[Ladygolfer93]

Originally Posted by queasy27

I don't have an answer for you but can definitely say I feel the same. I've had four PCPs in 10 years -- two left the area and two who preferred to issue edicts rather than truly listen to my concerns. I also don't want tests and specialist referrals for every little thing! They aren't even issues I'm concerned about, but more a checklist the physicians have to follow in order to meet patient goals/quotas set by their practice.

It's also stressful for me when a practice has inefficient or uncaring nursing/front office staff, and when I'm made to wait 60+ minutes for an appointment.

I've become resentful and beaten down by the whole system.

Note: My experiences here have been with practices outside The Villages Health.

Couldn't have said it better ! Have you had ANY "luck" finding a really quality physician that does not have a checklist in one one hand and the quota for the month in the other ? I am just not used to the whole "system" here in Florida. Pretty much like socialized medicine with a more acceptable sounding label I guess. I miss my doctors back "home", not matter who you go to it's nothing like here, but, I love Fl, my home, my friends, and the state so need to keep looking, looking.... !

[JimJohnson]

Knock on wood, I’m enjoying good health in my 70’s. I am with the Villages Health Care/UnitedHealthcare. I had my last bi annual checkup scheduled for April, but due to Covid I called in to cancel and reschedule during November. I then got a call back later informing me that November would make it a year since my last appointment and that could compromise my future approval of Doctor referrals and subscriptions. I did not think much of it till now that if I want to wait longer for a checkup, I may lose my subscriptions for medications, I.e. blood pressure and cholesterol medication. To be clear, I truly love the care I get now, but have became concerned that my doctor is pressured to have me increase my office visits.
Question: Is it normal to require Bi annual checkups for healthy patients?

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by JimJohnson

Knock on wood, I’m enjoying good health in my 70’s. I am with the Villages Health Care/UnitedHealthcare. I had my last bi annual checkup scheduled for April, but due to Covid I called in to cancel and reschedule during November. I then got a call back later informing me that November would make it a year since my last appointment and that could compromise my future approval of Doctor referrals and subscriptions. I did not think much of it till now that if I want to wait longer for a checkup, I may lose my subscriptions for medications, I.e. blood pressure and cholesterol medication. To be clear, I truly love the care I get now, but have became concerned that my doctor is pressured to have me increase my office visits.
Question: Is it normal to require Bi annual checkups for healthy patients?

As we get older more things can go wrong with our bodies so why not get checked more frequently?

Better chance to find if something like heart or blood pressure has developed a problem we are not aware of.

[Medtrans]

Originally Posted by JimJohnson

Knock on wood, I’m enjoying good health in my 70’s. I am with the Villages Health Care/UnitedHealthcare. I had my last bi annual checkup scheduled for April, but due to Covid I called in to cancel and reschedule during November. I then got a call back later informing me that November would make it a year since my last appointment and that could compromise my future approval of Doctor referrals and subscriptions. I did not think much of it till now that if I want to wait longer for a checkup, I may lose my subscriptions for medications, I.e. blood pressure and cholesterol medication. To be clear, I truly love the care I get now, but have became concerned that my doctor is pressured to have me increase my office visits.
Question: Is it normal to require Bi annual checkups for healthy patients?

I think seeing a physician twice a year is fair and better for you in the long run. They need to monitor your cholesterol and blood pressure. Just because you’re on medication doesn’t mean it is controlled with no changes. Life happens and your numbers could go up or down.

[Dan9871]

Originally Posted by JimJohnson

Question: Is it normal to require Bi annual checkups for healthy patients?

I have annual appointments for check ups at Villages Health.

I don't think any doctor can give you a prescription if they haven't seen you in the last year.

Maybe your doctor wants to track how you are doing on your current prescription.

Many, maybe most, of the doctors in Villages Health are maxed out on the number of patients they have. They probably are a good number of people lined up for your doctor and Villages Health might like to give one of them your slot if you are not going to be going to appointments. They probably consider you as having left the system if you haven't had an appointment for over a year.

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by Sontah

The Villages hospital and er are the absolute WORST...do not ever go there. Yes, run away as fast as you can.

Has TV Hospital and ER improved since the buy out by UF Health, the owner of Shands? I would hope so. I'm waiting to hear glowing reports.

[MoseyInn]

Yes, that was exactly my experience and I had a feeling I was not the only one - but my question to you - are we really isolated cases or is this really a culture and where do I go to find out more. I own my own health but I have friends that are really seeing a Doctor or tests weekly. Breaks my heart.
It is not funny but I had sleep tests scheduled too.... I didn't go and got billed $250. I told them I was going to contact the insurance company - that was the last bill I received. I am sure they would have tried to fit me for that sleeping device. Some people need it, I certainly didn't - but that is what I mean about culture.

