[Chinook]

I am new to the Villages and need to get started with a doctor here. I went to see one that my neighbor recommended, he advertises in the paper. He kept me waiting one hour and twenty minutes. He and his staff are very unprofessional, abrupt and inconsiderate. He took no time with me and acted inconvenienced that I was even there in a room. I am a retired nurse and would like a recommendation for a decent doctor in or around the Villages.

Thanks , New Villager

[PattyCakes]

Chinook, it depends on what characteristics you're looking for. Are you in reasonably good health and just need someone to monitor your meds and keep tabs on your overall health or do you need specialists? I found a great physician assistant, he's understanding, caring, great sense of humor and knows what he's talking about. Has a great staff. If you want his name and number, send me a message. Be glad to share with you.

[2BNTV]

Dr. Felix Agbo, 910 Old Camp Rd in LSL, 352.753.2224.

Personable, smart and a very good doctor. Staff is wonderful.

[Villages PL]

It's one thing to recommend someone who is considerate, thoughtful and polite. But knowing who's a good doctor is another thing entirely. How can anyone really know what knowledge/skills a doctor has?

[SoccerCoach]

I feel that the doctor I found is serving me very well. I will share with you if you PM me as I do not know your specific needs.

[llaran]

Did you have an appt or was he fitting you in? I try to get one of the first appts so he hasn't time to get behind. we use Dr. Evalle on wedgewood

[dbussone]

Chinook - if you are looking for a PCP I would recommend Dr Angel Tafur. He has an independent practice. My wife is an RN (retired nurse) and I have a healthcare background as well.

[Carl in Tampa]

Originally Posted by dbussone

Chinook - if you are looking for a PCP I would recommend Dr Angel Tafur. He has an independent practice. My wife is an RN (retired nurse) and I have a healthcare background as well.

Bingo! Dr. Tafur is the most thorough primary care physician I have ever had, which in the past included a friend with whom I graduated from high school.

When he was a child his father owned a clinic in Lima, Peru, and he played in the halls while his father worked. He absorbed a work ethic that makes him very thorough and, incidentally, very impatient with attempts at Medicare fraud. Without disclosing the name of the patients, he told me of some Medicare fraud schemes (I am a retired cop.)

I have required some very extensive and difficult surgery, and Dr. Tafur has not been hesitant to tell me which surgeons he would not trust to do the operations. Although he would not be involved in the surgeries, he spent time to explain the procedures.

He explains any anomalies in my lab blood work and when he changes medications he explains the reason.

Dr. Tafur has privileges at The Villages Hospital, and affiliated hospitals. He is the director of medicine at Freedom Pointe Rehabilitation Facility across from the hospital, which is near his office, which is a private practice.

His wife is an ARPN in his practice.

CAUTION: Do not be put off by his apparent haughty demeanor. He is a warm and caring physician.

As you can see by my screen name, I spend part of my time in The Villages, but most of my time in Tampa. Rather than seek a primary care physician in Tampa, I choose to drive to and from Tampa to see Dr. Tafur.

Good luck in finding someone who meets your needs.

[villager]

Another vote for Dr. Tafur.

[mtdjed]

Very personal thing. I am a male in good health and have been seeing Dr Romulo Camogliano for the last 6 years. My wife also switched to him several years ago.

Both of us are happy with him.

[Avista]

We are so very satisfied with Villages Health Care. http://www.thevillageshealth.com

[LuckySevens]

Originally Posted by Chinook

I am new to the Villages and need to get started with a doctor here. I went to see one that my neighbor recommended, he advertises in the paper. He kept me waiting one hour and twenty minutes. He and his staff are very unprofessional, abrupt and inconsiderate. He took no time with me and acted inconvenienced that I was even there in a room. I am a retired nurse and would like a recommendation for a decent doctor in or around the Villages.

Thanks , New Villager

My husband and I both love Dr. Martinez - Cruz, who is an Internist. He seldom keeps us waiting, and never more than 15-20 minutes. He listens to us and never rushes out the door. I've been to a lot of Villages doctors and he is the most patient and caring dr. I have been to. If you are wanting to get in immediately, please know that he is out of the country on vacation until the first of the year. His number is 352-750-6650 and he is located near the Villages hospital (in Dr. Smirnoff's old office).

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by LuckySevens

My husband and I both love Dr. Martinez - Cruz, who is an Internist. He seldom keeps us waiting, and never more than 15-20 minutes. He listens to us and never rushes out the door. I've been to a lot of Villages doctors and he is the most patient and caring dr. I have been to. If you are wanting to get in immediately, please know that he is out of the country on vacation until the first of the year. His number is 352-750-6650 and he is located near the Villages hospital (in Dr. Smirnoff's old office).

Dr. Martinez-Cruz is from Harvard Medical School and Mass General. I think he is the best - just my humble opinion.

[Brendanyc]

Originally Posted by Carl in Tampa

Bingo! Dr. Tafur is the most thorough primary care physician I have ever had, which in the past included a friend with whom I graduated from high school.

When he was a child his father owned a clinic in Lima, Peru, and he played in the halls while his father worked. He absorbed a work ethic that makes him very thorough and, incidentally, very impatient with attempts at Medicare fraud. Without disclosing the name of the patients, he told me of some Medicare fraud schemes (I am a retired cop.)

I have required some very extensive and difficult surgery, and Dr. Tafur has not been hesitant to tell me which surgeons he would not trust to do the operations. Although he would not be involved in the surgeries, he spent time to explain the procedures.

He explains any anomalies in my lab blood work and when he changes medications he explains the reason.

Dr. Tafur has privileges at The Villages Hospital, and affiliated hospitals. He is the director of medicine at Freedom Pointe Rehabilitation Facility across from the hospital, which is near his office, which is a private practice.

His wife is an ARPN in his practice.

CAUTION: Do not be put off by his apparent haughty demeanor. He is a warm and caring physician.

As you can see by my screen name, I spend part of my time in The Villages, but most of my time in Tampa. Rather than seek a primary care physician in Tampa, I choose to drive to and from Tampa to see Dr. Tafur.

Good luck in finding someone who meets your needs.

I just had my first visit with Dr. Tafur. I am keeping an open mind to what you described as the "apparent haughty demeanor". I agree! I call it arrogant but I defer to haughty demeanor. I was told how NYC doctors over prescribe meds and over prescribe tests, unfortunately in my case all the tests came back positive so I don't care about over prescribing tests because knowledge is power and it has redirected my treatment and expectations for care. He is one of the few doctors that accepts my insurance here in TV however, I am expecting a different delivery (bedside manner) and level of care upon my return. If I don't see the above I will change primary doctors and move on to another doctor. I certainly will not be held hostage via insurance. Years ago I had to be treated by the Chief of Endocrinology at New York University Hospital for a particular medical condition . I paid 400 per visit but spent 1 to 2 hours with the doctor on a Saturday (I was a rare case! lol) and was given the utmost of care. If need be I will do the same in TV. Dr. Tafur has taken comprehensive blood work. I will have the appropriate tests taken and move forward. I hope that I will continue with Dr. Tafur. I an awaiting the test results and his results as well.

[Joan Fitzgibbons]

Saw your post and wondered if you had any success in finding a Doc? My experiences have been scary.