[wisbad1]

Originally Posted by ThirdOfFive

Agree about the overall poor quality of health care in TV. We knew it wasn't ranked all that high when we decided to move here but, apart from dental care, the medical care here is pretty hit-and-miss. Coming from a part of the country where the complete opposite is true (Minnesota, doctoring at Mayo Clinic) the difference, in virtually every area, is astounding.

I don't think it is (necessarily) the doctors. My current doctor (for maybe 8 more weeks), aside from being arrogant and condescending, seems pretty knowledgeable. The clinic support staff though (techs, front office people) are across-the-board bad. I joked with my wife awhile back that it has reached the point where I am surprised when something goes RIGHT. Numerous prescription errors that take weeks to straighten out, erroneous entries in my medical information, impossible to reach by phone, etc. etc. have convinced me to change doctors. My wife is pretty happy with her doctor at Cleveland Health, so he will become my primary come November.

Had doctor at Cleveland, for 3 years told me I had allergies. Went to UFC and found out I had serious lung issues. Never checked me over. Sad, would like to give his name but might get sued. Thought about calling Morgan and Morgan

[Egandi]

Originally Posted by TimeForChange

Have lived in TV for over ten years. In that time we have used four different primary care physicians. In those ten years my wife has been mis-diagnosed twice. The first by a rather popular dermatologist. This Dr. totally missed a cancer in the corner of her eye on the skin. The Dr. blew it off as nothing. If not for USF Health Care in Tampa she could have lost an eye. After the cancer was removed in Tampa her entire eyelid had to be rebuilt with a great plastic surgeon. That was two years ago. In June of this year we thought we had found a good primary care at one of the largest medical groups in TV. We had been going to this Dr. for a year. My wife mentioned to him an issue on one of her breast. He first prescribed a topical cream and in the next two visits another cream and then an antibiotic. My wife took it upon herself to get a biopsy at USF Tampa after her Dr. at Moffitt recommended she do so. As it turns out it was breast cancer and we have due to the TV Dr's missed diagnosis,
failure to review her past medical history and failure to request an immediate biopsy now delayed a mastectomy that will .be required ASAP. My advice is do not totally trust your local PC anywhere. If you have and issue medically that will not go away then go out of TV and the area and get an expert opinion or a second opinion. I am sure there are some good Dr's in TV but still I would go to a major clinic and get an opinion. There are 1200 people a day moving to FL. There are no where near enough great Dr's in the area.

We too have noticed that many of the doctors here are unimpressive. It really makes me question the quality of care we are receiving. When we moved to The Villages, we kept our home up North, and we spend summers there. We chose Florida Blue Medicare Advantage, and I specifically chose the PPO plan, so I could continue to see specialists up North if I choose to. We have a primary doctor in The Villages, and also one up North. I see my specialists during the summer months while we are there. The copay is the same. Just an option for those who travel back and forth and are more comfortable with their original doctors.

[joelfmi]

What you are saying is true for many primary care doctors that they miss diagnosis patients that is why you need to see a specialist for most proper correct care.

[herbaru]

I would assume not needing a referral depends on your insurance. Unless you are paying cash. Keninches, What insurance do you have ?

Originally Posted by Keninches

If in doubt, seek another opinion. You have to be your own advocate. We go to Moffitt for everything and you don’t have to have a referral.
My wife and I both are patients there.

[PugMom]

Originally Posted by Fuzzyjourneyfan

I feel your pain. Either I find a good doctor with a terrible staff or the opposite. Instead of naming poor doctors, can we start naming doctors / practices that we think are great! I'm willing to go outside The Villages. Recently, after a sub-par office visit where the entire physical exam (first time visit) took about one minute (not exaggerating), the office sent me notes of what occurred during the visit. About 90% of what was written in the notes never happened. Grrrrr....

Dr. Rizzi @ Creekside is a wonderful man & excellent Dr. he will LISTEN to you, then decide together what the best options are

[PugMom]

& as for Mayo, they do not accept Medicare. we tried, & ended up paying out of pocket

[rsibole]

