We have 6 specialists that we see yearly or as need, and all have been WONDERFUL. We have also had 10 surgeries in the 20 years we have lived in the Villages, and again, they were awesome. We feel blessed to receive the care we have been given.

I noticed a great difference between up north and down here and it wasn’t for the better. The first dr I went to walked into met me with the words you are morbidly obese- not hello , how are you , my name is. When I told him, I had lost 40 lbs, it wasn’t well keep up the good work- instead it was you have a hellava lot more to lose. Next he went on to you have too many drs. When I explained I had none down here and everyone specialized up north, I was told Well you don’t need any more. He also told me I had toon many operations. When I explained I was an athlete and had severe arthritis, his answer was YOU were an athlete. The last thing he did was talk about the patient in the next room to me telling me what a big complainer he was - I left and never went back. I should have reported him. Next dr. I was stuck with the PA all the time. I had an severe asthma attack and needed meds and couldn’t get an appt for 3 weeks. I ended up in the walk-in more than seeing the dr and only saw him for well visits. My next dr was down in Clermont . He was a family physician and tried the let’s get her in and out in 10 min routine. I put a stop to that when I asked doesn’t he care about his patients. From that point on, I found him to be very good. However, he left the practice and now I am stuck again with a Nurse practitioner. So I am now searching for a new physician here in TV again. I don’t know whether any of this happened because of my age but I know when I was younger they would not have gotten away with any of this up north.

Ohiobuckeye
 

My Family Dr. I thought was GREAT, if anything I thought he went a little overboard to keep me healthy. My heart Dr. on the other hand was very good except one time he wanted to put a tiny little cup at one of my bypasses to catch the cholesterol that might get into my heart. When I asked him why, he said that’s what he does. Then every few yrs. I would of had to get a new one put in until that one plugged up. I told him no & he said to make sure I took my pills as scheduled, I’ve had no issues what so ever & that was 6 yrs. ago. He said his dad died that had this procedure & his mom declined to have it done & she’s still alive. I’m guessing this was at least10 to 12 yrs. ago. Hope this helps answer your question. It probably depends what Dr. you have.

That really sucks. Unfortunately, there are doctors like that up north as well, not ALL of them are in Florida.

I have never experienced less that perfect and professional care by health providers in The Villages. On the other hand, I have been part of several conversations with those who have been here longer and have greater healthcare needs who state they have had quality care issues at some hospitals. One went in for a routine procedure and became infected in the hospital which probably happens from time to time but they were unable to remedy the situation after several weeks. This particular person went back to his previous Dr. and hospital in the midwest and the problem was cleared up almost immediately. Original diagnostics at a Villages area hospital turned out to be incorrect with the wrong treatment. I understand many people with more serious issues return to their home towns where they feel they received superior care for their ailments.

I have had two experiences. With my Family Doc, I came in the first time and was able to discuss my medical history and my family history from memory. We had a great discussion over the next 30 minutes. Over the last 5 years, I have seen him on an annual basis and have continued the great relationship.

On the flip side, I went to a dental practice and over the course of two visits, I decided to change practices. They were more interested in selling their "insurance policy" than in engaging in a discussion about my teeth. The dental hygienist was examining my gums and calling off numbers. When she finished, she declared that I had three 5s and four 4s which meant I needed extra services. Having been in science my entire life, I am very good with numbers that have been called out and remembering them for future discussions. The numbers they claimed at the end did not match my memory. Don't have a problem with a recommended treatment, just don't lie to make your case. After that, I found a different dentist with whom I am very happy.

I was able to finally find a dentist that did not try to upsell and then put braces on me. I had to leave the bubble to do it. However, as for my primary physician, we really lucked out there and found one that listens and explains without looking at his watch

The hygienist was measuring you gingival pocket depth. Depths of 4-5 mm are borderline indicators of swollen gums or loss of bone. Sounds like they were being thorough. You could’ve deferred extra treatment and asked for a re-evaluation in 6-12 months to see if the pocket depths were stable or increased. I think you might’ve missed out on a good dentist and opted for one who said what you wanted to hear.

No.

Abuse
 

Yes. Had a great doctor at one of The Villages facilities who was fired because he questioned the practices in the office. Seems the office was treating patients in less than ethical ways and he questioned it and was fired. When I tried to get answers, I was shut down, so I left the facility and found a better doctor outside The Villages strong hold.

Therapy fee
 

no matter what people you interact with some will be rude and less respectfull than others. Can you honestly say that you have never encountered a rude villager before?
We are very vulnerable to feelings of heightened anxiety, especially at our ages, because after all our lives are in the hands of the medical profession here.
There are many ways to find inner peace. A renowned person once said, " seek and yee shall find" amongst hundreds of other sage sayings
buena suerte
session over

I read that book and it's a great read. It actually was recommended by my daughter and glad I read it as it touches on the aging process. He is a surgeon at Brigham & Women's hospital in Boston. Highly recommend reading this book.

I think it’s a southern thing to say sweetie, etc.

I find the doctors and professional staff to be pretty good. Some of the reception and check-out folks are good, and some not. I don't think it's elder abuse as much as many young people do not have people skills. Technology changed a lot of that.

Which office? I am sure people would like to know. I heard of a doctor who would move from place to place and was jailed for failing to pay child support but he wasn't part of The Villages Health Care. Also I heard of a doctor who moved here and had difficulties in her old State for a problem with drug addiction. She was stopped here and was found to have a lot of pills lose on the back seat. She also was not in any way affiliated with The Villages Health Care. I find they are quite diligent in finding excellent and responsible physicians. I highly recommend Dr. Rizzi.

People have a hard time distinguishing between Health care and doctors who practice in The Villages and the large group of doctors practicing under The Villages Health Care. There are many good doctors here and some not so great. I am very glad we chose The Villages Health Care.