Premier Medical

[begdeb]

We are new to the Villages and just made an appt. at this clinic to start new health care. Any opinions on this clinic?

[the square]

Been a patient there for 3 yrs. The office should have a revolving door as doctors come and go. I had 3 different ones in three years. I think it makes for lack of continuity in doctor, patient care. For that reason I've moved on to another practice..

[Happinow]

We go there. Our Dr is Florian Gegai. We saw him once upon our first visit. He was thorough and knew what he was talking about. We liked him. I had a occasion a week and a half ago to see him and was told he had no appointments for a few weeks. I had to wait a week to see another dr in that practice. I am disappointed that these physicians don't leave appointment open for those who need to be seen that day. They told me to go to one of the urgent care places. That's not why I have a primary care Dr. I don't want to wait for hours in an urgent care facility. I guess it's like that everywhere. You can wait weeks to see your primary, go to urgent care or to the hospital. Very disenchanted with the health care system here.

[kb8tpw]

We started there three years ago and have eventually changed all of our prime care doctors and specialists. All with reason. My primary care Dr last year misdiagnosed an illness that resulted in 3 hospitalizations and a bevy of new doctors. That was our final before moving on. We were in the neighborhood today and my wife needed to get her flu shot, big signs out front WALK INs available. Even that was a goat rope, they lost the paperwork, tried to get her ready for a Dr appointment, etc, etc. Their staff is totally incompetent. Better than 45 mins to get a flu shot. I would steer completely away from Premier.

[Rolf52]

We have not had experience with Premier Medical so cannot comment on them. However, I read that Mayo Clinic is putting on a health forum January 19 at Waterfront Inn regarding heart disease. Although I don't know what this forum entails I would definitely attend if I were in The Villages at that time. We are from MN and recently purchased a home in The Villages. We have had Mayo Clinic healthcare for over 40 years and when we become full time in The Villages we want nothing less, even if it means traveling to Jacksonville. Maybe Mayo will expand to The Villages!!!

[Mudder]

We go to Premier and have Dr. Gegaj, absolutely no problems and we like him very much. He's a little conservative but that is fine with us. If in a semi emergency and can not see him we go to their Urgent Care and see Dr. El Arougsy, he's wonderful and has spotted severe problems that I had twice, one got me to the hospital just in time. So, we are very pleased with everyone at Premier, never had an issue. There are other services that wait in that area too, never had to wait long in Urgent Care, sometimes there are alot of people there, but not all are waiting for Urgent Care. I don't agree that doctors come and go, they have added doctors in the last year or so due to expansion. They have a few offices. I will say tho I wouldn't recommend using their pharmacy, the woman there is either overworked or just plain incompetent.

[Challenger]

We are new to the Villages and just made an appt. at this clinic to start new health care. Any opinions on this clinic?

Wife and I both go to GeGaj at Premier. We were previously with Johns Hopkins Family Health in Md, so we were apprehensive about health care here. We both have had numerous appts with DrG and other contacts with his office staff . Very Happy with his demeanor and care. Similar to positive comments above.:wave:

[GatorFan]

I have been a patient of Dr. Khana for 10 years.

[Ohiogirl]

Made an appt for a physical last year, actually fall of 2010, to establish with a primary care doctor here. Dr. seemed ok, billing and staff have been a nightmare.

All I wanted was to have a doctor here. Was charged $200 for a new patient visit, AND $180 for a physical and $60 for an EKG (they said that was standard). Met the dr. for a few (very few) minutes, to go over my brief health history. Minor problems - e.g., I see a dermatologist in OH for a skin condition. Just disclosed it, was not asking for treatment. Doctor ordered routine bloodwork (fasting). I had asked if I should come in the morning for that the day of the appt. and told no, the dr. would order it if needed. Why wouldn't you need it for a routine physical?

Anyway, came back a few days later for the blood draw and was charged a co-pay as if for an office visit under my plan. I explained it was part of the routine physical, was told no, had to pay the co-pay as it required someone to draw my blood.

Then, I had to make another appt to get the results of the blood draw. And, even though they didn't make me pay the co-pay on the initial visit (because a routine physical is covered once a year), I was billed another co-pay later on (for the new patient visit).

I will not go back. Also had another charge that I can't remember - something not covered, most likely. So - 3 co-pays for what should have been a 0 co-pay.

Has anyone found a doctor they like who will charge only for a routine physical on the first visit?

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Both my wife and myself have been to the urgent care unit recently and were pleased with everything. The wait was a bit longer than we liked, but what else is new.
What I like is that if your primary care doesn't have any appointments available you can go the the urgent care unit and be seen that day. Dr. El-Arousy was very pleasant and seemed very competent. The office staff are nice but seem a bit hectic.

