Mulberry Health Care Center

[deestatham]

FINALLY found a good doctor, Dr. Robert Green. Ran tests that hadn’t been done before to totally understand my early diabetes. Spent a lot of time understanding me and working out a plan. I’m not a pill popper. Now, if only he stays. Doctors at Mulberry have been a revolving door. Not long after I get a good one, I receive a letter announcing their departure due to “going home to family” How come they all leave for the same reason? Looks like a form letter with the name filled in! Why can’t The Villages keep good doctors. The hierarchy and forces to be here leave a lot to be desired. We may be older folks but we’re not dumb. We all worked in Corporate America and know how the system works. Looks like I’ve got to go outside Mulberry and The Villages. Sad situation here.

[bobthegolfer]

I hope you have good luck with your doctor staying at least a couple years. It seems two to three years and they're gone.

I have been going to the Mulberry Health Center since it opened. I'm on my 5th doctor (Dr. Kennedy just left). I will meet my new Doctor next week for a New Patient appointment I've had excellent care there, but I wouldn't be at all surprised to see it shut down. When I'm there for Blood Work, or for a Doctor Appointment, there is never much activity. The Waiting Room most of the time is empty. The Staff working in the " Huddle" look Bored to death! I just don't think they have enough patients to keep them busy.

[Kahuna32162]

Yes, Dr Wald was MY favorite as well. He was 80 and still working 70+ hours a week. I don't blame him at all for going back to Pennsylvania to do what he loved, teaching. My understanding is the Dr green is commuting from Tampa daily. Hope he stays, I have been pleased with Dr Graham Hooker so far.

[deestatham]

I think Dr. Green is actually living in Polo Ridge right now. Seems to love The Villages and is retirement age I think. He’s perfect. I loved Dr.Kennedy too but she left. My husband liked her too. Something just isn’t right at Mulberry Health Care. Is it the management? We just seem to keep losing good doctors. I’m hoping I don’t lose Dr. Green.

[Parker]

Just got a call from Villages Health yesterday. Dr Green is not renewing his contract. In 2 1/2 years I've had 4 doctors leave and he would have been my fifth! I'm leaving Mulberry because their turnover is outrageous. They insist nothing is wrong at their clinic but....?

[Villageswimmer]

Don’t know if it’s Mulberry. When I was at VHS Pinellas, Doctor turnover was very high as well.

[Carla B]

Although I'm no longer in the Villages Health System, during my time as a patient there was a lot of movement by doctors. Dr. Kennedy used to be at Creekside, then transferred to Mulberry. I too wonder why, are the salaries too low or are there management issues?

[Nucky]

Although I'm no longer in the Villages Health System, during my time as a patient there was a lot of movement by doctors. Dr. Kennedy used to be at Creekside, then transferred to Mulberry. I too wonder why, are the salaries too low or are their management issues?

Very Wise Reply. The answer is Both are the problems.

[deestatham]

I did finally get to talk to Brenda Stone, the office manager there. She is aware of the frequent doctor turnover. I told her I don’t want to be seen by a nurse when I’m paying for a doctor. She understands my concern and noted it in my record. If Dr. Green leaves, I’m forced to find another doctor outside The Villages. I wonder if they’re leaving because they aren’t being paid enough.

I hope you have good luck with your doctor staying at least a couple years. It seems two to three years and they're gone.

I have been going to the Mulberry Health Center since it opened. I'm on my 5th doctor (Dr. Kennedy just left). I will meet my new Doctor next week for a New Patient appointment I've had excellent care there, but I wouldn't be at all surprised to see it shut down. When I'm there for Blood Work, or for a Doctor Appointment, there is never much activity. The Waiting Room most of the time is empty. The Staff working in the " Huddle" look Bored to death! I just don't think they have enough patients to keep them busy.

[gadaboutgal]

I really enjoyed being part of the United Health Group; but, as you said, they don't seem to have enough doctors.
I was a patient of Dr. Kennedy (absolutely loved her) for many years and was so disappointed when she left the practice. I believe her husband was in the military and was able to return to their home in Ohio.
In the meantime, trying to get an appointment with another female doctor in The Villages United Health Group seemed to be impossible. I was told would have to wait to have them call me for a "first" appointment in a minimum of 2 months. After waiting a month, and no followup, I called and they still didn't have an opening.
Since then, I found another doctor outside their system to see within a month.

