[Talk Host]

About 6 or 8 months ago I switched to a new general practitioner. I have been to see him on about 4 occasions for minor stuff, and most recently today for a six month blood work reviiew. Not once, on any of the visits, has he ever touched me with a stethoscope. He has never listen to my heart or lungs or looked into my eyes.

I am fortunate to be in good health, so maybe he's just not concerned. But I have never had a doctor ever pass up the chance to take a listen.

Any thoughts???

JLK

[Russ_Boston]

Doesn't sound right TH. Especially the heart auscultation. Many cardiac problems are asymptomatic until the crap hits the fan! Even a very average GP can pick up murmurs or other abnormal heart sounds and send you to a specialist. In my hospital we (the RN's) listen to the lungs, heart and bowel sounds each shift, at least. Granted, people in the hospital need more constant watch but still.

I can only assume that since you are not there for a complaint that he may not listen and will only do that on the annual physical or a complaint visit.

[Herb]

Regardless of how good looking you still have to look under the hood.

Every doctor and most nurses I have seen use the stethascope.

[Shirleevee]

My Primary physician ALWAYS listens with his stethascope. I don't go to him for any heart related illnesses.

[rshoffer]

Originally Posted by Talk Host

About 6 or 8 months ago I switched to a new general practitioner. I have been to see him on about 4 occasions for minor stuff, and most recently today for a six month blood work reviiew. Not once, on any of the visits, has he ever touched me with a stethoscope. He has never listen to my heart or lungs or looked into my eyes.

I am fortunate to be in good health, so maybe he's just not concerned. But I have never had a doctor ever pass up the chance to take a listen.

Any thoughts???

JLK

I think you've answered your own question...

At the initial visit a "History and Physical" is usually performed (and billed to your ins). The "heart and lungs" are a standard part of the exam.

[Mallory]

This is the method of operation with the Family Doctors of Belleview also. It's a little funny waiting for them to do the normal things and then they don't. You almost have to ask them to do some of the old things we are used to having done.

[graciegirl]

I am trying to think if my doctor listens to my heart if I would come in with poison ivy on conjunctivitis. Certainly if I have the cold or flu or a temperature. Always for a general check up.

They always take my blood pressure and temperature though.

I can't remember about the heart. I don't have heart problems. (Thank heavens.)

[Talk Host]

Originally Posted by Mallory

This is the method of operation with the Family Doctors of Belleview also. It's a little funny waiting for them to do the normal things and then they don't. You almost have to ask them to do some of the old things we are used to having done.

That's exactly where I go.

[islandgal]

I am not surprised. There have been quite a few routine things the doctors here seem to ignore.
I thought it was because I was getting "old" and not with the new medical practices, but I checked with
personal friends who are doctors elsewhere and they were stunned.
I am on my fourth internist in 3 years and still not satisfied.

[Mallory]

TH - Dr. Pead? It is nice that he does wash his hands before doing what he does.

[kaydee]

Both my husband & I have been to Paramount Urgent Care in Sante Fe Crossings several times for various issues (none of which were for heart problems). Each visit has been very thorough including the use of a stethescope. Speaking for myself, they have become my primary care facility.

[golferling]

I go there too. Waited an hour and a half to see my Doc...no apologies. I had a list of concerns (5) and this Dr. was not happy to see them. I have a problem too with an exam..they look in to their laptop more then they look in to you. I don't know what I am going to do at this point. I really don't. I am very frustrated with health care in Florida.

[punkpup]

I'd fire his butt! Considering that you are new to his practice it's sloppy at best and unethical and irresponsible at the worst.

[Niels]

My Doctor checks everything when he does my annual physical. For other visits, he will usually listen to my heart/lungs although sometimes he doesn't depending on what the visit is for. Except for the annual physical, he usually doesn't check my eyes. Of course, I should also mention that he knows that I have a cardiologist that I see at least once a year and that I see an eye doctor twice a year. He gets a report from them after every visit.

I have read numerous stories about people in TV being dissatisfied with their Doctor. This has me a little concerned because I currently have a great doctor that I have developed a good working relationship with and am concerned about finding another Doctor when I move to TV.

[Avista]

I have been extemely pleased with my physicians in The Villages. I had 2 surgeries last year. Good physicians and wonderful care at our hospital. Great recovery from both surgeries.