[claricecolin]

This is what I need for Dad. First of all had no idea of the lack of urologists in area and the one seen after ER visit does not have machine. The other 2 providers have no openings for new patients until late March. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Have already contacted both Advanced and Lake Urology. Thank you.

[claricecolin]

Anyone? Spent yesterday making calls, nothing. Is there a service that provides transportation to Tampa General or teaching hospital in Orlando looks like I may have better luck there. Dad doesn't drive and public transportation is also lacking.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by claricecolin

Anyone? Spent yesterday making calls, nothing. Is there a service that provides transportation to Tampa General or teaching hospital in Orlando looks like I may have better luck there. Dad doesn't drive and public transportation is also lacking.

I think your fathers' primary care physician would be the best person to answer where to go to find the kind of help he needs.

[claricecolin]

Primary care Dr is not urologist. Evidently there is little to no cooperation between Villages doctors and urology practices. I find it unbelievable that the Villages Hospital doesn't provide their staff with necessary equipment.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by claricecolin

Primary care Dr is not urologist. Evidently there is little to no cooperation between Villages doctors and urology practices. I find it unbelievable that the Villages Hospital doesn't provide their staff with necessary equipment.

Naturally the urologist is not a primary care physician. Our primary care physician recommends other specialists such as gastroenterologist, cardiologist, endocrinologist etc.

I don't recall hearing that a specialist relied on the local hospital for equipment. Perhaps I didn't understand what you meant.



Urodynamic Tests for Urinary Incontinence

I do think I remember that some local urologists lost their privileges at TVRH last year.............

[claricecolin]

The urology group that was contracted with the hospital left. The Dr my dad saw was one of 2 urologist brought in by the villages hospital. They have only 2 with privileges per him. Also the hospital has been promising him this machine for 1.5 years. He is leaving when his contract is up due to frustration.


There is no professional courtesy between existing urology practices and any Dr with Villages hospital. 6 weeks for New patient visit is not going to work. Catheter is just suppose to stay in until then?

I spoke to patient services at hospital that was another exercise in frustration. She didn't realize hospital nor Leesburg hospital didn't have urology dept. This is simply not acceptable.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by claricecolin

The urology group that was contracted with the hospital left. The Dr my dad saw was one of 2 urologist brought in by the villages hospital. They have only 2 with privileges per him. Also the hospital has been promising him this machine for 1.5 years. He is leaving when his contract is up due to frustration.


There is no professional courtesy between existing urology practices and any Dr with Villages hospital. 6 weeks for New patient visit is not going to work. Catheter is just suppose to stay in until then?

I spoke to patient services at hospital that was another exercise in frustration. She didn't realize hospital nor Leesburg hospital didn't have urology dept. This is simply not acceptable.

Does your father have a Primary Care Physician? A General Practitioner? A Family Doctor? My family doctor's office handled the aftercare for me after a recent hospitalization. Removed sutures etc.

There may be no qualified urologists practicing within this area. Specialists are not employed directly by hospitals unless they are large teaching hospitals. They are granted privileges as I understand it. Is that your understanding?

There is a service I just read on this Forum called "Jewish Mother Transportation, perhaps since you have no transportation, this company could take you and your dad to a urologist out of the area?

[capecoralbill]

May i ask, is your father a member of the United Healthcare Medicare ADVANTAGE Plan, and / or a patient at the VILLAGES HEALTH SYSTEM. ?

[billethkid]

Originally Posted by claricecolin

The urology group that was contracted with the hospital left. The Dr my dad saw was one of 2 urologist brought in by the villages hospital. They have only 2 with privileges per him. Also the hospital has been promising him this machine for 1.5 years. He is leaving when his contract is up due to frustration.


There is no professional courtesy between existing urology practices and any Dr with Villages hospital. 6 weeks for New patient visit is not going to work. Catheter is just suppose to stay in until then?

I spoke to patient services at hospital that was another exercise in frustration. She didn't realize hospital nor Leesburg hospital didn't have urology dept. This is simply not acceptable.

While it may not be as convenient, there are many hospitals and physicians and specialists outside TV.
We make use of a couple of our specialist needs in Ocala.
The "captive audience" dynamic is ever present in TV.....we have found just does not exist in places nearby.

If you do not have standard medicare and a supplement, you may not have the ability to go anywhere you choose.

[rustyp]

Originally Posted by capecoralbill

May i ask, is your father a member of the United Healthcare Medicare ADVANTAGE Plan, and / or a patient at the VILLAGES HEALTH SYSTEM. ?

The question is did you ask your father's primary for a urologist recommendation ? Not the hospital.

[bagboy]

Originally Posted by claricecolin

Primary care Dr is not urologist. Evidently there is little to no cooperation between Villages doctors and urology practices. I find it unbelievable that the Villages Hospital doesn't provide their staff with necessary equipment.

What equipment is needed for inserting a catheter and doing a number of tests that fall under the realm of urodynamic testing ?

[claricecolin]

Yes I did ask his primary for a referral. He said Advanced or Lake are the only ones he is aware of but has no "pull" to get him in. Insurance is medicare with BCBS as secondary. As he retired from GM the only better insurance combo would be medicare and tricare.

I am going to try Shands next week as I can see this hospital is not going to help. As I said before I expected better. He can go anywhere with his insurance but does not drive. I am only here part time, I am not even supposed to be here now.

[claricecolin]

Evidently there is a specific machine required for test. Both Advanced and Lake have them, as I checked. The issue is no one has openings and I have been told (have already had records faxed) the doctor gets to decide if they want to take him on as a patient. According to his primary doctor they can do that. So I don't want to lose anymore time then necessary.

[bagboy]

Originally Posted by claricecolin

Yes I did ask his primary for a referral. He said Advanced or Lake are the only ones he is aware of but has no "pull" to get him in. Insurance is medicare with BCBS as secondary. As he retired from GM the only better insurance combo would be medicare and tricare.

I am going to try Shands next week as I can see this hospital is not going to help. As I said before I expected better. He can go anywhere with his insurance but does not drive. I am only here part time, I am not even supposed to be here now.

Clarice, I was referred to Dr. Saumil Karavadia at Advanced Urology by my PCP and he didn't have any pull. He met Dr. K at some function, remembered his name, and got me in pretty quick. I'm am beyond thankful for seeing Dr. K. Something is just very confusing. In my humble opinion, your dad needs to see a urologist (try Dr. K at Advanced Urology) again, and get him a new PCP.

[rustyp]

Originally Posted by claricecolin

Yes I did ask his primary for a referral. He said Advanced or Lake are the only ones he is aware of but has no "pull" to get him in. Insurance is medicare with BCBS as secondary. As he retired from GM the only better insurance combo would be medicare and tricare.

I am going to try Shands next week as I can see this hospital is not going to help. As I said before I expected better. He can go anywhere with his insurance but does not drive. I am only here part time, I am not even supposed to be here now.

How about the insurance company - did you call them. There maybe a chance they can tell you who and where or if not within a reasonable distance they may let you do out of network. As far as travel there are several ways of getting Dad to the doctor's. I'll even bet someone from here will volunteer to help.