Originally Posted by TimeForChange

Have lived in TV for over ten years. In that time we have used four different primary care physicians. In those ten years my wife has been mis-diagnosed twice. The first by a rather popular dermatologist. This Dr. totally missed a cancer in the corner of her eye on the skin. The Dr. blew it off as nothing. If not for USF Health Care in Tampa she could have lost an eye. After the cancer was removed in Tampa her entire eyelid had to be rebuilt with a great plastic surgeon. That was two years ago. In June of this year we thought we had found a good primary care at one of the largest medical groups in TV. We had been going to this Dr. for a year. My wife mentioned to him an issue on one of her breast. He first prescribed a topical cream and in the next two visits another cream and then an antibiotic. My wife took it upon herself to get a biopsy at USF Tampa after her Dr. at Moffitt recommended she do so. As it turns out it was breast cancer and we have

due to the TV Dr's missed diagnosis,
failure to review her past medical history and failure to request an immediate biopsy now delayed a mastectomy that will .be required ASAP. My advice is do not totally trust your local PC anywhere. If you have and issue medically that will not go away then go out of TV and the area and get an expert opinion or a second opinion. I am sure there are some good Dr's in TV but still I would go to a major clinic and get an opinion. There are 1200 people a day moving to FL. There are no where near enough great Dr's in the area.

Just a bit of life saving advice . . . . . AVOID VIP CARE & THE VILLAGE HOSPITAL at all cost!

[JP]

The problem with "modern" medicine is all government induced. In the past, the most qualified, smartest, etc went to med school. Now, less qualified(more entitled?) and less driven people are admitted and, go figure, quality of care has diminished. Drs that used to work until they couldn't walk are being replaced by Drs that really "don't like their jobs and don't like how hard they have to work" and lots quit hence the huge influx of foreign Drs. Thanks government. Another giant mess that will effect us all.

[donfey]

Originally Posted by vintageogauge

There are a lot of good PCP's here but a lot of bad ones too. I had a quack that in 18 months and probably 6 visits never touched me with a stethoscope and he actually once told me to come more often as he needs more billing to stay in business, I never went back. The bad thing about him is that he's still here after 2 years since I found a good one. If I see a "Walk-in's Welcome" sign I stay away, any good PCP will not have time for walk-ins.

Same as anywhere else I've ever lived.

[bjswist]

Originally Posted by Reeds

Be careful with Cleveland Healthcare. This is our PC office and we are looking elsewhere. The office is run horribly. They NEVER answer the phone and they NEVER call you back when you leave a voicemail! I even submitted an appointment request via the patient portal (since it seems preferable to them) over a week ago. Still haven't heard back from anyone. Good luck!

I had the same experience.

[bjswist]

I had the same experience.

[asiebel]

So glad your wife was able to get the treatment she needed! I think it is good to get 2nd opinions like you did.
My husband now goes to Shands in Gainsville.

[TimeForChange]

Originally Posted by Keninches

If in doubt, seek another opinion. You have to be your own advocate. We go to Moffitt for everything and you don’t have to have a referral.
My wife and I both are patients there.

Just left Moffitt yesterday late following two biopsy's my wife had. She has been going there for ten years. We love the place. She will have her second surgery there in the last four years. They are caring, thoughtful and very thorough. USF across from Moffitt is also a great place.

[TimeForChange]

Originally Posted by Gpsma

Perhaps, TimeForChange, follow your name

I did that two months ago. Time for change name came ten years ago when we decided to move.

[jswirs]

Originally Posted by TimeForChange

Have lived in TV for over ten years. In that time we have used four different primary care physicians. In those ten years my wife has been mis-diagnosed twice. The first by a rather popular dermatologist. This Dr. totally missed a cancer in the corner of her eye on the skin. The Dr. blew it off as nothing. If not for USF Health Care in Tampa she could have lost an eye. After the cancer was removed in Tampa her entire eyelid had to be rebuilt with a great plastic surgeon. That was two years ago. In June of this year we thought we had found a good primary care at one of the largest medical groups in TV. We had been going to this Dr. for a year. My wife mentioned to him an issue on one of her breast. He first prescribed a topical cream and in the next two visits another cream and then an antibiotic. My wife took it upon herself to get a biopsy at USF Tampa after her Dr. at Moffitt recommended she do so. As it turns out it was breast cancer and we have due to the TV Dr's missed diagnosis,
failure to review her past medical history and failure to request an immediate biopsy now delayed a mastectomy that will .be required ASAP. My advice is do not totally trust your local PC anywhere. If you have and issue medically that will not go away then go out of TV and the area and get an expert opinion or a second opinion. I am sure there are some good Dr's in TV but still I would go to a major clinic and get an opinion. There are 1200 people a day moving to FL. There are no where near enough great Dr's in the area.

For the most part I have had unprofessional and uncaring services provided by health care "professionals" here. This includes dentist, PCP, and urologist. So now I am my own PCP, along with my wife and Dr. Google. Yes, I know, some information on Google can be wrong, but I have found one needs to review MANY articles on Google before reaching a conclusion. And so far, I KNOW I am better off consulting Dr. Google. Other than providing a prescription for blood pressure meds and yearly blood test, I don't need any "Medical Doctors".