Medical Care

[FrankD]

I was told by a Villager that when moving to TV, in order to secure a doctor you should have a referral from our present doctors at home? Trying to obtain a doctor in TV on our own would be very difficult?

[korman45]

I just moved here the end of June. I did not have a referral and did not need one. I did some research on the 'puter and called for appointment - no problem!!

[Avista]

Had no referral. I found a great selection of physicians.

[champion6]

Since you're not in TV, here is a website that may be useful: http://www.hoptothevillagesrx.com/

[zcaveman]

You might want to check with your Healthcare provider via telephone or their internet site to see what doctors they cover in the TV area. Some physicians down here are not on every Healthcare providers list. Same with the hospitals and the specialists.

[islandgal]

This directory should be helpful also:

http://leesburgregional.photobooks.com/pdf_results/leesburgregional.pdf

[Hancle704]

The Village Hospital and both Ocala hospitals also publish physician directories.

A lot depends on what kind of Doctor or Specialist are you looking for.

There are some I have learned who overbook appointments and patients wind up waiting for an hour or more. Sadly, while some of these doctors enjoy good reputations their inability to manage time also shows up when they decide to make rounds at hospitals to see patients.

Ask around, and I think you will find many neighbors and folks on TOTV who have had experience with area doctors and who are willing to share info about the great ones and the not so great.

[784caroline]

A referral is not necesary BUT what you shoiuld have from your primary care Dr is a list of treatments (tests) you have had with results and a list of medicines you take. If you have this information then any Dr can prescribe medical test appropriate for your age and medical condiitons. You should also retain a copy of these records for your own files.

[Vinny]

I have tried several doctors in TV and so far am unhappy with the assembly line, overbooking approach of the ones I had the misfortune to use. Now I know why family and friends still use their old hometown doctors. I used to think them nuts but after comparing my old doctor to the ones I used here I fully understand why.

[MikeH]

Having moved a number of times in my working life, I can tell you the most frustrating aspect is finding a new primary care dr. and a dentist. We are fortunate here in The Villages to have some very good dr's who are exceptionally well educated with outstanding qualifications. Unfortunately, we have some who are not so well educated, etc. This is no different than other places my wife and I have lived. We have found it generally takes about two years to become settled with dr's and dentist we feel comfortable with. May have to switch several times to find that "good fit". Ask your current dr/dentist if they know of a dr/dentist here. Ask your saleserson whom they recommend. Ask your new neighbors. Just remember The Villages is NOT NY, Baltimore, Philly, Chicago, LA, etc. and your favorate hospital, clinic, etc isn't here. The Villages Hospital was just a 60 bed hospital just 5 years ago---today it's 160 some-odd beds. It is a very good Hospital that provides excellent care. If you're willing to let go of where you've come from and embrace your new home (The Villages), you will live it here!