the doctor didn't and walked out.

I never heard from them or my insurance company.

One of the problems is that many of these practices are not owned by doctors. They are by investors that only care about the bottom line. They force doctors to do things like this.

As you state, it's understandable that they can't run perfectly on time, but to be overbooking like that is inexcusable.

I've been happy with Premier Medical. The waits have been tolerable and I like my doctor there.

Dan9871
11-16-2018, 08:05 AM
I think part of the problem is that at least for regular Medicare doc's have to process 4 or 5 patients an hour to keep their shop running and make and cover their own pay. If they scheduled a just single patient in each 15min slot I doubt that in practice they would even come close to that rate.

Northwoods
11-16-2018, 09:14 PM
I think part of the problem is that at least for regular Medicare doc's have to process 4 or 5 patients an hour to keep their shop running and make and cover their own pay. If they scheduled a just single patient in each 15min slot I doubt that in practice they would even come close to that rate.

I have to admit... that's why I like The Villages Health. I've never waited more than 10 minutes for my appointment. I believe my doctor has a 30 min. time slot for me... so I am never rushed. My doctor is exceptional. If I have an issue and need to get in - I see a PA same day. I'm very pleased.

Carla B
11-17-2018, 09:14 AM
We were in TV Health System until we left for Medicare reasons. It was a pleasure going to appointments in an unhurried, on-time and comfortable environment, with two ladies handling check-ins, and another desk taking care of checkouts.

Now the practice we go to runs on time, more or less, but we spend much less time with the physician. What amazes me is that there is only one very busy person at the front doing everything: check-ins, check-outs, scheduling followup lab work and doctor appointments, and even filling out prescriptions in some cases. I hope they pay her well.

dillywho
11-17-2018, 10:12 AM
I become very embarrassed if I’m late for an appointment. If a doctor has an emergency or any other delay, the very LEAST they could do is call me immediately.

This is not an area where I have a lot of patience.

My doctors have always had their staff let us know if there is a delay. The doctor cannot call each patient before rushing off to an emergency.

dillywho
11-17-2018, 10:14 AM
I see Dr. Delbakhsh who has offices in Summerfield and a new one in Wildwood not far from Pinellas Plaza. usually very little if any waiting. 352-435-7321 also very nice doctor and friendly staff. I, too, got frustrated with a previous dr. (the wait was only one thing though) routinely one would wait 45 minutes if one was lucky. while things do come up, it's not like the old days when these doctors made hospital rounds. I understand the occasional situation that may arise, but it's frustrating that if it happens a lot. that being said, if I felt the doctor's expertise was exceptional and worth the wait, I would certainly do it.

My doctors do make hospital rounds.

inthemindofanurse
02-09-2019, 09:16 AM
Sometimes that 1st appt of the day can really bite you in the a$$. I had to go to Florida Cancer Specialists for 10 weeks and made every appt for 1st thing since I still had to get to work afterwards. They always got me right back, hooked my IV up real quick, and there I would sit until a doctor arrived at the office. They can’t start the drip until a doctor is on site. I would have been better off sleeping in and come in when the doctors are already there. I understand that sometimes the doctor goes to the hospital 1st or gets stuck on the phone with a patient. But I also work in a doctors office and am aware that it can also simply be that - they get there when they get there.

thetruth
02-09-2019, 03:01 PM
To those who complain of having to wait: What will be your reaction if your 'on time' doctor tells you that you will have to come back another time because other patients are waiting and he/she is going to get off schedule if he/she continues with you any longer? What if that doctor has a patient in the hospital and takes extra time? What if you are THAT patient; do you want your doctor to rush off to the office so nobody has to wait? Remember this, too, when your doctor has said you can go home and has to write your discharge orders. If several are going home the same day, it will possibly skew the office schedule.

Everyone wants the best doctors, but don't want to share. The best doctors will always be the busiest and most usually will have the furthest out appointment times and often times longer waits in the office. I am happy to have the best.

I had the misfortune of having a doctor tell me when I told him I had another question, that he didn't have time. The operative word here: HAD (a doctor).

Truth, in my life I've only been late for a doctor's appointment, probably true of any appointment and that was recently in THE VILLAGES. We called the doctor's office and told them the TRUTH that our golf cart was broken down on the road. Only in the villages.

