[Dgizzi]

Originally Posted by Dana1963

Run away as fast as you can Ocala is only about 25 miles for Dr and hospital services

Yea, that’s a bit far to go for a doctor or hospital

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by wjmano

I'm finding it difficult to find a good PCP outside of the Villages Health system. My wife and I are not yet 65, so don't have the Medicare Advantage plan that's generally needed to see a PCP with the Villages Health -- which I've heard good things about. They did tell me, however, there will be a single PCP (Dr Jerry Jones) that starts in October who plans to see patients with private health insurance. It just seems crazy to be limited to a single doctor within their entire network...so would like to find some good alternatives - both male and female PCPs.

I'm afraid you have been misinformed. IF you are 65, you need to have an advantage plan from UHC or Florida Blue. IF you are under 65, , TVH takes most private insurance. I have Florida Blue and I'm less than 65.

As far as the OP goes, you need to make a distinction between The Villages Healthcare and healthcare in the villages, or Florida for that matter. TVH is in the top 1% of health systems in the NATION, the #1 rated practice in north and central Florida, and has a 98% patient satisfaction rating (I guess the other 2% are on this thread)

[J1ceasar]

Many specialists will make u wait 1 hour just to be sure they don't .

[Paporter]

It’s not you, it’s the medical fields mentality, in treating older patients and the system. I left Villages Health, after been treated so poorly by the staff. I never saw my doctor, just a nurse practitioner. My doctor now, just keeps prescribing me RX, that I don’t need. After 5 years, of seeing him at least 5 to 6 times year, he still doesn’t remember me or the RX he has prescribed to me. I have tell him.. it’s very disturbing. I’m seriously considering going back to my internist in Tampa.

[Paporter]

Originally Posted by MoseyInn

Can you be a bit more specific? We are 120,000 retired people in the Healthiest Community - is my experience unique - I guess that is what I am asking.

No it is not unique. It is the medical field mentality, no matter which Clinic of Physicians you select. I left Villages Health, after been treated so poorly. My dr of 5 yrs barely remembers who I am, after demanding I follow up every 2 months, or what he’s already prescribed for me. It’s disconcerting and I’m seriously considering going back to my doctor in Tampa. All of the physicians in Lake, Marion and Sumter County abuse the healthcare system.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by Paporter

No it is not unique. It is the medical field mentality, no matter which Clinic of Physicians you select. I left Villages Health, after been treated so poorly. My dr of 5 yrs barely remembers who I am, after demanding I follow up every 2 months, or what he’s already prescribed for me. It’s disconcerting and I’m seriously considering going back to my doctor in Tampa. All of the physicians in Lake, Marion and Sumter County abuse the healthcare system.

Another satisfied customer.......

[dan1952]

I moved from Minnesota and have been trying to find a DR. I had an appointment at the Village Specialty clinic. They wanted to do many tests. I called my primary care Dr. in Minnesota he said the tests were not necessary and only ordered because the insurance pays for them. They are revenue billing machines and not DR's. BEWARE!

[harold63G]

I am not questioning, nor do I doubt, the statistics you cite but I do wonder where I could look at those data in the interest of learning what else is there regarding other issues. Thanks.

[rjn5656]

Not what we experienced. Very pleased with our doctor.

[drgoofy]

is not affiliated with TV. At my initial visit, she was warm, welcoming and fully informed about my history. I was so impressed with her preparation for my visit. I never saw a PA until her partner died, and now I see her PA occasionally for routine things, and I am also impressed with her professionalism. I have been extremely happy with my treatment from everyone in the office. When I visited Quest for my bloodwork, I was asked if I had my orders. I replied that Dr Abrantes' office was supposed to send them. The tech replied that her office staff is very good about sending orders in advance. I'm sure Dr. Abrantes took on most of her partner's patients, so I don't know if she is accepting new patients at this time.

[Travelhunter]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

Have heard a few other stories so we picked family doctor that was not part of village health system.

Why not go elsewhere for a second opinion?

I’m interested in changing
Can you share the Dr’s contact info

[Travelhunter]

Originally Posted by MoseyInn

Can you be a bit more specific? We are 120,000 retired people in the Healthiest Community - is my experience unique - I guess that is what I am asking.

Yes I have the same experience and opinion.

[Bethwill]

Just say no to unnecessary testing and office visits. They push for 6 month follow ups but you don't have to do it.

[NotGolfer]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

I'm afraid you have been misinformed. IF you are 65, you need to have an advantage plan from UHC or Florida Blue. IF you are under 65, , TVH takes most private insurance. I have Florida Blue and I'm less than 65.

As far as the OP goes, you need to make a distinction between The Villages Healthcare and healthcare in the villages, or Florida for that matter. TVH is in the top 1% of health systems in the NATION, the #1 rated practice in north and central Florida, and has a 98% patient satisfaction rating (I guess the other 2% are on this thread)

We moved here 10 going on 11 yrs ago. Before TVH we found our own clinics and individual practioners. I lucked out and found someone that was a great fit for me. My other half went to a practice that many on here have found less than adequate as did my other half. After a couple of yrs and 'just' before TVH came on board my practioner left the practice so I floundered and can relate to the OP in that it was awful. I really missed the care I'd been having until someone on this site told me where my "lost" pcp had gone. We signed up with TVH system then and I followed her (she's a nurse practioner) and have been highly satisfied with TVH system. My other half followed suit and agrees with me. We have ALL of our medical records in one system and don't have the myriads of paperwork to fill out when/if we're sent to a specialist. I have an autoimmune issue and for some years traveled to Ocala for my appointments. All fine and good in that the doctor I saw was great BUT the records didn't get sent here. I found he didn't have after-hours contact AND if I ever needed to be hospitalized for my issues, it would be in Ocala. So I found the specialist in the Specialty Clinic here in T.V. to replace him. I still will recommend him to others but so far I'm quite happy being treated here. I think we all can make comparisons to what we were used to back where we moved from. Truth be told though....ALL of the people I used to see "up there" have moved on or retired so it would have been a crap shoot to find someone new there as well. I think with UF coming on board with TVH things will improve even more. Our clinic is Santa Barbara but I've heard good reports from friends who go to Pinellas and Creekside for their care. We will always hear people being not happy but this is the experience I've had. Now dentists is another thing and another conversation. For now I'm satisfied but........

[jbrown132]

Originally Posted by MoseyInn

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 ?

I had a very good doctor in The Villages. It took me three try’s with other doctors before I found him. I would go to these other doctors and would have a 9:00 appointment and would find out there were five other people with the same appointment time. You were lucky to see the doctor by 11:00. When I finally found the good doctor I thought it was great. I had him for two years and the last time I saw him he said he could no longer treat me as The Villages Health Care system was taking over the practice and I would have to drop Blue Cross if I wanted to continue to see him. He was very upset. My point is, do yourself a favor and get off the merry-go-round. Find a doctor in Ocala, better doctors better hospitals.