[deestatham]

Just got a call from Villages Health yesterday. Dr Green is not renewing his contract. In 2 1/2 years I've had 4 doctors leave and he would have been my fifth! I'm leaving Mulberry because their turnover is outrageous. They insist nothing is wrong at their clinic but....?

WHAT? When I spoke with Brenda Stone yesterday she guaranteed me Dr. Green would be my doctor! He likes it here and all of us like him, so what the heck is going on? I’m really “sick” of this! Maybe it’s time to dig deeper and find the root cause for all this turnover. Sooner or later, everybody is going to leave Mulberry. All I know is my insurance pays for a PCP and I want to keep Dr. Green as my PCP.

[Parker]

I agree. Part of good quality health care is continuity of care. My last doctor, Dr. Kennedy, has left, and now my scheduled new doctor, Dr. Greene, is leaving, I am left with no current doctor. They said they are getting two new female doctors next month. It is all very discouraging.

[deestatham]

Yesterday I logged into my patient portal and sent messages to both Dr. Green and the office manager, Brenda Stone asking WHY I was ASSURED the day before that Dr. Green would be there for me in August to help with my diabetes. No reply yet. But I really want to know what the problem is. I’ve had 4 doctors in less then 4 years. How can ANYBODY get decent care when doctors rotate in and out all the time. As I said earlier, my insurance pays for me to see a doctor, not a nurse. Once I get a reply to my emails to Mulberry I’ll share them here.

[Nucky]

Yesterday I logged into my patient portal and sent messages to both Dr. Green and the office manager, Brenda Stone asking WHY I was ASSURED the day before that Dr. Green would be there for me in August to help with my diabetes. No reply yet. But I really want to know what the problem is. I’ve had 4 doctors in less then 4 years. How can ANYBODY get decent care when doctors rotate in and out all the time. As I said earlier, my insurance pays for me to see a doctor, not a nurse. Once I get a reply to my emails to Mulberry I’ll share them here.

We live further away from Mulberry but started out there when we first arrived. We live very close to Santa Barbara and love the Doctor we have and the staff there can't be beaten. Sometimes we have had to travel elsewhere to get a Doctor instead of a Nurse Practioner which I have no problem seeing for many small health concerns but sometimes we want a Doctor. There is an excellent N.P. at Santa Barabra, her first name is Silvia.

We wish you luck getting a Doctor who Stays. Maybe trying another office would help. We understand your frustration.

[deestatham]

Isn’t this amazing! I’ll be interested to see the response I get to my emails.

[deestatham]

Like you, I don’t mind seeing a NP for minor issues but I want to be sure my insurance isn’t being billed for a doctor visit. I guess I’d have to ask my insurance company. Also a NP at Mulberry prescribed a diabetes medication for me. Once I researched the medication, I found it is linked to bladder cancer. I had cancer 4 years ago, so I don’t want to play with fire. This information is in my record at Mulberry.

[bobthegolfer]

Part of the problem at Mulberry is the staff. Getting past the front desk to your doctor is like trying to get into the Pentagon! Those Ladies were borderline rude. The ladies I'm talking about are now gone and younger ladies are there and seem to be a bit more receptive to my calls. I also had a bad experience with a PA who diagnosed me as having a UT (with extreme pain on my side) when the next day a doc at Urgent Care said I had Shingles. She gave me two shots and a prescription, and I was fine in a couple days. I should not have to go to Urgent Care when I have a Doctor! I expressed my unhappiness to Dr. Kennedy and said I did not wish to see a PA when I need a DR. (I usually only go every six months to see her). She put it in my chart and said that should never have happened and that they had just had a big staff meeting with her telling the Receptionists they should put calls through to HER staff and let THEM decide if a patient should be seen by a DOCTOR or not! So, the front desk was calling the shots! Now I see on this Thread they are expecting Two Female Doctors in a couple months. We will see! I don't have a lot of confidence in Mulberry at this point!

