COLONY Doctors...are they really Dr.Whelby 'oriented'??

[jazzeoneaj]

I went for routine blood work today.

I was in the 'lounge' area..waiting..little after 7:30am.

I see my 'future' primary care doc walking in..he walked passed the receptionist and never acknowledged them..No 'good morning'..nothing.

He just strutted down the hall with a banana in his hand.

NOW..is that the Dr.Welby 'demeanor'? Dr.Welby smiled, he greeted everyone. He was a peoples people.

I am very leary that some of these doctors..are NOT 'people people'.

Just watch body language..it says a lot.

Its all touchy feely when the NP comes and gets you to take you back for your exam or whatever.., etc..but watch 'outside of the box". It may not be what it really is.

I was really disappointed...if you can't come into where you work..and smile and say HELLO to the ladies at the desk who were there..no patients..they were just smiling, etc. ..then YOU have a problem Dr. ..
Just wanted to share:)

[gomoho]

Thanks - actions speak louder than words.

[pooh]

Judge not.....you really have no idea why he/she did or did not greet in a manner you feel he/she should have. What one wants is excellent medical care from their doctor, first and foremost.

[blueash]

You do know that Dr. Welby was a fictional character don't you?

[graciegirl]

I do not care if my doctor is friendly acting as much as I care if he is up on things.

This age of life has some really serious medical issues involved with it.

There are a lot of friendly touchy feeling sweet acting docs that don't know if the knee bone is attached to the leg bone. And please I don't want alternative medicine either.

If we had spent the same time and effort and work that doctors spend on their education then perhaps we wouldn't need a doctor. One needs to weigh the side effects against the real purpose of a drug. If you are paying a doctor for advice and not taking it, it is a waste of your money and his/her time.

[Vinny]

I go there and think that they forget to tell the doctors what is in the brochure. I should have ran when I asked my doctor why he relocated his family from so far away to work here and he told me the reason was that he needed a job. I was not expecting that answer. I understand that the doctor who owns it is very good and very popular. My wife loves him.

My feeling is that despite their trappings and marketing material, your experience will be based on which doctor you get just like every place else. BTW my doctor prescribed a medication that he had tried with no success just 6 months earlier. So much for taking the time to check my records before prescribing. I also found out that they will take you from their lounge at your appointment time only to sit in an empty room for 15 minutes while watching your doctor do data input at a computer. Plus he never looks at me when he talks because he is busy inputting everything I say into a computer and yet he prescribed a drug he already tried. They really are no better than other medical centers I have used both here and back home. It all depends on which doctor you choose.

[Hancle704]

A lot to be said about the marketing hype that heralds the arrival of the new product, but then the reality sets in when the product starts to be delivered. Marcus Welby MD, the Affordable Healthcare Act, Hope and Change, etc.

[ilovetv]

I go there and think that they forget to tell the doctors what is in the brochure. I should have ran when I asked my doctor why he relocated his family from so far away to work here and he told me the reason was that he needed a job. I was not expecting that answer. I understand that the doctor who owns it is very good and very popular. My wife loves him.

My feeling is that despite their trappings and marketing material, your experience will be based on which doctor you get just like every place else. BTW my doctor prescribed a medication that he had tried with no success just 6 months earlier. So much for taking the time to check my records before prescribing. I also found out that they will take you from their lounge at your appointment time only to sit in an empty room for 15 minutes while watching your doctor do data input at a computer. Plus he never looks at me when he talks because he is busy inputting everything I say into a computer and yet he prescribed a drug he already tried. They really are no better than other medical centers I have used both here and back home. It all depends on which doctor you choose.

Remember this the next time glad-hand elected officials in Washington tell how electronic medical records (EMRs) are just the greatest thing since sliced bread, and how they know what's better for you.

Also, keep in mind that these medical records programs are designed to maximize billing, not patient care.

[ilovetv]

I went for routine blood work today.

I was in the 'lounge' area..waiting..little after 7:30am.

I see my 'future' primary care doc walking in..he walked passed the receptionist and never acknowledged them..No 'good morning'..nothing.

He just strutted down the hall with a banana in his hand.

NOW..is that the Dr.Welby 'demeanor'? Dr.Welby smiled, he greeted everyone. He was a peoples people.

