Well said Uncle Muncle.... thank you for sharing some very personal information and experiences. I would hate to see newbies and wannabees scared off by some of these rumors and some (no doubt true) tales of woe that others have experienced.

When one relocates here you have to start over with all your medical providers. Back in your home town, you built, refined, and pruned that list of providers over many years. Here, you have to do it all at once and yes, they won't all be winners.

I started out with a very good internist then he left town because his new wife didn't want to live up here. Based on recommendations here and elsewhere I found another one that I am equally pleased with. I have had knee replacement and rotator cuff surgery in the past 6 months and had excellent results from Drs Kerina and Mitchell at Tri County Orthopedic (same practice as Dr Tankson) as well as Rehab GV, their affiliated physical therapy outfit.

My one bad experience was with Village Dental and their recommendation of so much extra work. Well, after a few months I dumped them and went with another dentist who only does necessary work for a reasonable fee.

As to the negative reports/rumors Patches heard about the hospital shrinking....could this perhaps be a 'normal' seasonal adjustment they go through? Perhaps worse this year because of the economy. But, think, TV population goes from something like 75K in Jan-Mar to maybe 40K during the summer. I'm sure the hospital's "business" load decreases significantly in the summer. Just like the restaurants. I imagine it makes it hard for those needing full time employment to plan.

I agree with opinions expressed by some that demand exceeds supply when it comes to medical providers here. We're so used to things being put in place ahead of time (rec centers, golf courses, shopping, restaurants) that when something lags we question why. The situation does seem to be getting better as evidenced by all the new medical offices being built and the hospital expansion project, VA Clinic, etc.

No rumor...
 

You did NOT read my post very well...this is NOT a rumor. This came directly from the lips of the RN in charge that night. Not from the next door neighbor of the cousin of the sister-in-law of the man who does the plumbing on the 5th floor!!!!!!!:cus:

Whether or not it's a "seasonal" thing I do not know. All I know is...it didn't happen in previous years so be a judge yourself.

Thanks to everyone who is sharing their experiences with their favorite doctors. It will help everyone to get this information out to all. Need to know the bad ones too.

Patches,

Unless this story is corroborated - it is still a rumor. You know your source, but we don't.

V'07 is a thoughtful, pragmatic poster - and I believe she did read your e-mail as did Muncie.

It takes a lot to understand the way hospitals charge due to our convoluted health care system in this country - don't jump on me on this - both political parties agree it is broken. One price if you have insurance, a different one of you don't. Like many businesses, you make money on one service; another you just break even. That is not unique to the hospital here.

Kate

Whatever!!!

My wife is also a nurse at The Villages Hospital and she has not had her hours or pay cut. In fact she is on vacation the past several days and has been called every day and asked if she wanted to work.

As a new Villager of ONE week, I find these comments very scary -- I have always been of the opinion that there are good and bad doctors everywhere but you can always search out the good ones. I am very saddened by what has been said to the negative. If its so bad here, why are people coming in droves to live here. Thanks to Bonny for at least letting me know you can have major surgery and live!! I, as many others, have a health issue at this time in my life and have come to live in TV alone (widow)...this certainly has put a damper on my move.:sad:

I so agree. Unfortunately it is very difficult to ascertain who is the most skilled.

There are different levels in hospitals. Some are level 1 and some are level 2. I think that one has a teaching staff and the other does not. Research money going to a hospital is another good criteria. Good and excellent, words that are relative and sometimes only subjective.

I am indeed worried about this as we need more medical care as we age.

I'm glad to hear someone still has a job that wants one. She is truly blessed. I suspect whether or not one works or has hours cut depends on one's position and location in the hospital or wherever they work. I too have a job and my hours have been cut 75% !!!! It's either that or close the doors when there is not enough money coming in to make payroll.

Angel:

Don't let this thread ruin your move and your new Villager excitement. You'll find that a lot of things aren't really what you thought they were...but that's OK. You'll adapt and the fact of the matter is, there really isn't a better place for us all to be.