[deestatham]

Sunny70: I know what you mean. I physically went to the office to see Brenda Stone when she didn’t return my 2 phone calls and the front desk said she was gone for the day. It was 3pm. Said she’d be in at 9am so I left a handwritte note to call me. When she hadn’t called me by 10am the next day, I called again and finally got through. She said she has only been there since a February but is aware of the frequent turnover. She also assured me Dr. Green would be there. At Christmas I was sick. Called Mulberry and left message to see a doctor. Never got a call back. Had to go to Urgent Care. They were great and started me on a week of injections to clear up the viral 9nfection. Urgent Care is really good.

[Barefoot]

Urgent Care is really good.Which Urgent Care did you use?

[deestatham]

Barefoot: I’m referring to Urgent Care on 441 near 42.

[Barefoot]

Barefoot: I’m referring to Urgent Care on 441 near 42.Dee, thanks for your reply.
I'm off topic, but I've used Paramount Urgent Care on CR 466, because it's covered by my Travel Insurance.
I also find Paramount to be capable.

[blueash]

.. Had to go to Urgent Care. They were great and started me on a week of injections to clear up the viral infection. Urgent Care is really good.

I am very very interested in this information. I hope you'll be willing to post what injection you received over the course of a week to help you overcome a viral infection. If you don't want it on the public forum, I promise to not post the information if you private message me

[deestatham]

Well I finally got a call back from Brenda Stone in reply to the email I sent her. She confirmed that Dr. Green is, indeed, leaving! I expressed my disappointment because he was helping me so much. She said the decision was made at the upper management level. I told her that I’m really concerned about the revolving door at Mulberry. If salary is the issue, I don’t understand that when most everyone here has good insurance. I wonder what the salary for the head of The Villages Medical System is. I’m a paying customer so I have a say in who I want for a doctor. I asked to be transferred to Dr. Green to say goodbye and he assured me it is not his decision to leave. He wants to stay and I want him to stay. Maybe it’s time to get the truth before yet another good doctor leaves. Something is very wrong here.

[deestatham]

After USF failure in the Villages, top official finds job there (https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/college/after-usf-failure-in-the-villages-top-official-finds-job-there/2217803)

Read this article in The Tampa Times. This guy is now theChief Medical Officer here in The Villages. Not a good endorsement for sure. Maybe this is the reason we lose so many good doctors like Dr. Green at Mulberry.

[Parker]

After USF failure in the Villages, top official finds job there (https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/college/after-usf-failure-in-the-villages-top-official-finds-job-there/2217803)

Read this article in The Tampa Times. This guy is now theChief Medical Officer here in The Villages. Not a good endorsement for sure. Maybe this is the reason we lose so many good doctors like Dr. Green at Mulberry.

I tried to access this article but it requires a subscription. Can you tell us what the gist of it is? I too am quite upset at yet another turnover at Villages Health and am trying to obtain further information about it. Any inkling would be helpful. Thanks.

[deestatham]

I am very very interested in this information. I hope you'll be willing to post what injection you received over the course of a week to help you overcome a viral infection. If you don't want it on the public forum, I promise to not post the information if you private message me
It was Rocephin

[deestatham]

After USF failure in the Villages, top official finds job there (https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/college/after-usf-failure-in-the-villages-top-official-finds-job-there/2217803)

Read this article in The Tampa Times. This guy is now theChief Medical Officer here in The Villages. Not a good endorsement for sure. Maybe this is the reason we lose so many good doctors like Dr. Green at Mulberry.

I just clicked on the link and was able to get the article without a subscription. Try again, if it doesn’t work for you, I’ll create a .pdf and send.

[deestatham]

He wants to renew.

[blueash]

It was Rocephin

Sent you a private message.

[under55]

Have been on The Villages Health wait list for over 3 months to become a new patient. Told them would take any doctor at any office. Still on the wait list. Called FHV Health | The Region's Most Complete, Private Health Facility (https://www.flheartcenter.com/) they also do yearly primary care visits. They gave me an appointment in 3 days.

[deestatham]

Thx. The Villages Health has trouble keeping doctors so it seems best to go outside. Will check out your recommendation.

[JackFIF]

I am new to the villages and signed up to see Dr. Green. Been to see him 2 times and found him to be a super primary care doctor who is up to date on every aspect of health issues for people my age. Now I understand he may be leaving Mullberry which seems to be a frequent problem with that particular location. I wonder what is going on over there? Why are doctors leaving positions they really like after such a short time? Many seem to be asking the same question. What is the underlying problem?