Here most people are on Medicare. What the doctor can charge is controlled by Medicare. Medicare figures 15 minutes to see a patient. You've said hello-you used up half the time the doctor can spend with you.

Far as waiting. I know I've waited over an hour. Take a book with you. For me the simple human act of the doctor saying sorry about keeping you waiting so long but...................
Is a major plus-MUTUAL RESPECT.

ColdNoMore
02-09-2019, 04:27 PM
Truth, in my life I've only been late for a doctor's appointment, probably true of any appointment and that was recently in THE VILLAGES. We called the doctor's office and told them the TRUTH that our golf cart was broken down on the road. Only in the villages.

Here most people are on Medicare. What the doctor can charge is controlled by Medicare. Medicare figures 15 minutes to see a patient. You've said hello-you used up half the time the doctor can spend with you.

Far as waiting. I know I've waited over an hour. Take a book with you. For me the simple human act of the doctor saying sorry about keeping you waiting so long but...................
Is a major plus-MUTUAL RESPECT.

Gas or electric?

Viperguy
02-10-2019, 07:41 AM
Schedule in July...LOL And people want Medicare for all. Just wait if you think wait time is long now and the upcoming shortage of doctors that will result. Crazy. If you want quick and efficient appointments you will have to pay a premium. (Concierge service) JMHO. There is a reason why Villages Health dropped basic Medicare. Just saying

Rwirish
02-11-2019, 06:04 AM
You may want to get your own personal physician.

jgreen12
02-11-2019, 06:53 AM
I use the University of Fl. for Dental in Gainsville. For orthopedic I use the UF office on 10435 SE 107 Pl Summerville 352-233 4393. Heart valve repair we use Dr. Arias (UF) in Orlando, for lung problems we use Dr Haim in Orlando. He is not with the UF but was recommended by the UF. He's outstanding. The Villages won't accept our ins. and it's just as well. If I don't like a Dr. I'm free to go to specialists I want and not one they want me to use. I also will not wait for over an hr. for any Dr. plus with the UF if they feel it necessary they send you to another specialist and don't run you around in circles just to rape your ins. I have no faith in the Drs. around here. As far as a GP I really can't recommend one here. If I have a problem I make an appt. with the UF. I have horror stories to tell about the Drs. around here. The UF is a bit of a drive but well worth the expertise you get.

jgreen12
02-11-2019, 07:06 AM
For Cancer I use Moffitt in Tampa. I can't say enough good things about them. We had a Dr. in this area that told my husband he had stage 3 cancer and had a yr and a half to live with his treatment. This was all from one xray. ???? You can't diagnose ca with only 1 xray!!!! I made an appt with Moffitt. He went to them for 2 yrs and finally after turning him inside out they told him he never had cancer and released him. That was over 3 yrs ago. I now research everything they say, every med he takes and every Dr we go to. Do your homework!!! Trust NO ONE!

sipops
02-11-2019, 07:31 AM
Be thankful you are not the one causing the delay. If you can't wait leave that will make the people after you get to see the doctor sooner. If it was the other way around and you needed the doctors attention I guess it would be a totally different story. Be glad your not.

StateRobinbird
02-11-2019, 08:18 AM
As a nurse who has worked in several Dr. offices, I would first ask if you like and trust the Dr. If so, take a book and schedule accordingly. It does help to be the first patient of the day. If you don't like the Dr. or the way the office is run, fire them and then tell them why. They can't fix something that they don't know about. Each day has it's challenges, be it surgeries, patients with many problems to discuss, comforting a patient who has just received an upsetting diagnosis.... The list goes on and on. You may be the next person that the Dr. needs to spend extra time with. This also applies to waiting for the Dr. (nurse) to return your call. Please remember to ask all of your questions when you first call so the nurse can get all the answers the first time she/he discusses your situation with the Dr. You may want to write out your questions before calling so you don't forget to include all pertinent information. Good luck!

