[angel222]

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.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by swrinfla

I am appalled that Patches' observations are even possible! Perhaps I am too likely to see things more positively, but this entry is scary, indeed!

I hope that everyone will take to heart this mantra: "With respect to your own health care, you and only you are ultimately responsible!"

Thus, you've got to do your homework before finding the doctor/nurse/clinic/hospital/etc that's really, really right!

SWR

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.

[GERALDINE]

Originally Posted by schotzyb

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.

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.

[GERALDINE]

Originally Posted by angel222

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.

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!!!

[katezbox]

Originally Posted by Patches

Whatever!!!

Is the Jerry Springer show?

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by katezbox

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

Well said.

[GrayGoose]

Originally Posted by Sharie

I have been going to Dr. Eburuche, an internist, since she opened her practice and find her very personable and she Listens. She is located on Mulberry Lane. I also go to to Dr. Jason Davis, a chiropractor, he is great. He is located in Laural Manor under the water tower.

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

[Dougout]

Hi.

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

Thanks

[3bells]

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.

[GatbTester]

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.

[alemorkam]

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.

[RVRoadie]

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.

[islandgal]

What is the cost of the concierge fee service?

Originally Posted by RVRoadie

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.

[bronco57]

Originally Posted by Talk Host

Have you found a general practitioner? Who do you go to? After sifting through several doctors who were really arrogant and didn't convey a positive attitude toward us as patients, we finally landed with Dr. Steven Rivers. He is a relatively young man with a fairly new practice. It's hard to explain but the first few doctors we tried seemed like they were treating "end of life" patients and didn't want to establish a personal relationship. One doctor examined me, never told me what he found, walked out and sent his nurse in with two prescriptions. Did not even try to tell me what I had that needed treatment.

I still have 30 more years of good life left and want to be treated like a real human being and not "the next stupid ole troublesome patient."

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.

[LovinLife]

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!