[deestatham]

I am new to the villages and signed up to see Dr. Green. Been to see him 2 times and found him to be a super primary care doctor who is up to date on every aspect of health issues for people my age. Now I understand he may be leaving Mullberry which seems to be a frequent problem with that particular location. I wonder what is going on over there? Why are doctors leaving positions they really like after such a short time? Many seem to be asking the same question. What is the underlying problem?

Like you, I don’t understand it either. I really like Dr. Green too. He’s been helping me and it seems many others feel the same way. I’ve been here 4 years and have gone through 4 doctors. I’m beginning to think this is a management problem. All of these doctors are leaving and the patients are suffering. I’ve been given information by the staff that I later found misleading or totally untrue. Im going to talk with our neighborhood advocate and find out if something can be done to get my concerns addressed. It’s time to get the truth here.

[Northwoods]

Just for the record, I have been a patient at The Villages Health for 5 years. I'm extremely happy. My primary care physician (I've had for 5 years) is excellent (not at Mulberry). I love their "model" of spending time with patients, I like that I can get in to see either a physician, PA or Nurse Practitioner within 24 hours if I have an issue. I can also ask questions or discuss an issue with my physician through the patient portal. I've personally never experienced any "problems" with TVH.

[deestatham]

Just for the record, I have been a patient at The Villages Health for 5 years. I'm extremely happy. My primary care physician (I've had for 5 years) is excellent (not at Mulberry). I love their "model" of spending time with patients, I like that I can get in to see either a physician, PA or Nurse Practitioner within 24 hours if I have an issue. I can also ask questions or discuss an issue with my physician through the patient portal. I've personally never experienced any "problems" with TVH.

That’s good to hear. This says to me the problem is with Mulberry alone and not the entire system. If this is, indeed, the case, I need to change locations. But I still want Dr. Green as my PCP and the management at Mulberry isn’t letting that happen.

[JackFIF]

Hey Everyone, Any good news from Mulberry? I sure hope Dr. Green can remain in the village system.

[deestatham]

Hey Everyone, Any good news from Mulberry? I sure hope Dr. Green can remain in the village system.

No. Dr. Green is being let go today. I’m upset and others are too. He wants to stay, we want him to stay, so what’s the problem here? Need some questions answered. There is a new CEO who may be open to having our questions answered. Mulberry seems to be the problem moreso then the entire system.

[deestatham]

Well, it’s official, Dr. Green was let go today and is being pushed out of his house by noon tomorrow.

[champion6]

Well, it’s official, Dr. Green was let go today and is being pushed out of his house by noon tomorrow.What does "being pushed out of his house" mean?

[deestatham]

Told to leave by noon tomorrow even though he has a lease.

[Carla B]

Does this mean he leased his home from The Villages Health System?

[deestatham]

Yes, that’s my understanding. In Polo Ridge.

[JackFIF]

Wow, I just don't what to say. So sad. Who is the new person in charge concerning Mulberry care?

[deestatham]

I know. It’s terrible and as a patient it really concerns me. Some guy named Lowenkron and a woman named Pelovak are the people who fired him. Would love to hear from them but no luck. The patients love Dr. Green. If they would transfer him to another center, I’d go there but no one is listening to the patients. I’ll keep asking questions until I get some truthful answers. Good doctors keep getting let go which means I have to start all over again. I’m hoping the new CEO, Dr. Trinh will take a look at this problem. He just came onboard in December. Maybe he’ll bring Dr. Green back after he investigates the truth.

[deestatham]

Part of the problem at Mulberry is the staff. Getting past the front desk to your doctor is like trying to get into the Pentagon! Those Ladies were borderline rude. The ladies I'm talking about are now gone and younger ladies are there and seem to be a bit more receptive to my calls. I also had a bad experience with a PA who diagnosed me as having a UT (with extreme pain on my side) when the next day a doc at Urgent Care said I had Shingles. She gave me two shots and a prescription, and I was fine in a couple days. I should not have to go to Urgent Care when I have a Doctor! I expressed my unhappiness to Dr. Kennedy and said I did not wish to see a PA when I need a DR. (I usually only go every six months to see her). She put it in my chart and said that should never have happened and that they had just had a big staff meeting with her telling the Receptionists they should put calls through to HER staff and let THEM decide if a patient should be seen by a DOCTOR or not! So, the front desk was calling the shots! Now I see on this Thread they are expecting Two Female Doctors in a couple months. We will see! I don't have a lot of confidence in Mulberry at this point!