OhioBuckeye
02-11-2019, 09:58 AM
Is there any doctor in The Villages that schedules appointments so your waiting time is minimal? I know things can’t run exactly on time but waiting for more than an hour before you can see the doctor is unacceptable to me. Oh - and I’d appreciate a recommendation other than The Villages Health. I know they are good but they don’t take my insurance. [emoji3525]

Well, we have a very good Dr. but we've been out of town for a couple of months & when we got back we've called his office to get an appointment for the 5th time & so far no one in his office has pick up the phone & we had to listen to a recorded message to leave a short message, IT'S NEVER BEEN ANSWERED, YET! You would think the TV hospital would have a heart unit to do surgeries, but if you have a heart attack or something worse, the only thing they can do is stabilize you & send you to another hospital. I know because I went to TV hospital for a very non life threatening heart issue, they didn't treat my issue & I was charged $3, 600. & when the CEO was approached by us she agree that I was treated like I should of been, so she tore up my bill. Don't take me wrong I'm sure they treat other things very well & are a very good hospital. Yes, they wanted me to pay cash for their $3,600. non treatment, no INS. would be accepted. Sorry just my opinion!

Buzz2911
02-11-2019, 10:08 AM
I have not experienced any problems yet.
I am wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a good board certified Dermatologist

crmain41
02-11-2019, 10:53 AM
I am a retired RN from up north. I worked for a very busy doctor who was also the head of a huge department within a University Hospital. His office was in the hospital itself. He told his staff that his patients' time was just as important as his own and that if his patients had to wait more than 15 minutes, we were to step into the waiting room and explain the delay. If he was called to the floor or to the ER for one of his patients, we were to give the waiting patients an option of waiting or rescheduling. He asked his secretaries to put those patients who were rescheduling in, even if it meant we stayed late or came in early to accommodate them. The issue I have here in Florida is that the patients are left to sit without any explanation. I would think that a good office manager would say something to those waiting to explain the delay, i.e. "Doctor was held up with a very sick patient and we're running 15 (20, 30) minutes late". Patients should always be given the option of rescheduling if they have other obligations. If we were the sick patient, we would expect our doctor's attention as well.

Sandancer
02-11-2019, 01:08 PM
Dr. Andrew Conti-Primary care physician-one of the best!

tmbromley
02-11-2019, 01:11 PM
I’m sorry you can’t use the Viiages Health Care because of your insurance because that’s what I have and I never wait more than about 5 minutes. If you can change your insurance that’s what I’d recommend. Otherwise other advice you’ve gotten about leaving is pretty good. There are no easy answers to your dilemma.

Caroles Home
02-11-2019, 02:26 PM
Don't see any answers--are they any?

queasy27
02-11-2019, 03:26 PM
I would think that a good office manager would say something to those waiting to explain the delay...

Part of the problem here is finding and retaining good front office and nursing staff. I recently left a long term doctor I liked because of overbooking, long wait times. and errors with billing, scheduling, prescriptions, etc. The office had only recently digitized their records and added an online patient portal but none of the staff knew how to use it. There was a lot of turnover. The phones rang busy or went to voice mail. It just became too much of a chore.

On the other hand, my dentist has really helpful, pleasant and efficient staff and assistants. Maybe she pays better, who knows

golf2140
02-11-2019, 03:32 PM
I have two doctors with Florida Heart and Vascular, plus have my blood work done there and never wait more than 5 minutes.

Brawnwy123
02-26-2019, 08:44 AM
Is there any doctor in The Villages that schedules appointments so your waiting time is minimal? I know things can’t run exactly on time but waiting for more than an hour before you can see the doctor is unacceptable to me. Oh - and I’d appreciate a recommendation other than The Villages Health. I know they are good but they don’t take my insurance. [emoji3525]

OK Doctors? There is a very big money pit here, so docs and others are in for that, Big Time. So, what we do, if they have the long waite time, we simply leave. If they then call us at home, we tell them to learn to meet on time or nearly so.
People of the villages, put up with it, so we are stuck with this bad habit. One doc office was late, very late commonly. We left, stopped at Perkins for breakfast and there he was with friends, just having a great time.