I am very leary that some of these doctors..are NOT 'people people'.

Just watch body language..it says a lot.

Its all touchy feely when the NP comes and gets you to take you back for your exam or whatever.., etc..but watch 'outside of the box". It may not be what it really is.

I was really disappointed...if you can't come into where you work..and smile and say HELLO to the ladies at the desk who were there..no patients..they were just smiling, etc. ..then YOU have a problem Dr. ..
Just wanted to share:)

How do you know this was his first time walking in that day?? Maybe he had already been in the office and went out to his car to get a snack!

And concerning his not eloquently greeting the receptionists.....it's not the Love Boat, and he's not the Captain.

[twiceis]

I went for my first appt & was talked to....no examination. It was a scheduling appt to type everything into the computer that I said. I asked didn't u get the records I sent? He said it didn't matter anyway. He was very nice but blood work etc was scheduled for next March. Quite bizarre but the follow up calls to schedule mammogram, bone density etc came promptly the next day.

[Barefoot]

My feeling is that despite their trappings and marketing material, your experience will be based on which doctor you get just like every place else. BTW my doctor prescribed a medication that he had tried with no success just 6 months earlier. So much for taking the time to check my records before prescribing. I also found out that they will take you from their lounge at your appointment time only to sit in an empty room for 15 minutes while watching your doctor do data input at a computer. Plus he never looks at me when he talks because he is busy inputting everything I say into a computer and yet he prescribed a drug he already tried. They really are no better than other medical centers I have used both here and back home. It all depends on which doctor you choose.

The health care system is overloaded .. and I think that is true anywhere in North America. And with an aging population, doctors will probably be seeing more patients and there will be more confusion with medical records.

As we age, we tend to forget stuff. If you're not already doing it, I think it would be wise for us all to start keeping a record of everything that relates to our health. Not just medications, (prescription and non prescription), but I think we should all keep a record of every single medical and dental appointment we have, copies of all blood tests, referrals to specialists and results, the date of your last mammogram or pap or colonscopy, bone density scans, allergy shots, flu shots, shingle vacine, etc. You can't depend on the medical system to keep track of things for you, they may slip up.


And concerning his not eloquently greeting the receptionists.....it's not the Love Boat, and he's not the Captain.

:ho:

[Bonnevie]

I can't emphasize enough how the patient has to stay on top of their health concerns. Drs are overloaded, they have to get things into the computer. Nothing will be like the old days. But look for knowledge, not demeanor so much my hometown dr had a horrible bedside manner and the nurses hated to deal with him. But he was very smart. My uncle had a dr for years who had a great bedside manner and thought my uncles complaints were hypochondria. He finally went to my dr who diagnosed lupus which is extremely rare in men.

[SoccerCoach]

I don't spend a lot of time on this site. However, it amazes me to read all of the complaints that some folks post. Yes as we age we may tend to lapse more, but be pro active about your person. We are responsible for our bodies, keeping them as well as we are able. When something seems out of sorts we seek medical help. These doctors are not suppose to be considered "miracle workers" for our ailments. They apply their knowledge and training to achieve a solution to our ailment. If you are having difficulties with your doctor, talk with him/her about it. If you are not satisfied, continue to seek, but be your own advocate. By the way, I like my doctor and place my confidence there.

[gomoho]

I agree - we are ultimately responsible for our health care - but, what happens when we are no longer capable of managing those things??? If we lived in the world of Dr. Welby it wouldn't be an issue 'cause the good old doctor would be there to work through those issues. If you bill yourself in that light, then you better damn well better deliver - IMHO.

[marybb]

All I can say is, I am extremely pleased with the service, and care I have
received at colony.

[exwave]

I have had Dr. Betts, an excellent doctor...very nice , but he spends most of the time st the computer...At the present time, I am suffering from a strained muscle in my leg...I can hardly walk. So,,,with no appointment, today, I went there...Dr. Betts is on vacation, so I saw a great Dr....excellent doctoring, and terrific way about her. She did very little computer work...She will be my doctor from now on...She has a vietnamese name. I am unable to tell the name, at this time, because I am hardly able to walk because of excruciating pain. excuse the spelling....