[sharonga]

My husband fell ill on December 29. Nauseous, headache, fever. Next day passed out in the bathroom. We called an ambulance and he was begging for anti nausea drugs. They took him to the Villages hospital and he was admitted. Dehydrated and because he fell they needed to do a CAT scan. He got wonderful care there. The doctors and nurses were wonderful. New Years Eve and everyone was so caring. To our suprise our Family Doctor did not have privileges in the hospital and he sent another doctor. Wierd, not mentioning his name but he owns his own building on 466. He is not our doctor anymore. After 2 days he was sent home. We went to see said doctor who was condescending and sarcastic. Sent home with a slew of antibiotics and nausea medication. Well.....all this is still going on. 2 more urgent cares. One more ER visit by ambulance. Tomorrow appointment with gastro doctor. One doctor said defintely gall bladder...test proves negative. He just started eating a little and going to the bathroom. Still nauseous. I feel like we are living in the twighlight zone of medical care. In New York our doctors would HAVE KNOWN what is going on. Very scary. He is young and healthy and this should not be happening!!!!!! thanks for letting me vent. So far all urgent cares have been wonderful.

[blue72]

I hope you guys find relief very soon. :)

[Challenger]

My husband fell ill on December 29. Nauseous, headache, fever. Next day passed out in the bathroom. We called an ambulance and he was begging for anti nausea drugs. They took him to the Villages hospital and he was admitted. Dehydrated and because he fell they needed to do a CAT scan. He got wonderful care there. The doctors and nurses were wonderful. New Years Eve and everyone was so caring. To our suprise our Family Doctor did not have privileges in the hospital and he sent another doctor. Wierd, not mentioning his name but he owns his own building on 466. He is not our doctor anymore. After 2 days he was sent home. We went to see said doctor who was condescending and sarcastic. Sent home with a slew of antibiotics and nausea medication. Well.....all this is still going on. 2 more urgent cares. One more ER visit by ambulance. Tomorrow appointment with gastro doctor. One doctor said defintely gall bladder...test proves negative. He just started eating a little and going to the bathroom. Still nauseous. I feel like we are living in the twighlight zone of medical care. In New York our doctors would HAVE KNOWN what is going on. Very scary. He is young and healthy and this should not be happening!!!!!! thanks for letting me vent. So far all urgent cares have been wonderful.

Since this post is written in a thread titled Premier Medical , one would assume that you are refering to them. If your posting does not refer to Premier, you should so state and redirect the comments to an appropriate thread.

Our experience with Premier has been excellent.

[doran]

We are new to the Villages and just made an appt. at this clinic to start new health care. Any opinions on this clinic?

We have been going to Premier Medical ever since we came to the Villages 12/2011 and we find that they are very professional and we would recommend them to you!

[courtyard]

I had my first visit with Dr. Gegaj recently. I found his staff very competent and friendly. The good Dr. was very interested in everything I had to say. He takes a lot of time to get to know his patients.

[Bigben007]

My husband and I both go to Dr. G and like him very much. He is conservative but I don't think that's a bad thing. He spends time with you and will ask a lot of questions. And guess what? He looks you in the eye when he talks to you, not down at a piece of paper, or is busy writing while he talks to you.

[CFrance]

Please, what is the name of the urgent care center where Dr. El Arougsy is, and where is it located?

[Barefoot]

My husband fell ill on December 29. Nauseous, headache, fever. Next day passed out in the bathroom. We called an ambulance and he was begging for anti nausea drugs. They took him to the Villages hospital and he was admitted. Dehydrated and because he fell they needed to do a CAT scan. He got wonderful care there. The doctors and nurses were wonderful. New Years Eve and everyone was so caring. To our suprise our Family Doctor did not have privileges in the hospital and he sent another doctor. Wierd, not mentioning his name but he owns his own building on 466. He is not our doctor anymore. After 2 days he was sent home. We went to see said doctor who was condescending and sarcastic. Sent home with a slew of antibiotics and nausea medication. Well.....all this is still going on. 2 more urgent cares. One more ER visit by ambulance. Tomorrow appointment with gastro doctor. One doctor said defintely gall bladder...test proves negative. He just started eating a little and going to the bathroom. Still nauseous. I feel like we are living in the twighlight zone of medical care. In New York our doctors would HAVE KNOWN what is going on. Very scary. He is young and healthy and this should not be happening!!!!!! thanks for letting me vent. So far all urgent cares have been wonderful.

You must be so worried. Best of luck to you. (Sorry, I know this is off topic, but Sharonga sounds so anxious).