[MoseyInn]

Yes, I agree with you and if you are on a medication I think they should check up on you. But at a point it becomes more than checking up - it becomes income and expense. But - totally - they are responsible when they prescribe medication and I do understand there are now laws because of doctors over prescribing. I am talking about common sense

[MoseyInn]

agree

[Northwoods]

Originally Posted by JimJohnson

Knock on wood, I’m enjoying good health in my 70’s. I am with the Villages Health Care/UnitedHealthcare. I had my last bi annual checkup scheduled for April, but due to Covid I called in to cancel and reschedule during November. I then got a call back later informing me that November would make it a year since my last appointment and that could compromise my future approval of Doctor referrals and subscriptions. I did not think much of it till now that if I want to wait longer for a checkup, I may lose my subscriptions for medications, I.e. blood pressure and cholesterol medication. To be clear, I truly love the care I get now, but have became concerned that my doctor is pressured to have me increase my office visits.
Question: Is it normal to require Bi annual checkups for healthy patients?

I also have The Villages Healthcare (UH) and am extremely happy with my physician and how they approach healthcare. My appt. is always on time and it's a 30 min appt so the Dr. is very thorough and I never feel rushed.
I did notice that when I turned 65 my appt's went from 1x/year to 2x/year. The PCP bi-annual appt is $0 co-pay. So all is good.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by MoseyInn

When I initially mentioned I would not name a specific Clinic I was doing that to protect RIVERS FAMILY MEDICINE until I got more information. I have talked to others and found out I am not unique in my frustration and people have specifically mentioned Rivers Family Medicine. I don't understand how this can happen - Isn't there a place people can post complaints ???? or compliments?

I won't mention any specific Doctors or offices. I have had 3 doctors and been in two facilities. I was very healthy when I came and still am. 3 of the doctors I had left because they were over worked and both facilities I found to really not care about "me" as a person or patient.
I moved from Maine, had the same physician for 25 years and know that can be duplicated but I am just thrown off at the treatment I have received. I was prescribed 5 new medications for something that was just a seasonal allergy - sent to sleep studies - and made to take drug tests for a "controlled" substance, a sleep aid. At home I saw a doctor once a year. When I got here it has been 6 x a year. Right now I don't want to see another physican - it is stressful
I am just confused - is it me or is this the system ?

If you’re very healthy why are you seeing doctor 6 times year ANd taking 6 new medication’s? You have the right to say no, I don’t need that. IMO drugs are pushed too much in too many cases. Sometimes the side effects are worse the symptoms you have?

I like my doctor at villages health till he flow the coop and I got kicked out of village health cause I wouldn’t join UHC for supplement I didn’t need just to stay in village health care.

IMO I also think women are prayed upon by health care providers over prescribing drugs.

[Ladygolfer93]

Originally Posted by MoseyInn

I actually did that - well, maybe I didn't . The practice was in the Villages and I don't want to mention the name but that is when I was confronted with "is it a culture". I worked with hospice for 8 yrs so I know that at our ages we are a big boost to the revenue for physicians. But I never expected to feel it happening. .
But thanks for your reply. I should check to see what their affiliation is.

While it is so convenient, there is a price to pay for living in a non-public (type) of "city" where you have no elected city officials, where everything from how, and when, and who handles your mail, to your medical care, banks, radio station, newspapers, on line communications, every aspect of your life is controlled by one powerful force, money. We all accept this willingly, cheerfully, so the alternative is to drive much further than we would like (the reason many came, little need for an auto in day to day life, possible to go doctor, dentist, even for dialysis in a golf cart, gasoline budget plummeted from the previous daily commuting, more $$ for travel, vacations, new golf clubs...) but the time has come when for many, life may be more like it was before retirement; best doctor may be in Gainesville, or Orlando, or even Tampa. Best dentist may be in Ocala. Best insurance agent, gym, or bank may be in Leesburg. Other wise, you are quite right, you are limited to what is offered within a golf cart ride, I agree. As to airing an opinion, that seems to be dangerous most everywhere these days. Look what is said to people who express that they prefer not to wear a mask, or go swimming right now, or to those who wish to dine out. Control seems to be the name of the game these days.

[MoseyInn]

I may have asked you before but how do you check. Is there a reliable system that you know of. I agree it is up to us to own our health and you sound like that is what you have done

[MoseyInn]

Then what do you do? I have received conflicting reports. I realize we are at an age that thing start falling apart and I also have had friends crying that since they retired here all they do is see doctors . Our age group doesn’t usually argue with authority , Maybe there isn’t abuse in the system here but I just wonder if anyone has looked into it . A reporter or a lawyer . Or the state ?

[MoseyInn]

Don’t get beaten down. There has to be an answer. We have earned the right to be protected and taken care of . Health is big business and big business has regulations . Just has to find it.