:bigbow:

graciegirl
02-26-2019, 08:56 AM
OK Doctors? There is a very big money pit here, so docs and others are in for that, Big Time. So, what we do, if they have the long waite time, we simply leave. If they then call us at home, we tell them to learn to meet on time or nearly so.
People of the villages, put up with it, so we are stuck with this bad habit. One doc office was late, very late commonly. We left, stopped at Perkins for breakfast and there he was with friends, just having a great time.

:bigbow:


I do not think for a minute that you encountered a doctor having a great time at Perkins during her office hours.. This is NOT a "Villages problem". The Villages hasn't a damned thing to do with doctors scheduling.

There is a big money pit here? I'll say. Those damn Morses make a lot of money selling houses and pass a lot of money to the contractors, subs, and all workers who support this huge business, including groceries and filling stations and servers in restaurants, and lawn service people and garbage collectors and office workers. Industrialization has halved poverty and hunger in the world since 1990. This big business, this "money pit" has changed Sumter county from a poor county with low employment to a vibrant place to live. A rising tide lifts all ships.

AND the OP is right. You have to wait a LONG time in most doctor's offices here. Is it the SOUTH?

OrangeBlossomBaby
02-26-2019, 09:01 AM
I checked their website and they don't mention that they're a concierge center. I saw that under their "specialty" section (for people needing specialty doctors like orthopedists, etc) they accept most insurances, plus medicare and medicare advantage. But under primary care, there's nothing. Is there a schedule of fees anywhere? For instance - how much is just an annual checkup? What about lab work to check your thyroid prescription twice a year? How about if you have a sore foot and want to know whether or not you need a referral to a specialist? Is there a place where potential patients can find this information on the website?

biker1
02-26-2019, 09:11 AM
Really? Your calling him/her a liar? Secondly, he/she never said it was a "Villages problem". He/she did say that the people who live here put up with it. He/she never said The Villages was responsible for scheduling. Thirdly, my Villages Health Care primary care physician is always on time, at least for me he is. I have never had to wait more than 10 minutes in nearly 5 years. I can't believe you are still talking about Drs in the south. Think of it as a balloon - let it go. Regarding your veering off into a discussion about the Morses and Sumter county, please try to stay on topic.

I do not think for a minute that you encountered a doctor having a great time at Perkins during her office hours.. This is NOT a "Villages problem". The Villages hasn't a damned thing to do with doctors scheduling.

There is a big money pit here? I'll say. Those damn Morses make a lot of money selling houses and pass a lot of money to the contractors, subs, and all workers who support this huge business, including groceries and filling stations and servers in restaurants, and lawn service people and garbage collectors and office workers. Industrialization has halved poverty and hunger in the world since 1990. This big business, this "money pit" has changed Sumter county from a poor county with low employment to a vibrant place to live. A rising tide lifts all ships.

AND the OP is right. You have to wait a LONG time in most doctor's offices here. Is it the SOUTH?

PennBF
02-26-2019, 09:30 AM
Actually, the patient is in control and should not tolerate disrespect on the part of the physician. We only use Mayo in Jacksonville and because of a Cancer treatment have to go for Lab and 3 Dr's Office visits about every 3 months and you can almost set your watch by the appointment times and when you see them. If a Clinic as large as Mayo and Dr's with large number of patient can keep on time appointments then why can't the ones in The Villages. Just a guess: want an assembly line of patients and that means scheduling overlap numbers so Dr. does not wait which starts the disrespect for the patient, maximize dollars rather then respect the patients time. There should be times when there are emergencies and the Dr is called out. In these cases I like the note from the person who said she worked for a Dr up north who gave patient alternatives when this happened. :popcorn:

graciegirl
02-26-2019, 09:38 AM
I checked their website and they don't mention that they're a concierge center. I saw that under their "specialty" section (for people needing specialty doctors like orthopedists, etc) they accept most insurances, plus medicare and medicare advantage. But under primary care, there's nothing. Is there a schedule of fees anywhere? For instance - how much is just an annual checkup? What about lab work to check your thyroid prescription twice a year? How about if you have a sore foot and want to know whether or not you need a referral to a specialist? Is there a place where potential patients can find this information on the website?