[SusanOfWoodbury]

We are new to the Villages and just made an appt. at this clinic to start new health care. Any opinions on this clinic?

I moved to The Villages at the end of August and needed to get a new primary care dr. I have a doctor at Premier Medical and they are great...
The staff is very professional and kind. The doctors I have seen take time listening to me, very professional.

Great place

[Challenger]

I moved to The Villages at the end of August and needed to get a new primary care dr. I have a doctor at Premier Medical and they are great...
The staff is very professional and kind. The doctors I have seen take time listening to me, very professional.

Great place

Me too

[fraurauch]

Premier Medical Urgent Care with Dr. Arousey is located at 1580 Santa Barbara Blvd.

[doran]

We are new to the Villages and just made an appt. at this clinic to start new health care. Any opinions on this clinic?

We are starting our second year with this clinic and we love the doctors there.. Dr Alisha Butt is wonderful with the ladies and my husband goes to Dr. Eldar

[injunlee]

Dr Gegaj has been my Dr since August of last year....very competent and great bedside manner. I have had no problem getting into see him....Rosie (I believe is her name)@ front office, is quite the multi-tasker but seemed a bit over-whelmed. When I have needed to see a specialist, they have made the contacts timely. Very happy with Dr Gegaj and Premier Medical

[gomoho]

Made an appt for a physical last year, actually fall of 2010, to establish with a primary care doctor here. Dr. seemed ok, billing and staff have been a nightmare.

All I wanted was to have a doctor here. Was charged $200 for a new patient visit, AND $180 for a physical and $60 for an EKG (they said that was standard). Met the dr. for a few (very few) minutes, to go over my brief health history. Minor problems - e.g., I see a dermatologist in OH for a skin condition. Just disclosed it, was not asking for treatment. Doctor ordered routine bloodwork (fasting). I had asked if I should come in the morning for that the day of the appt. and told no, the dr. would order it if needed. Why wouldn't you need it for a routine physical?

Anyway, came back a few days later for the blood draw and was charged a co-pay as if for an office visit under my plan. I explained it was part of the routine physical, was told no, had to pay the co-pay as it required someone to draw my blood.

Then, I had to make another appt to get the results of the blood draw. And, even though they didn't make me pay the co-pay on the initial visit (because a routine physical is covered once a year), I was billed another co-pay later on (for the new patient visit).

I will not go back. Also had another charge that I can't remember - something not covered, most likely. So - 3 co-pays for what should have been a 0 co-pay.

Has anyone found a doctor they like who will charge only for a routine physical on the first visit?

Don't think they exist anymore - went to the new Villages Health Care System at Colony and my insurance company was billed $450 for a meet and greet I had with the doctor. Can't wait to see the charges for the physical and blood work. Have had the exact same scenario you are discussing with previous doctors. Seems like a lot of medicare and especially medicare advantage plans pay for everything - so the docs just keep having you come in so they can milk the system. No wonder we are in so much trouble.

[greenhillsgirl]

I also had to establish with a new doctor 1 1/2 years ago when we moved from PA. Fortunately I am a very healthy resident, so I have had two visits for myself. Unfortunately, my husband's appointments have been 'lost', 'moved' to a different day or time, 'cancelled' at the last moment...and so on. We have been accustomed to having a family doctor back in PA who ALWAYS MADE TIME FOR US. They don't even answer the phone at Premier, or their 'box' is full. What does that say for health care here???? I personally think it stinks and am also looking for a primary care physician where we have an established relationship. If you find one before I do, please post me on the status. We don't mind driving,...we already now drive to Tavares for excellent dental care.

[applesoffh]

We see Dr. Shah at Premier Medical. He's wonderful and so is his staff. My DH had several visits with Dr. ElArousy at Premier's Urgent Care facility and was always treated well. We have absolutely no complaints with the doctors we have seen or the staff associated with Premier.

[greenhillsgirl]

Really, keep looking.

[Mudder]

I think you are outnumbered here Greenhill. Premier is a very good fit for most people, never had them not answer the phone. The front office is so busy but things seem to get done in a timely manner always. Dr. Gegaj is excellent. I think Dr. Khanna is the only one there who always seems rushed, he is also the owner of Premier.

[scrapple]

We've used Premier since we moved here 3 hears ago, insurance driven. Doctor only changed once and i was going to make a change anyway as the initial provider rubbed me the wrong way, have been seeing Dr Eldar ever since. Have no problems with the care received. Do have problems with billing as they can't keep up with changing insurance plans, billed us for geriatric flu shots which of course were denied, duh! I like that they are connected via Internet with their Urgent care and that both facilities and Alliance are all interconnected. You do have to be an advocate for yourself but that is true with all health care now.