[champion6]

Where is the best healthcare?

It’s a rhetorical question.

My answer is based on a lifetime of observations and conversations with friends – up north, as well as in TV.

The best healthcare is always SOMEWHERE ELSE.

It doesn’t matter where you live – central Florida or the Midwest or the Northeast or the West Coast. I believe that people generally feel that the best medical care – primary care physician (PCP), specialist, clinic, hospital – is not HERE, it is THERE.

It seems that size does matter. The clinic THERE with more PCPs seems to be the best. The specialty center THERE with more specialists is the best. The specialty center that focuses on one type of condition (cancer, for example) is the best. The hospital THERE associated with a university is perceived to be the best. The hospital THERE which is part of a large group of hospitals is the best.

Personally, I sometimes wonder if the providers THERE are better. Could it be that the Marketing Departments THERE are better? Some people are sure that they will receive the best care THERE. They feel the healthcare HERE does not measure up to that given THERE. Is this feeling based on fact or perception from marketing?

Thoughts?

[Ross]

I have had better health care HERE than THERE (Western NY). Florida Heart and Vascular HERE.

[rustyp]

Answer - wherever you feel the most comfortable. For me it's about quality not quantity.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by Ross

I have had better health care HERE than THERE (Western NY). Florida Heart and Vascular HERE.

Seriously???? I practiced for 30 years in the Finger Lakes region, and there is no comparison. People here seem to think Shands is great. Where would you rather be if seriously ill---Shands or Strong Memorial in Rochester? People here think Moffit is great. Wouldn't you rather be at Roswell Park in Buffalo? Even if your definition of Western NY is Jamesville, then Cleveland Clinic is only an hour or so away.

I do agree with the previous post---when it comes to health care, people always think it's greener on the other side of the mountain

[billethkid]

We have found that UF in Gainesville have substantial resources in almost any specialty.

Yes it takes an hour to get there.
In my opinion, because they are not so focused on a mostly geriatric patient base, they have a more comprehensive approach to patients needs.
And getting an appointment is not as long/far out as in TV.

Another one of those personal choices and satisfactions.

[NotGolfer]

We came here from the midwest and care there seemed fine. Then we moved here and have had several health issues. The care here also has been fine. Sometimes, I think it's perception. I agree with Golfing Eagles. Over the years of being on the social media here...THERE has always "seemed" to be the ideal for "some" folks. Be it their restaurants, their neighborhoods, their health-care etc. with the 'grass being greener' idea.

Health-care ALL over is changing! It's become more of a business and bottom-line.

[perrjojo]

No matter where I have lived there always seem to be what I call “hospital snobs”. Some other hospital is always better

[rustyp]

Originally Posted by perrjojo

No matter where I have lived there always seem to be what I call “hospital snobs”. Some other hospital is always better

Very interesting point. It almost seems like a status symbol where we get our healthcare from. Sick (ha ha ) way of playing the Jones' game.

[biker1]

This is a very strange question (highlighted below). I would actually prefer Moffitt and I am actually going there. They are a bit over an hour away and are ranked #6 in the US, which is better than Roswell Park. I do not have a good handle on exactly what factors go into the rankings but at some point you are choosing the actual Drs you feel comfortable with and not so much the institution. If you have some specific information to share as to why someone should go to NY then please do so. I could have also chosen U of Florida/Shands or Mayo (and have actually been to both for other issues and the outcomes were fantastic).

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

Seriously???? I practiced for 30 years in the Finger Lakes region, and there is no comparison. People here seem to think Shands is great. Where would you rather be if seriously ill---Shands or Strong Memorial in Rochester? People here think Moffit is great. Wouldn't you rather be at Roswell Park in Buffalo? Even if your definition of Western NY is Jamesville, then Cleveland Clinic is only an hour or so away.

I do agree with the previous post---when it comes to health care, people always think it's greener on the other side of the mountain

[biker1]

Doubtful. People choose the facilities with the best reputations or wind up there when other places can't solve their issues. As with every profession, some people are better than others.

Originally Posted by perrjojo

No matter where I have lived there always seem to be what I call “hospital snobs”. Some other hospital is always better

[jchase]

I have disagreed with Golfing Eagles before. But he is 100 percent right. You can’t beat the health care up in ROCHESTER New York. I was spoiled for years. Didnt know any different. Until I moved here. Luckily for-now I’m healthy. If you find a good Doctor let me know. I’ve been to Villages, they were ok. (Kicked me out). Now I have Premier Medical. Not happy with them.

[MSGirl]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

Seriously???? I practiced for 30 years in the Finger Lakes region, and there is no comparison. People here seem to think Shands is great. Where would you rather be if seriously ill---Shands or Strong Memorial in Rochester? People here think Moffit is great. Wouldn't you rather be at Roswell Park in Buffalo? Even if your definition of Western NY is Jamesville, then Cleveland Clinic is only an hour or so away.

I do agree with the previous post---when it comes to health care, people always think it's greener on the other side of the mountain

I’ve never heard of these hospitals you speak of in the finger lakes region. How about MD Anderson? There is a branch located in Florida. The Mayo Clinic is in Jacksonville.
It just proves the point that some people think “there” is better than “here”

[PennBF]

Of course these are opinions but my vote would be for Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. Have been to MD Anderson in Houston and feel that if you are a celebrity or have a unique cancer you will be treated real well. Otherwise like anyone in any other major clinic. Would vote Moffit 2nd if I could not get to Sloan Kettering or one of the other top 5?
Last The Villages unless an emergency and then would go to one of the Urgent Cares then Mayo. The most critical part of an illness is the "Diagnosis". Once that is done then the practices and procedures that are followed by the care facility and the equipment available for treatment. Of course the Education, Skill and Experience of the treating physician is always one of the most major considerations.
Thus Mayo.

[Bigben007]

I have something serious, I’m heading of to Pittsburgh. Go where you feel comfortable.

[Villagevip]

Seems like though, where ever you go...there you are...