How to find a good doctor
 

I haven’t had to visit a doctor at the Villages doctor, but no doubt I will at some point. I’ve got a good PPO supplemental Medicare plan, and just looking for tips on how to find the best doctors in the area, whether PCP or specialists. Are there any good ‘doctor finder’ web sites, for example, and what to look for/what to stay away from? Thanks.

Meet with the folks at SHINE and they should be able to help you. You'll have to do a search (on here, I think) as I don't have contact info. IF you're not a part of The Villages Health, it might be a challenge of hit and miss before you find someone. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

go back home not a good one her

Your Medicare supplement plan might be able to point you in the right direction. They undoubtedly have a list of plan-approved doctors in the area that you could access and MAY be able to help you out as to quality also. Otherwise word-of-mouth.

I'd also advise striking up a relationship with a doctor/clinic before you need one. Not all doctors, even if approved by your plan, are taking on new patients.

Good luck.

Maybe you need a better health plan .

Same advice from me!

Like rolling the dice. Some excellent doctors here and some not so good. Also some that start out good and change for some reason.

Wish I had an answer for you. I am starting to believe the entire profession has changed. In NY I was somewhat known and established. I had some doctors who would come to my office or even home. For the past ten years, I am lucky if I see the doctor at all. I wait two months for an appointment, have to close my office early (unable to find any with late hours), then after waiting 60 minutes past the appointment time I am seen by the PA. My doctors up North tell me this is just the way the profession is going. A few have even stopped practicing.

I always wondered how this works. Do I stop by a clinic and say, "Hi, I don't need a doctor, but I'd like to strike up a relationship with one. Who would you recommend?"

Here's my experience on moving here as a Medicare patient: You look at forums such as this to try to get a lead on a good doctor or talk to people you meet. Then you call an office and ask if the doctor is accepting new patients. If he or she is, then you say you would like to get established with the practice. Then they ask what kind of insurance you have. If your insurance is acceptable they will take your data and likely set an appointment (it may be two months out). You may be required to do lab tests to establish a base line for your initial appointment with a primary physician.

Obviously, the sooner you do this the better, even though there is nothing wrong with you at this time.

Like any place else we have good ones and bad ones.

Best advise is to spend some time with advisor from Shina. We like out Dr but she is currently not accepting new patients.

This list doesn't make any recommendations. It simply lists many of the choices available to you.

If there is a sign out front that says " Walk-ins Welcome" stay away. I had two of them and both were worthless, one even said I should come more often so he could make more money to stay in business. I couldn't believe he said that and I never went back. There are good doctors here as well as in Leesburg and Ocala, just got to check their reviews. A lot of times there are good doctors with terrible employees out front.

Doctors seem to come and go around here which may make it difficult to find and keep a doctor you're happy with. I recommend Dr. Ana Karovska Vuchindolov in Leesburg with Quality Physicians Group. I went to her when she was with a large group with offices in TV. I hated the group but loved her so I stayed with her until she left the group. At that time I turned 65, elected a Medicare Advantage plan, and started going to TV Health. I do not think they take Medicare Supplemental plans. The first doctor I saw there was Dr. Susan Hill. She left TV Health last year but I don't know where she is now. I was very happy with Dr. Hill. Good luck. I think there are lots of good doctors around here as well as some not so good, but I bet it's that way everywhere.

Also have better experience (less turnover) in Leesburg. I looked for a midsized private practice with connections to Leesburg hospital.

Seemed to get a different Doc Everytime in The Villages.