It's true that the medical situation is not good but I think with a little research you can find just the right physicians, labs, and clinics for you. Yes, there are some bad ones, but there are also some really good ones within driving distance...so I've been told.

Leesburg Hospital and Munro in Ocala and Waterman in Tavares all seem to get high reviews from patients and all are an easy drive from TV.

Good luck and Welcome to The Villages!!!

Is the Jerry Springer show?

Well said.

WAIT until you need a refill on a script ... must make office visit even if she has seen you recently ....:mad:

Hi.

I am wondering if anyone has had any experience with Dr J. Shaktawat with the Tri County Medical group.

Thanks

Dr problems and a possible rating group online that seems promising.
 

We are coming to the Villages to rent for three months to see if we would like to buy a home.

Right now in Western Michigan I am searching for a doctor who treats me like a human being with brains; who listens, doesn't shrug off my thoughts, or pretend to hear and then ignore the issue. I won't go into details. Generally I have had good experiences with doctors. But now looking for an Internal Med specialist in a city near my home; unfortunately very few take medicare patients.

So it makes me wonder how the doctors around retirement areas survive, since a lot of their patients would be on Medicare and MUCH lower payments than private insurance.

I just joined an online organization: www.angieslist.com
I discovered from an article in an online magazine. They gather ratings only from members (A small cost to join). Unlike other rating sites, the ratings are not kept anonymous from the business (or doctor) rated. They have an opportunity to respond, (but privacy issues would limit a doctor's response). At least it would make a person or disgruntled employee think twice before giving an undeserved bad rating.

I haven't used the ratings yet because I may as well wait until we get back from the Villages since I won't have time to see a doctor before we leave. But I'm hoping it will be helpful. You actually join a regional area, but I was told that if traveling, or in Florida for a time, they would be happy to check what I needed. That includes mechanics and many other services.

If you do check out the site, ... they offered to waive the initiation fee because I sent an email asking a question. They are also offering members the opportunity to purchase gift membership at an even lower rate. I think they are trying to build up their member base because the more who belong, the more effective it will be. They also ask, when you join, if you will rate two services you have recently received (but it's not a requirement.)

If anyone knows something I don't and needs to write a caution about this site, please do! Reading this thread I thought it might just fit into to what some of you are suggesting. :thumbup:

Medical Care in TV
 

So many opinions, so little time. Remember the days when purchasing a new home here was had to be made in a two hour window? Pressure, yes! But searching for the right physician and hospital facility for yourself and spouse can be just as pressure filled. We have been here almost four years, in that time both my wife and I have used TV hospital, once for an emergency when my wife fell and broke her right arm and dislocated the elbow which resulted in surgery in Leesburg by a well know Ortho man right here in TV, which resulted in further surgery due to his incompetence at Shands hospital in Gainesville months later due to the wrong prosthesis he inserted into her arm. I was recently hospitalized at TV for Cardiac Stents, three of them, placed in arteries around my heart. Having said all of this, there are a few personal opinions I can offer: Unless you have a true, serious, emergency head to Leesburg Hospital or Munroe in Ocala. I have lost faith in our hospital here. When trying to get my wife looked at for her broken arm in the E room here, I was the one the X-ray tech had put on a leaded cover to hold the X-ray plate against her arm so the tech could do her work. Also, when taking cardiac rehab at TV recently, a nurse told me the facade was falling down all over the hospital and looks do not make up for incompetence.:agree:

doctor
 

My wife and I have use Dr. Evalle, who is in southern trace. He is very personable. Takes his time with every patient. He has a private practive, and is the only doctor. I also have many, many neighbors who have changed over to Dr. Evalle. I highly recommend him. If you have any questions private message me. I have a couple of stories of how he has gone out of his way to give us the best care. His practice is internal medicine. He is excellent with Diabetes. He is accepting new patients. Number is in the phone book.

My wife recently switched to Dr. Dale Block after having a bad experience at another clinic.