This is probably the reason Dr. Kennedy left. Office politics. Really liked her too. The receptionist there told me they don’t like Dr. Green questioning them. Seems the medical assistants rule there. Since when does an assistant over rule a doctor? All I know is I like Dr. Green and I’m paying the bills there. I want him to be my PCP.

[deestatham]

Contacted the local newspapers today to submit a Letter To The Editor regarding the firing by Mr. Lowenkron and Ms. Pelovak of Dr. Green. Will post any replies I get from them.

[JackFIF]

Good, keep us updated.

[Northwoods]

This is probably the reason Dr. Kennedy left. Office politics. Really liked her too. The receptionist there told me they don’t like Dr. Green questioning them. Seems the medical assistants rule there. Since when does an assistant over rule a doctor? All I know is I like Dr. Green and I’m paying the bills there. I want him to be my PCP.
Do you know what is unfortunate? When people make assumptions but they have no knowledge of the facts.
Why did Dr. Kennedy leave? Her parents were going to move to The Villages, but because of health issues, they chose to stay in the Midwest. Dr. Kennedy moved here anticipating her parents were going to move here. When they didn't... she chose to move back to be with her parents and her siblings.
Is this anyone's business? Absolutely not. How do I know this? I actually know Dr. Kennedy.
State what you know... don't assume. Don't try to build a case. You're doing a disservice to people what are trying to understand the truth.

[deestatham]

Do you know what is unfortunate? When people make assumptions but they have no knowledge of the facts.
Why did Dr. Kennedy leave? Her parents were going to move to The Villages, but because of health issues, they chose to stay in the Midwest. Dr. Kennedy moved here anticipating her parents were going to move here. When they didn't... she chose to move back to be with her parents and her siblings.
Is this anyone's business? Absolutely not. How do I know this? I actually know Dr. Kennedy.
State what you know... don't assume. Don't try to build a case. You're doing a disservice to people what are trying to understand the truth.


With all due respect, you will notice I said probably. I’m delighted that you know Dr. Kennedy personally and all of us certainly wish her the best. Building a case based on the truth is what all of us want but it seems the truth about Dr. Green is not being disclosed. How do I know? I know Dr. Green and I know first hand from the office what I heard. A disservice is done to people when the truth withheld.

[Northwoods]

With all due respect, you will notice I said probably. I’m delighted that you know Dr. Kennedy personally and all of us certainly wish her the best. Building a case based on the truth is what all of us want but it seems the truth about Dr. Green is not being disclosed. How do I know? I know Dr. Green and I know first hand from the office what I heard. A disservice is done to people when the truth withheld.
So If I start a sentence with "probably" I can assume anything I want?
Honestly, I'm not trying to pick a fight. I know you found a physician you like and you're frustrated that he's gone. I have no idea why Dr. Green is gone (I don't know Dr. Green). My guess is there's a story there. I will leave it at that.

[OCsun]

Just for the record, I have been a patient at The Villages Health for 5 years. I'm extremely happy. My primary care physician (I've had for 5 years) is excellent (not at Mulberry). I love their "model" of spending time with patients, I like that I can get in to see either a physician, PA or Nurse Practitioner within 24 hours if I have an issue. I can also ask questions or discuss an issue with my physician through the patient portal. I've personally never experienced any "problems" with TVH.

I think it is great that you have been able to have a happy experience using The Villages Health System. I waited several years anticipating them building the health care centers and could not wait to be part of the, "Home Town", medical system. I loved the centers them selves and their locations. I loved the staff and did not mind seeing only and RN most times, knowing the doctor was on site if we needed to consult at that level. However, like many people I had four different doctors and even changed sites to stay with one doctor.

Then I was kicked out due to my medicare insurance being primary. Well, that turned out to be a blessing because I have now had the same doctor for over two years and have never been scheduled with and RN.

I wish I could have had your experience but I did not. It sure seems like the Villages Health Centers have a lot going for them but, they just never got on the right track in my opinion.

