[dbussone]

Originally Posted by sunnyatlast

Was it all just a slick marketing campaign?

Those who envy and loathe the developers because of their earned wealth will claim that all of TV is just a slick marketing campaign. But they buy homes by the thousands here anyway, because obviously, they don't find anyplace else like it for overall customer satisfaction and the gracious, healthy lifestyle.

If the patients like the healthcare theyre getting for the price they pay, it really doesnt matter whether it is 'a slick marketing campaign'.

All I know is, if The Villages builds and runs an enterprise,they deliver the goods every time..

Only when slop artists buy out a working, solvent business here do we see decline in services and product. That is why many of us want the developer to continue managing most of TV. If it ain't broke, dont fix it!

I'm not slamming the developer, or the clinic system. And I certainly hope they are providing the best quality of care they can. The only truly unusual aspect (unusual, not revolutionary) was and is the developers role in establishing the clinic system. My comments were factual and not intended in a negative way. I believe people have a right to understand how healthcare can be (and is) delivered, and that was my intent. And I am a fan of the Developer and what has been accomplished here.

[sunnyatlast]

Originally Posted by dbussone

I'm not slamming the developer, or the clinic system. And I certainly hope they are providing the best quality of care they can. The only truly unusual aspect (unusual, not revolutionary) was and is the developers role in establishing the clinic system. My comments were factual and not intended in a negative way. I believe people have a right to understand how healthcare can be (and is) delivered, and that was my intent. And I am a fan of the Developer and what has been accomplished here.

Not sure why you quoted my post with the above response. I was addressing VPL's question on whether it was all "just a slick marketing campaign".

[dbussone]

Just following up on your post. I support your opinion of the developer. No confusion was intended.

[Villages PL]

dbussone, here's the reply to your post above.

This is the way it was presented to be revolutionary:


1) They (the developer and others) said PCPs have usually been paid for volume. In the case of volume they needed about 2,500+ patients and would have to rush each office visit. It was quantity but not quality, said the developer. In this new (Village Clinics) system each PCP would have no more than 1,250 patients. There would be no waiting, the doctor might spend as much as a half hour with you and you could even drop in without an appointment if you felt the need.

2) So this question followed: How will PCPs make enough money with less than half the patients they would normally have? And the answer to that, given by the developer: They will be paid "generous salaries" so they won't have to rush. Quality will be rewarded rather than quantity.

3) The promotion of "electronic record sharing" between PCPs and specialists was a big part of why federal grant money was given in the first place. Eventually, one's medical records could be shared with any doctor in the U.S., not just locally.

You can look at it from the point of view of certain typical aspects if you like, but it definitely wasn't promoted as typical. The three points above were given as distinguishing features that would make it like nothing ever tried before. Although, they said it would be reminiscent of the TV character, Marcus Welby, M.D. who knew all of his patients well and spent lots of time chatting with them.

Was it all just a slick marketing campaign, in your opinion?

[dbussone]

I don't believe it was slick marketing. I think the business oriented and intelligent developer absolutely believed what he wrote in his letter about the clinic system. His knowledge base and expertise did not include healthcare at the operational/business model level. As I noted before I'm not attempting to downplay the clinic system and its value to our neighbors.

Thanks for asking. This is a short answer to what should be a multi-day seminar.

[sesack1]

My cat took a bite of my hand, in a playful way of course and lo and behold an infection. I went to an urgent care center and was treated with abx. The care was quick and appropriate. These centers are very good for quick care.

[Bonny]

Originally Posted by sesack1

My cat took a bite of my hand, in a playful way of course and lo and behold an infection. I went to an urgent care center and was treated with abx. The care was quick and appropriate. These centers are very good for quick care.

Good morning. I see you are fairly new on here. The topic is about the Villages Health Care System, not Urgent Care Centers. Always some debating about the Villages Health Care. However, we do have some good Urgent Care Centers around the Villages. I'm glad they were able to take care of your infection.

[gego3650]

I just checked Publix for a pescriptiiont and they want and they quote $415.53 for 30 days.I check with inter net Canada and the price is $ 81.00 .what is the system doing to us.

[dotti105]

The pharmaceutical companies will stick it to you every time. They recoup their research and development expenses here in the US with high drug prices. Yes, across the border in Canada or Mx the same drugs are available at drastically reduced prices.

I am a RN who worked in Drug Research for a short time. The amount of $$ spent to wine and dine researchers and staff was A-MAZ-ING!! Then the drugs come to market priced sky high, until generics or competition comes up with a clone and then the prices in the US come down.