The Villages Heath system does not accept all insurance. When we moved here we had our company insurance which was Aetna and it switched to Humana and they didn't take either. When the company insurance switched to United Health Care, then we could use The Villages Health Care system. We have only been in it for a couple of months but they are on time and offer a lot of educational services, do their own labwork and do have specialists that are available to people not in the system. We are really satisfied. We really like our Primary Care Physician, Dr. Treny Gulati.

The Villages Hospital is NOT part of The Villages Health Care system. It is available to all. The Morses built the building and lease it to a hospital corporation. I was hospitalized there for eight days over Christmas a year ago. I had very good care and dedicated nursing in Critical Care. The first responders really saved my life. I am very grateful to the medical personnel in this area.

Dan9871
02-26-2019, 10:06 AM
I checked their website and they don't mention that they're a concierge center. I saw that under their "specialty" section (for people needing specialty doctors like orthopedists, etc) they accept most insurances, plus medicare and medicare advantage. But under primary care, there's nothing. Is there a schedule of fees anywhere? For instance - how much is just an annual checkup? What about lab work to check your thyroid prescription twice a year? How about if you have a sore foot and want to know whether or not you need a referral to a specialist? Is there a place where potential patients can find this information on the website?

I don't think that Villages Health is a concierge but the doc's do have a limited number of patients that they treat about 1250 or about half of what most doc's treat.

If you are on UHC medicare advantage, which Villages Health requires, they accept what medicare allows for a service.

UHC advantage for Villages Health does not require a referral for a specialist but it still a good idea to get one from your PCP.

Villages Health has the own hospitalists in Villages Hospital.

Tests for most ordinary meds like blood thinner or thyroid are done in a Villages health center. Tests are on time like appointments.

This kind of stuff and other things makes Village Health similar to a concierge service even though they are not one and don't charge extra for these services.

The Villages Health website, like most websites, has very little in terms of the detail of what Villages Health offers. The best place to find out the details of how Villages Health operates is to stop by one of their care centers and talk with a patient service rep... no, the patient service rep does not work for UHC, they work for Villages Health. The Villages Health centers also have UHC reps you can talk to also.

Villages Health doesn't work for everyone and some people do not like at all how they operate (for example requiring UHC medicare advantage) but we've found that overall Villages Health has given us better care and results than we were able to receive in eastern MA.

DeanFL
02-26-2019, 10:42 AM
As most of us here, I've had the good/bad experiences of wait times in doctors offices.

Yesterday happened to the THE BEST.

Had day surgery at TV hospital by Dr Yin Luk, general surgeon.

Went to her TV office in January for initial consultation after Primary Care Dr and insur approval. Had 3 hernias - inginual...(for the 3rd time there), umbilical, and at the sternum from prev surg there. She was very thorough and communicated perfectly. Surg scheduled for 2/18. All 3 hernias. Everything went perfectly and recuperating thru the week. Yesterday was the post-op visit at her other office near Leesburg Hosp. Appt for 10:15. Arrived at 9:55; called in quickly while reviewing magazine choice. Did not even have time to sit down in waiting room. In exam room and nurse reviewed info and completed BP etc etc. Done, 1 min later Dr Luk came in reviewed all with us and examined surg areas. Questions<>answers. Done. Walking out as I checked my watch. It was 10:15. Happened to pass Dr Luk, gave her a hug and told her the 'world record'. We laughed. She will be my go-to general surgeon from this point on. Perfect experience.

OrangeBlossomBaby
02-26-2019, 11:02 AM
If you are on UHC medicare advantage, which Villages Health requires, they accept what medicare allows for a service.



Ah that rules it out for me. I'm not eligible for any medicare yet and won't be for another 7 years (I'm only 57).

Carla B
02-26-2019, 11:33 AM
Ah that rules it out for me. I'm not eligible for any medicare yet and won't be for another 7 years (I'm only 57).

You don't have to be on their Medicare Advantage plan if you are under 65. You need to talk to them to see if they accept your insurance.

Dan9871
02-26-2019, 11:50 AM
Ah that rules it out for me. I'm not eligible for any medicare yet and won't be for another 7 years (I'm only 57).

That doesn't rule you out. UHC Advantage is only required if you are eligible for medicare. Best to check at one of the health centers to see if Villages Health will work for you. The stuff you find on TOV is just bits and snippets.....