[deestatham]

So If I start a sentence with "probably" I can assume anything I want?
Honestly, I'm not trying to pick a fight. I know you found a physician you like and you're frustrated that he's gone. I have no idea why Dr. Green is gone (I don't know Dr. Green). My guess is there's a story there. I will leave it at that.

Like you, I don’t fight either. Blessed be the peace maker but also blessed be the truth finder. We both know what ass u me does. It’s the “story” that we want. The revolving door of doctors at Mulberry has a “story” and we want that story, it’s just that simple.

[JackFIF]

Let us find out the facts, they are infinitely more interesting. I don't want politics as part of my healthcare. I don't want to lose a GOOD doctor.

[deestatham]

Let us find out the facts, they are infinitely more interesting. I don't want politics as part of my healthcare. I don't want to lose a GOOD doctor.

Totally agree with you. Problem is we’re not getting any response from the management there. I’ve reached out many times but get stone walled. I’ve heard Dr. Green’s side and I know what was said to me by office staff but can’t get the other side to talk. Politics don’t blend with health care. Why was Dr. Green fired? I can handle the truth - just want to know what it is.

[bobthegolfer]

Interesting to read all of the above Posts. I've been going to Mulberry since it was built and before that I went to Pinellas where I saw Dr. Horner. She had been my doctor (from Bellview) while the Villages Health was still in the planning stage. I was shocked when The Villages decided to kick out all patients who did not have Medicare Advantage. Some of my best friends were devastated they were forced a doctor they loved. It's a mess!

Dee, I support what you are trying to do and I certainly hope you can talk to those in charge. It's doubtful, but I will hope for the best!
Getting your letter into the Villages Daily News will help. I would bet lots of folks will respond that they have had similar things happen to them. This is not good PR for The Villages!

[deestatham]

Sunny70: Thanks for the support. And, no, this isn’t good PR for The Villages for sure. Can’t even get into the Patient Portal today to send yet another request for answers. Jennifer Pavlik even gave Dr. Green a handwritten note telling him what to tell patients if they ask him why he is “leaving”. Wow!

[blueash]

While I am sympathetic to the OP who is quite frustrated, you are not entitled to know why a person was discharged. Neither does the front desk know, nor the office nurse, nor perhaps the other doctors in the office. A decision to let a doctor go against his wish is a private matter. I will give a few examples I am NOT saying any of this applies to the doctor being discussed but all of them would result in a doctor being discharged and no public reason would be provided.

The doctor is accused of inappropriate contact with a patient or an employee in the office or in any other professional environment, inappropriate language or evidence of bias against an employee or a patient. The doctor falsified information on his employment or educational history, or has falsified documentation in the medical record. The doctor has developed a drug or alcohol problem and declines the offered care. The doctor is unable to work at the required pace or does not do the needed paperwork to have patients and insurers billed for services.

I could offer you many many other scenarios where what seems to the patient to be an excellent doctor is going to be dismissed and you are not going to get any answer from the administration as to why.

[Villageswimmer]

Agree with BlueAsh. It’s a personnel issue. Private. No one owes you or anyone an explanation. Not defending VH. Any employer wishing to avoid lawsuits would take the same stance.

As to PR, they’ve proven they can do what they want and the bucks keep pouring in.

I hope you find another doctor with whom you are happy. Time to move on.

[deestatham]

Do you folks work at Mulberry?

[JackFIF]

I am sure an important explanation lies just below the surface. Sooner or later it will surface just like a whale needing air. We just need to be vigilant and be ready for the story when it surfaces.

[deestatham]

Yes, you’re right. I guess patients here aren’t entitled to full disclosure yet we read full disclosure all the time in newspapers and on TV. “Moving on” is just not an option or solution when it comes to our health care, especially when we’re paying the bills.

[Villageswimmer]

Contacted the local newspapers today to submit a Letter To The Editor regarding the firing by Mr. Lowenkron and Ms. Pelovak of Dr. Green. Will post any replies I get from them.


When you say “newspapers,” do you mean The Daily Sun? Would you really expect them to publish a letter critical of VHS?

[deestatham]

When you say “newspapers,” do you mean The Daily Sun? Would you really expect them to publish a letter critical of VHS?