We visited him for a free initial consult because she was interested in his weight loss program and concierge fee service (flat annual fee). After that visit, she decided to sign up for the concierge service which included the weight loss program. She has been with him for about 6 weeks and is happy with the weight loss to date. She sees him on a weekly basis during the three month program.

His practice is very different. His wife manages the office and he provides all patient services. He has no other staff. His fees are very reasonable and he does not accept any insurance (except traditional Medicare). My wife recently lost her health insurance, so his concierge service works well for her, and Dr. Block does what he can to get better fees for external services. She has not had this kind of personalized medical service since she was a little girl growing up in a small town with a family doctor.

His practice is in the Lang Eye Institute on CR101. Click here for his website.

What is the cost of the concierge fee service?

Both my wife and I use Dr Angel Tafur, and we are very satisfied. He gives you good care, and he will sit and listen which is hard to find in this area.

I go to Dr. Brett Compton (Chiropractor) and he takes all the time needed with you to make sure he answers all off your questions thoroughly! The office staff is very polite and will usually get you an appointment the same day (if needed). If your looking for a chiropractor give him a call he's the Best in The Villages (in my opinion)...391-9467!

I have been a member of Angie's List for several years, and use it frequently in Tampa. I have since joined the Orlando group also, which is where you get info on Ocala and the Villages, and it's sketchy in those areas, I feel, so far. I have always done well with anyone I used from Angie's List.

alemorkam:

I'm still a wannabee but thanks for posting this info. I will make a note as this is the kind of doctor I would like to go to.

I believe in going to doctors that specialize in "internal medicine" and I am a diabetic that needs to be monitoreed several times a year.

After having unsatisfactory experiences with three GP I decided to use my cardiologist to secure lab work, etc. All the specialist I see are attached to the Munroe Medical system because I have found that hospital to be the better in the area.

I moved from Minnesota which is a premier health care state and have been disappointed with the quality of medical care here. However, I really have confidence in his cardiologist. He is a good doc and a good human being
All my docs are over at the Orchard Hills offices on 441. Just as important is the support staff and it has been my experience that doctors and their staff afflialted with Munroe are so professional, delighted caring and efficient They greet you with a smile are engaging and put you at ease

I will eventually look for and find a GP

Tricare
 

For anybody looking for a Tricare provider, Dr. Swartz has stopped working, according to the staff in his office today. Gina, the Nurse Practitioner in the office, is great. There is one physician in that office still.

To Rubicon
 

I can understand your frustration. However, I work for a VERY Large group of Cardiologists as a phone nurse in Indiana and I would rec you do get a GP soon. Insurance frowns on Cardiology trying to take care of things not related to that specialty. For instance when we have patients with clearly an upper Respiratory infection we are no help to them....they would have to go to a "Doc in a Box" and that could be hard for continuation of care....just my thoughts.

I have lived her for over 10 years now and have only recently found a doctor who not only cares for me as a patient and not a number but also is a fantastic diagnostician and if he can't help me he would certainly refer me to someone who could. Dr. Compton is a doctor of chiropractic medicine and also of nutrition and has helped me so much. I think if you give him a try you would be happy. The office phone is 391-9467. Good Luck to you.

Did you get it?
 

This thread is an old thread that has been brought back to life!

I go to Dr. Michael Glick on Bella Cruz. He has (i think) many many patients and a large staff, but I never have to wait. Usually I am in and out in half an hour. He knows me, is friendly and witty and chatty - and careful. Best of all, labs and UltraSound are all there in the same building.

I used to go to Leesburg, but left htem after I sat in the office for an hour before being told the Doctor had left for the day. I was sent to the Emergency room across the street ( I was 8 days post surgery). Lo and behold, I met the doctor in the parking to chatting with staff member. The office staff was always rude. Wrote letters to everyone I could think of, including state medical board. Hope it did some good and you are getting better care.

If you are looking for a Great Chiropractor and are wanting to be treated like a human and not like the next one in line then I would recommend going to Dr. Compton at Compton Chiropractic. He takes the time that is necessary to treat you and really listens to what you have to say and I have never felt rushed.