The Villages Health System Doctors

[gomoho]

Those of you lucky enough to be invited - I'm curious if they named the 4 doctors that are currently practicing at Colony Plaza and if you are assigned a doctor or you have a choice. The opening of this facility has so far been handled poorly with so many people not having answers. Thought it might have given you some information in your welcome package as far as just who would be seeing you.

[NotGolfer]

So did you get an invitation??? I was disappointed that we didn't here...AND I'd love to try to get in there since my former Nurse-Practioner supposedly is working for them. Made ALOT of calls and inquiries---even going so far as to go there personally. All that was said is "look for a packet and/or invitation in the mail....ALL of the villagers will get one". Well we got that letter but they only have the one clinic that is open so wondering how this will work. Oh...and we live in the area of Colony as well so it'd make sense that we'd go there (in our thinking anyway).

Why not more information as you say??!! It's a little frustrating...though I'm sure there's a "method to their maddness". This community is so well-planned so I'd suspect that system really is as well. Just doesn't seem like us folks on the outside---trying to look in.

[skyguy79]

So did you get an invitation??? I was disappointed that we didn't here...AND I'd love to try to get in there since my former Nurse-Practioner supposedly is working for them. Made ALOT of calls and inquiries---even going so far as to go there personally. All that was said is "look for a packet and/or invitation in the mail....ALL of the villagers will get one". Well we got that letter but they only have the one clinic that is open so wondering how this will work. Oh...and we live in the area of Colony as well so it'd make sense that we'd go there (in our thinking anyway).

Why not more information as you say??!! It's a little frustrating...though I'm sure there's a "method to their maddness". This community is so well-planned so I'd suspect that system really is as well. Just doesn't seem like us folks on the outside---trying to look in.NonGolfer, we are in the same exact same situation as you are, cold even be the same NP. Even though I spoke personally to the systems program director at the Government Day Event at Colony Rec Center, and was assured that everyone will be able to pickup the same provider if that provider is moving to the Villages Health Care System, I too am feeling a little fustrated not hearing. Hopefully it's just that they are only sending out the amount of invites that they will be able to manage at one time and more will follow. Call it spreading the load if you will! Hopefully we'll get what we're looking for soon and be able to breath easy again!

[NotGolfer]

NonGolfer, we are in the same exact same situation as you are, cold even be the same NP. Even though I spoke personally to the systems program director at the Government Day Event at Colony Rec Center, and was assured that everyone will be able to pickup the same provider if that provider is moving to the Villages Health Care System, I too am feeling a little fustrated not hearing. Hopefully it's just that they are only sending out the amount of invites that they will be able to manage at one time and more will follow. Call it spreading the load if you will! Hopefully we'll get what we're looking for soon and be able to breath easy again!

I suspect we share the very same frustrations *if* you know what I mean! I was told the same thing as you by someone in one of my many calls. What do you think about sending a letter to our favorite person---do you think that would help grease the rails of advancement for us??? Interesting how we *want* to follow a person and can't---at least at this point. Hopefully we'll know more right after the 1st of the year. BUT, I can tell you I wasn't real excited about a certain replacement!!

[skyguy79]

I suspect we share the very same frustrations *if* you know what I mean! I was told the same thing as you by someone in one of my many calls. What do you think about sending a letter to our favorite person---do you think that would help grease the rails of advancement for us??? Interesting how we *want* to follow a person and can't---at least at this point. Hopefully we'll know more right after the 1st of the year. BUT, I can tell you I wasn't real excited about a certain replacement!!I don't think it would help. My wife was told at her last appointment with the NP that she won't be starting with VHC until after the 1st of the year, So even if I wanted to try, I don't think she would even get the message until after she starts anyway.

[cquick]

Those of you lucky enough to be invited - I'm curious if they named the 4 doctors that are currently practicing at Colony Plaza and if you are assigned a doctor or you have a choice. The opening of this facility has so far been handled poorly with so many people not having answers. Thought it might have given you some information in your welcome package as far as just who would be seeing you.

WHAT welcome package? We got a letter announcing the new practice opening "soon" at Colony Plaza, that's all.

[shcisamax]

We got the letter....no "welcome package".

[PennBF]

It is confusing as to why people who have serious or mini serious medical problems don't go to Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. There is also the Moffit Medical service in Tampa, and so on. A lot look for the best resturant but are reluctant to go to the best when there are medical problems. Over the last years we have been to Lahey Clinic in Arlington, Mass, Mayo, Cleveland linic, Moffet and MD Anderson in Houston. We have had some serious medical problems in the past and refuse to settle for a second rate Dr. or Hospital when there are great ones available. There are web sites that will identify where the best treatment is available for some specific problems. We have a great Urgent Care in Lake Sumter and they can treat the normal daily problem and are willing to direct patients to other facilities if they would be better for treatment. That is an indication of a great Urgent Care.
In addition to the above there is the Westchester Medical Center in NY and the Albany Medical Center in New York. I am sure the West Coast has their share of good medical facilities. Also John Hopkins which gets high marks. It is interesting that some new medical facilities will open in The Villages but they are not a teaching hospital. Essentially they are like Urgent Cares
and maybe in some cases not as good as an Urgent Care that sees so many different medical issues each day. Last point..Where do the Dr's go when they or their family need attention? Just some thoughts..:popcorn:

[gomoho]

So did you get an invitation??? I was disappointed that we didn't here...AND I'd love to try to get in there since my former Nurse-Practioner supposedly is working for them. Made ALOT of calls and inquiries---even going so far as to go there personally. All that was said is "look for a packet and/or invitation in the mail....ALL of the villagers will get one". Well we got that letter but they only have the one clinic that is open so wondering how this will work. Oh...and we live in the area of Colony as well so it'd make sense that we'd go there (in our thinking anyway).

