Originally Posted by Villages PL (Post 570775)

I see that in a previous post you indicated that heart disease was already well established. Therefore, that's not an example of something I would call, "unnecessary testing". I never said not to test patients who already have established heart disease.

Originally Posted by Shirleevee (Post 577226)

Yes, but he had tests a few months before in NY and all was well then. Wouldn't that lead some into thinking that all was STILL well? I would rather have a doctor covering his own behind than not!!!

Originally Posted by kagney123 (Post 674422)

What do you call the guy who graduated last in his class in medical school???

Originally Posted by dillywho (Post 674439)

Say what you want, but I still have my husband thanks to the doctors and the hospital right here in TV. They have saved his life twice now. He would now be dead if he had tried to go to Leesburg, Gainesville, or anywhere else. He would have died long before getting there.

Personally, I like and will take my chances here. Sure seems to pay off for us. Some of the very best cardiologists are here. Probably some of the worst, too. The same can be said for all the primaries/specialists anywhere.

And, as someone else pointed out, nuclear stress tests are done on the treadmill. The nuclear medicine gives a much clearer picture (literally) of how the heart is functioning before and after stress.

Originally Posted by shrink (Post 561015)

I am writing this post to warn others of fraud and abuse which apparently is rampant in Florida. Medicare has established a separate fraud department specifically to investigate Florida claims! Specifically, I saw a cardiologist after my husband was referred to one. It was recommended to me by that cardiologist that I have an initial workup because of my family history and a past hx of smoking. I was asymptomatic, but told that heart disease presents differently in women. Better safe than sorry, right? I was immediately referred for a nuclear stress test (never offered the option of a cardio treadmill stress test). That test cost in excess of $2400., whereas the treadmill test would have been $174.00. Hmmm...never mind, as Medicare and my private insurance were also charged for the treadmill test (which I never had). As a result of the "equivocal" findings on the stress test, it was recommended that I start on Digoxin and also have an invasive angiogram (thousands more) to see what's going on. In the meantime, I was given several other tests, including sonograms, leg studies, etc. which I have since discovered EVERYONE who sees this doctor is given. I decided to seek a second opinion from a reputable cardiologist out of state. That doctor (and I) requested records be sent a total of FIVE times. No records were sent until I called the cardiologist down here and threatened legal action. I now understand why those records weren't sent as requested. It was because there is NOTHING WRONG with my heart, as per my second opinion! By the way, my husband was given all the same tests AND underwent the angiogram...and there was nothing wrong with him, either). My reason for writing this post is to make all Villagers aware of what can go on here. Be sure to carefully check all of your medicare/private insurance statements to see what you've been billed for. Do NOT engage in a ton of tests without getting a second opinion for someone highly reputable. Just because you may not have to pay for those tests directly, we all pay indirectly. Although I'm sure that some of the physicians here are honest, are not referring to establishments where they have financial interests for unnecessary tests or to specialists with whom there is some kind of reciprocity, many are. PLEASE EXERCISE CAUTION.

Originally Posted by 2BNTV (Post 794485)

I noticed this thread is over a year old.

My PCP saw something, that he said nmight be something, or nothing. He referred me to Dr. Miryala. Dr. Miryala recommended a nuclear stress test with the accompanied pictures. I found him to be very thorough and competent. He put me on a low dosage aspirin, (81MG), and I see him in January, 2014. So far, so good. :smiley:

I highly recommend Dr. Miryala for anyone, who is having heart problems.

Originally Posted by BBQMan (Post 564235)

I'm glad to know that you were satisfied with the treatment you received and the outcome was good. As for a lawsuit, I've been involved in two of them (neither medically connected) and came out of them never wanting to be involved in one again although I did 'win' in both cases. The truth of the matter is that the attorneys won as they do in most suits. Life is too short to waste it on things that really do not matter.

I maintain that my advice to get out of The Villages is valid. Even if you have a great physician, the requisite support does not exist here. Ask yourself the question, "If my physician is as good as I believe, why isn't he/she practicing in a major medical center?"

Originally Posted by Villages PL (Post 567263)

Lots of information but I didn't find anywhere to "click on" to find out their diet recommendations for reversing coronary artery disease. So that leaves me skeptical. In my mind it means the clinic doesn't want to do anything that substantive which could potentially take business away from doctors.