Shop around. We get quite a few of our meds from Canadian and Indian pharmacies. I have done my homework and know what I am getting. But even here there are differences between the local pharmacies, Sam's and the grocery stores.

Don't accept a price that high without comparison shopping!

[dotti105]

Regarding the Villages Health Care System and UHC Medicare Advantage, we have been very pleased.

The efficiency at the Villages clinics is terrific and they are very thorough. Through UHC Medicare Advantage we have been able to see the specialists that we need to see, and want to see. We are seen in a timely manor at the villages clinics, their information is up to date and thorough.

As a RN, I understand the value of electronic medical records. So don't complain about your provider having his/her face in their computer. That computer allows them to have every iota of medical information on you in one concise program which can easily be shared instantly with the specialist you need/want to see.

I will be having knee replacements soon. FUN!! I have done my research and know the 2 docs that I will see first. Both are available to me on the UHC Villages plan. I was certain that my first choice, who practices in Maitland, would not be available to me under our plan. But he is. as is the 2nd choice in Ocala. Neither of them are "with UHC Villages Health Care", but available to us.

My cost will be $250 per day in the hospital. There is no charge, that is ZERO $$, for the professional fees. That includes the prosthesis, the surgeon, anesthetist, meds in the OR etc.

I just finished 8 weeks of PT, the UHC Villages plan has a co-pay per visit, but I had no limit to the number of visits covered.

My hubby has had several epidural steroid nerve blocks for his sciatica. Those are pricey procedures. His co- pay was $80 for a procedure that costs over $1K.

We are not limited to the few specialist here in The Villages. If you have that impression you are clearly mistaken. Call UHC and ask. You will see that you are covered all over the state and in most states across the country.

Are we pleased with our UHC Villages Medicare Advantage plan?? You betcha!!

[Avista]

Originally Posted by dotti105

Regarding the Villages Health Care System and UHC Medicare Advantage, we have been very pleased.

The efficiency at the Villages clinics is terrific and they are very thorough. Through UHC Medicare Advantage we have been able to see the specialists that we need to see, and want to see. We are seen in a timely manor at the villages clinics, their information is up to date and thorough.

As a RN, I understand the value of electronic medical records. So don't complain about your provider having his/her face in their computer. That computer allows them to have every iota of medical information on you in one concise program which can easily be shared instantly with the specialist you need/want to see.

I will be having knee replacements soon. FUN!! I have done my research and know the 2 docs that I will see first. Both are available to me on the UHC Villages plan. I was certain that my first choice, who practices in Maitland, would not be available to me under our plan. But he is. as is the 2nd choice in Ocala. Neither of them are "with UHC Villages Health Care", but available to us.

My cost will be $250 per day in the hospital. There is no charge, that is ZERO $$, for the professional fees. That includes the prosthesis, the surgeon, anesthetist, meds in the OR etc.

I just finished 8 weeks of PT, the UHC Villages plan has a co-pay per visit, but I had no limit to the number of visits covered.

My hubby has had several epidural steroid nerve blocks for his sciatica. Those are pricey procedures. His co- pay was $80 for a procedure that costs over $1K.

We are not limited to the few specialist here in The Villages. If you have that impression you are clearly mistaken. Call UHC and ask. You will see that you are covered all over the state and in most states across the country.

Are we pleased with our UHC Villages Medicare Advantage plan?? You betcha!!

Great post, and I couldn't agree more! (Another RN)

[teresadyer15@gmail.com]

Our first appointment is in May. The maximum number of patients on the doctors' profile include seasonal, temporary people. I think that's totally unfair. the numbers don't change when the seasonal people aren't here. Full time residents should be given priority. So far not pleased with current doctor outside the network, so will give this a shot.

[villagerjack]

"...............

[villagerjack]

Originally Posted by teresadyer15@gmail.com

Our first appointment is in May. The maximum number of patients on the doctors' profile include seasonal, temporary people. I think that's totally unfair. the numbers don't change when the seasonal people aren't here. Full time residents should be given priority. So far not pleased with current doctor outside the network, so will give this a shot.

The bias against seasonal residents has no boundaries. Even health insurance? My God...

[villagerjack]

Originally Posted by teresadyer15@gmail.com

Our first appointment is in May. The maximum number of patients on the doctors' profile include seasonal, temporary people. I think that's totally unfair. the numbers don't change when the seasonal people aren't here. Full time residents should be given priority. So far not pleased with current doctor outside the network, so will give this a shot.

Would you also agree to refund my Association Fees for the six months I am away?