[TexaninVA]

I went for routine blood work today.

I was in the 'lounge' area..waiting..little after 7:30am.

I see my 'future' primary care doc walking in..he walked passed the receptionist and never acknowledged them..No 'good morning'..nothing.

He just strutted down the hall with a banana in his hand.

NOW..is that the Dr.Welby 'demeanor'? Dr.Welby smiled, he greeted everyone. He was a peoples people.

I am very leary that some of these doctors..are NOT 'people people'.

Just watch body language..it says a lot.

Its all touchy feely when the NP comes and gets you to take you back for your exam or whatever.., etc..but watch 'outside of the box". It may not be what it really is.

I was really disappointed...if you can't come into where you work..and smile and say HELLO to the ladies at the desk who were there..no patients..they were just smiling, etc. ..then YOU have a problem Dr. ..
Just wanted to share:)

Not sure what you are expecting? Maybe he just didn't see you or was busy?

[TexaninVA]

I have had Dr. Betts, an excellent doctor...very nice , but he spends most of the time st the computer...At the present time, I am suffering from a strained muscle in my leg...I can hardly walk. So,,,with no appointment, today, I went there...Dr. Betts is on vacation, so I saw a great Dr....excellent doctoring, and terrific way about her. She did very little computer work...She will be my doctor from now on...She has a vietnamese name. I am unable to tell the name, at this time, because I am hardly able to walk because of excruciating pain. excuse the spelling....

Actually, Betts is my doctor. He's kind of geeky in a way, and does spend a lot of time updating the online visit and health record (which is ok with me). But he is VERY sharp and quickly diagnosed two items I've been struggling with for a year. I was impressed. My main concern is having a Doctor who is on the ball and knows his stuff. Betts qualifies IMHO.

[jazzeoneaj]

I heard from a reputable source with the united healthcare office that the 'numbers' for this village healthcare 'Marcus Welby stuff..is lower than what they expected.

I guess people are doing their homework or doing the 'meet and greet' and getting an idea of what kind of medical service they want. As many have said..this system here isn't for everyone. You have to go where you are 'comfortable'.

Hope they have enuf doctors to staff all these 'facilities' that they are building or will be building. Having 8 doctors at each location is a lot of staff and if they don't have the patients..many of the doctors won't have closed practices like some do now.

Perhaps in a year from now they can have a better idea of what is working and what isn't.

With all the publicity, etc you would think they over-reached their goal but apparently they haven't..

[Didiwinbob]

They may have a lot of doctors BUT, do we mKe the assumption that each doctor is there on a full time bases. I'm going in for the enrollment appointment but the there is still a large gap before I'm actually "scheduled" to see the doctor. Why? Remember don't ass--u--me.

[Bizdoc]

As much as like friendly, talkative people, I don't give a darn about my doctor's social skills. What I care about is his (or her) skills and knowledge. I prefer a doctor that actually talks to me, looks at me, and touches me when he or she examines me.

The best doctor that I know has (I suspect) Asperger's syndrome and has zero social skills. The flip side is that he is generally recognized as the top neurosurgeon in the world. His patients love him because he saves lives everyday and does his utmost to heal each and every patient that comes his way.

Bottom line is that results rather than Ipana smiles matter.

[rubicon]

Folks the following statement is not to be political but to address the factual issues facing health care today. The Affordable Care Act is not going to have just a negative affect on individuals but also those of us on medicare and eventually those of us with employer sponsored plans.

For those purchasing insurance via United healthcare, etc as individuals, doctors are going to be forced to accept fees lower that those paid by Medicaid . In addition the medical community as a whole is being forced to move all medical records electronically. My doc is with the Munroe System and apologized for not doing his usual face to face with me but was now required to electronically record everything then and now. the good news is that I can gain access electronically to my medical records. The bad news is that it is at a cost , the loss of the personal touch. This doc is a good example of where good doctoring and good bedside manner are not mutually exclusive. My doc uttered his chagrin at the changes coming to the medical field. Expect higher premiums, higher out of pocket costs and a decline in the quality of medical care for anyone of a number of reasons, low compensation, fewer doctors, more regulation at the expense of less doctoring......... SO IT AIN'T NECESSARILY THE DOCTORS FAULT