Wow! I guess the problem is even deeper then expected, huh! Is Fake News alive and well in Florida’s Friendliest Home Town

[deestatham]

While I am sympathetic to the OP who is quite frustrated, you are not entitled to know why a person was discharged. Neither does the front desk know, nor the office nurse, nor perhaps the other doctors in the office. A decision to let a doctor go against his wish is a private matter. I will give a few examples I am NOT saying any of this applies to the doctor being discussed but all of them would result in a doctor being discharged and no public reason would be provided.

The doctor is accused of inappropriate contact with a patient or an employee in the office or in any other professional environment, inappropriate language or evidence of bias against an employee or a patient. The doctor falsified information on his employment or educational history, or has falsified documentation in the medical record. The doctor has developed a drug or alcohol problem and declines the offered care. The doctor is unable to work at the required pace or does not do the needed paperwork to have patients and insurers billed for services.

I could offer you many many other scenarios where what seems to the patient to be an excellent doctor is going to be dismissed and you are not going to get any answer from the administration as to why.

This is good information. Where can we find this to read more about it? Certainly appreciate your input and support.

[kathyspear]

Unfortunately you will not be told by the medical system why someone was let go. If you call someone's former employer to verify past employment you will be told "so and so worked here from [date] through [date]" and that is all. They don't want to be sued by the ex-employee for slander.

I went through the same type of thing up north with Mainline Health, a large system in the Philly area. During the ten years I went there several of my doctors left the system and I was passed on to someone else. (I always assumed the "leaving" was voluntary but who knows!) I got lucky the last few years that my last doctor stuck around. It sounds like something more is going on at Mulberry but the public is unlikely to find out what it is.

kathy

[deestatham]

Sad situation when the patient can’t get the truth, isn’t it? I’ve heard one side of this story, just want to hear the other side. It’s just that simple.

[Bogie Shooter]

Wow! I guess the problem is even deeper then expected, huh! Is Fake News alive and well in Florida’s Friendliest Home Town

/////.

[Bogie Shooter]

This is good information. Where can we find this to read more about it? Certainly appreciate your input and support.

Do a Google search "why do doctors leave a practice".
You will get enough information to keep you busy till Labor Day!

[deestatham]

Do a Google search "why do doctors leave a practice".
You will get enough information to keep you busy till Labor Day!

Will do. We can always vote with our feet.

[deestatham]

Interesting to read all of the above Posts. I've been going to Mulberry since it was built and before that I went to Pinellas where I saw Dr. Horner. She had been my doctor (from Bellview) while the Villages Health was still in the planning stage. I was shocked when The Villages decided to kick out all patients who did not have Medicare Advantage. Some of my best friends were devastated they were forced a doctor they loved. It's a mess!

Dee, I support what you are trying to do and I certainly hope you can talk to those in charge. It's doubtful, but I will hope for the best!
Getting your letter into the Villages Daily News will help. I would bet lots of folks will respond that they have had similar things happen to them. This is not good PR for The Villages!

We can always vote with our feet!!

[Northwoods]

Agree with BlueAsh. It’s a personnel issue. Private. No one owes you or anyone an explanation. Not defending VH. Any employer wishing to avoid lawsuits would take the same stance.

As to PR, they’ve proven they can do what they want and the bucks keep pouring in.

I hope you find another doctor with whom you are happy. Time to move on.
Totally agree. TVH could get sued... even if the information they provided was accurate. When I was a manager I was only able to tell someone who inquired about a previous employee that the employee once worked for the company. Nothing more.
I don't know why he's leaving... but if there were personnel issues, do you honestly think they're going to tell you? Maybe there's a reason they're not talking.

[deestatham]

Totally agree. TVH could get sued... even if the information they provided was accurate. When I was a manager I was only able to tell someone who inquired about a previous employee that the employee once worked for the company. Nothing more.
I don't know why he's leaving... but if there were personnel issues, do you honestly think they're going to tell you? Maybe there's a reason they're not talking.


We can vote with our feet. Dr. Green is telling his side of the story but not TVH. All we know here is we’re losing yet another good doctor. The door will continue to revolve.

[Northwoods]

We can vote with our feet. Dr. Green is telling his side of the story but not TVH. All we know here is we’re losing yet another good doctor. The door will continue to revolve.
You have every right to do what you feel is best for you.
And you are absolutely right... you are only hearing one side of the story. (and there are always two sides to every story).

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Do you folks work at Mulberry?