Why not more information as you say??!! It's a little frustrating...though I'm sure there's a "method to their maddness". This community is so well-planned so I'd suspect that system really is as well. Just doesn't seem like us folks on the outside---trying to look in.

Don't need any specialists or awesome facilities at this point, thank God. Just looking for a solid MD that can do an annual physical and monitor some mundane conditions like hypo-thyroid and high blood pressure. Like to have a relationship with an Md or Nurse Practioner that personally knows me so if I have an issue I can call them and they trust me over the phone to resolve something.
Trust me, when we were dealing with prostrate cancer we looked for the best and ended up in Dallas Tx for surgery. Don't need anything that extreme for routine care -- just trying to understand what is going on with this great idea they have proposed for TV, but is falling flat on its face with the initial opening because of lack of information.

[NotGolfer]

Things, medically speaking, for our household is working. My comments earlier in this thread had to do with a really great nurse practioner. That being said...she left the practice she was in to go with USF here in TV. The frustration from that is apparently "we" can't follow her without that invitation that is indicated. Trust me...if we had really serious medical issues we'd pursue them. Being from the mid-west we'd probably go up to Mayo since it has the reputation it has.

[Carla B]

This week, after the monthly USF presentation at Savannah Center, there was a question-and-answer period regarding the care centers. Apparently, each center will serve only those residents geographically assigned to it. Since Colony is the only center built at this time, those not living in that area will have to wait for their facility to be built.

The speaker clarified this in response to a question from a woman who signed up months ago but doesn't live near Colony. She was told she'd have to wait for her center to be built. Also, the thinking is that you won't be able to go to a center out of your area in order to follow a provider.

Of course, we all want to be able to see the doctor quickly if there is something wrong. My husband's doctor is okay but his office will not answer the phone in person. You have to leave a message and hope they will return the call in a day or two. That is just unacceptable.

[cquick]

This week, after the monthly USF presentation at Savannah Center, there was a question-and-answer period regarding the care centers.
The speaker clarified this in response to a question from a woman who signed up months ago but doesn't live near Colony. She was told she'd have to wait for her center to be built.



I didn't realize there were monthly USF presentations at Savannah. I went to one before the questionaires were delivered.

I also didn't know there was somewhere to "sign up" for the new health center. Do I phone them?

Thanks

[Carla B]

The website: www.villages.health.usf.edu has information on presentations at Savannah Center. You can put your email on the list to be notifed. You get tickets at the Villages Box Office, but they are free.

I don't know how the person in the audience initially "signed up" to be a patient. Probably through the doctors group in Belleview that is supposed to provide staff to the Colony facility. The USF member who is overseeing the process said it has changed and you'll have to wait to be invited to join based on your address and when a facility is open in your area.

[gomoho]

This week, after the monthly USF presentation at Savannah Center, there was a question-and-answer period regarding the care centers. Apparently, each center will serve only those residents geographically assigned to it. Since Colony is the only center built at this time, those not living in that area will have to wait for their facility to be built.

The speaker clarified this in response to a question from a woman who signed up months ago but doesn't live near Colony. She was told she'd have to wait for her center to be built. Also, the thinking is that you won't be able to go to a center out of your area in order to follow a provider.

Of course, we all want to be able to see the doctor quickly if there is something wrong. My husband's doctor is okay but his office will not answer the phone in person. You have to leave a message and hope they will return the call in a day or two. That is just unacceptable.

Unfortunately the people that were taking the names for the waiting list didn't have a clue how this was going to work and people were being told it will done on a first come first serve basis. And the geographic explanation falls short because there are people in Hadley, which would be closest location to Colony Plaza that were not included in the first round. I was also told just the other day you could follow a provider, so go figure.

[keithwand]

We were told that they are approaching the neighborhoods below 466A first.

[shcisamax]

Still didn't get a welcome package....just a letter.

[cquick]

The website: www.villages.health.usf.edu has information on presentations at Savannah Center. You can put your email on the list to be notifed. You get tickets at the Villages Box Office, but they are free.

I don't know how the person in the audience initially "signed up" to be a patient. Probably through the doctors group in Belleview that is supposed to provide staff to the Colony facility. The USF member who is overseeing the process said it has changed and you'll have to wait to be invited to join based on your address and when a facility is open in your area.

thanks! I'll try to attend one of the presentations.

[cquick]

WHOOPS! I just tried that website, but it didn't come up.

[skyguy79]

WHOOPS! I just tried that website, but it didn't come up.Highlight the address and paste it in your address bar if the link below doesn't work for you. It might bring up a google search that you can access the site from.

The Villages Health (http://www.thevillageshealth.com/)

After posting I found this address which I believe may be the one you're looking for:

http://villages.health.usf.edu/calendar.aspx

At this last address, there's a link where you can order tickets online and print them on your computer. Other options available for a fee.