I don't work anywhere, and I'm not permanently moved into the Villages yet so my doctor is still in Connecticut, where we're waiting for our house to sell before completing the move.

Not that THAT is any of your business either but I figured I'd just throw that in there for ya.

Now back on topic: The other people are right. It's none of your business WHY a doctor is no longer at a facility. It is your business that your doctor is gone, but not why.

If you were fired from your job, would you mind if your ex-boss told everyone who asked why he fired you? Would you be okay with that?

If you learned why, what would you DO with that information? It would ease your mind knowing that the doctor had a serious issue that had absolutely nothing to do with you, that required his employer to fire him?

Yes? Well then here: the doctor had a serious issue that had absolutely nothing to do with you, that required his employer to fire him.

There's your answer to the question "why."

[deestatham]

I don't work anywhere, and I'm not permanently moved into the Villages yet so my doctor is still in Connecticut, where we're waiting for our house to sell before completing the move.

Not that THAT is any of your business either but I figured I'd just throw that in there for ya.

Now back on topic: The other people are right. It's none of your business WHY a doctor is no longer at a facility. It is your business that your doctor is gone, but not why.

If you were fired from your job, would you mind if your ex-boss told everyone who asked why he fired you? Would you be okay with that?

If you learned why, what would you DO with that information? It would ease your mind knowing that the doctor had a serious issue that had absolutely nothing to do with you, that required his employer to fire him?

Yes? Well then here: the doctor had a serious issue that had absolutely nothing to do with you, that required his employer to fire him.

There's your answer to the question "why."


Wow! No need to get so defensive here. The rules for posting on this board are civility first. Seems you know a lot about this issue. Please feel free to share with us. What is the serious issue being referenced? And welcome to The Villages!

[deestatham]

And just one more thing - when I was at Mulberry a few weeks ago, going over my lab results with Dr. Green in a private room, the medical assistant opened the door without even knocking first, and said my time was up. What?! I wasn’t finished yet and I really don’t think I was taking too much time. I just needed to fully understand my labs.

[Bogie Shooter]

Wow! No need to get so defensive here. The rules for posting on this board are civility first. Seems you know a lot about this issue. Please feel free to share with us. What is the serious issue being referenced? And welcome to The Villages!

this issue?

[deestatham]

Totally agree. TVH could get sued... even if the information they provided was accurate. When I was a manager I was only able to tell someone who inquired about a previous employee that the employee once worked for the company. Nothing more.
I don't know why he's leaving... but if there were personnel issues, do you honestly think they're going to tell you? Maybe there's a reason they're not talking.

Likewise, well respected doctors could sue TVH for wrongful dismissal and putting a blemish on their reputation.

[deestatham]

this issue?

Yes, you wrote in your post “the doctor had a serious issue”. Do tell.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Yes, you wrote in your post “the doctor had a serious issue”. Do tell.

I'm the one who wrote that, not Bogie Shooter. And by "serious issue" I meant "an issue serious enough that it would cause an employer to fire an employee, whatever that serious issue happens to be."

Whatever issue it was, it was serious enough to cause the employer to fire the employee.

At places like Mulberry, the physicians are, for all intents and purposes, just employees. These clinics/medical centers are run by companies that hire the doctors and other staff to perform their functions. The doctors do not run the show like they do in private practices.

[Kahuna32162]

IMHO, after 8 pages of rants on this subject, I'd be surprised if TVH would ever welcome you back.

[deestatham]

I'm the one who wrote that, not Bogie Shooter. And by "serious issue" I meant "an issue serious enough that it would cause an employer to fire an employee, whatever that serious issue happens to be."

Whatever issue it was, it was serious enough to cause the employer to fire the employee.

At places like Mulberry, the physicians are, for all intents and purposes, just employees. These clinics/medical centers are run by companies that hire the doctors and other staff to perform their functions. The doctors do not run the show like they do in private practices.



Thanks for the clarification. The revolving door at Mulberry makes me question who is doing the hiring and how are these people’s job performance being measured. Their track record is less then glowing with so much turnover. Are they screening applicants effectively- obviously not. This problem at Mulberry will continue. It’s going to be interesting to watch.

[deestatham]

IMHO, after 8 pages of rants on this subject, I'd be surprised if TVH would ever welcome you back.

LOL! But I don’t think I’m alone.