[skyguy79]

Originally Posted by CFrance

But will you be able to use doctors at all locations? For instance, if you love the internist at one and the cardiologist at another, can you see both?

Originally Posted by champion6

This is a false rumor. During his presentation Mark Morse said we will be able to choose by location or by doctor.

To expand on this a little, "will be" are the key words mentioned above. Mark Morse did explain why not everyone could enroll when Colony opened.

In a nut shell it's because they could not hire all doctors and open all centers at the same time. So because of such a large population here in TV, they needed to limit Colony to just 7 of the closest villages as well as making exceptions for those whose doctors were moving into the system, thereby allowing their patients to have continuity with them.

IMHO this all sounds more than reasonable. It also sounds like from what MM said, that they will be removing this restriction in time - once they feel that open enrollment has become feasible or manageable.

[jrandall]

I have had very positive experiences at Colony With Dr. Hawley! I am happy so far. I have seen her three times.

[johndamelio]

What I dislike about this is the "Marcus Welby " label. Seems like a deceptive marketing trick.
We"ll see how this all shakes out.

[simpkinp]

many of our new Villagers my not even be able to relate to the term "dr. welby". Even I barely remember that series on television when I was a kid, and I am not that young.

[johndamelio]

Marcus Welby aired from the late 60's to mid 70's.

[Bavarian]

Not all of us want to give up our current Health Insurance. We will stick with FEHP Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Probably will have to go to Orlando or Tampa for Doctors.

Certainly don't want any insurance AARP backs.

[cquick]

If The Villages Healthcare is anything like our Sterling Clinic in Sterling,Illinois, I am FOR it!

We could go to the clinic to our gp, orthopedist, gynecologist, cardiologist, ...you name it. Also a full laboratory in house, X rays, radiologists.
One stop shop. We loved it.

[NotGolfer]

Originally Posted by Bavarian

Not all of us want to give up our current Health Insurance. We will stick with FEHP Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Probably will have to go to Orlando or Tampa for Doctors.

Certainly don't want any insurance AARP backs.

Have you checked?? I've heard they take several insurances...I really can't see them being limited!

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by jrheydt

I heard Morse's speech at the Savannah Center and I'm not quite sure what all this means. I have a very good gp and I would hate to leave him for one of these centers. I believe that most people who like their gp will want to stick with him or her. I don't think there will be a big rush to change doctors.

John

That's exactly right. I like my GP too and plan to stay with him. There is no rush to change doctors, that's why they only have 1,400 patients signed up so far. These are all the people who were on a waiting list, waiting for the clinic to open. From here on in, it's going to be more difficult. Especially due to the fact that other doctors are beginning to fight back.

In today's Daily Sun there were a couple of adds that seemed to be responding to the Marcus Welby claim. One ad by Premier Medical Associates said, "the staff makes house calls...." (They have 5 Marcus Welbys.)

Then there was an ad by Dr. Paiano: It said, "This is a physicians office where the patient comes first.....Dr. Paiano spends a lot of time with each patient....With every new patient, he spends ample time to discuss your medical issues."

The fight for patients is on!

[dgammon6]

The following link list the Insurance they accept.

Accepted Insurance by The Villages Health

[dgammon6]

Sorry didn't get that correct.

http://www.thevillageshealth.com/insurance.php

[Bizdoc]

The clinics take Fed Blue (they are a preferred provider)

[gomoho]

Well most of you have put up with my bitching and moaning about my experience at
"the Dr. Welby" facility and I am the first to criticize, but also the first to compliment.
Went with my husband today to the Family Physicians Group and saw their newest doc,
Dr. Saxon, and was so happy to see a competent doctor who could talk to you while entering the information into that hateful electronic system. Without either my husband or I giving any indication of the problems with the Dr. at Colony he confirmed our suspisions about health issues that were either missed or misdiagnosed. So he has now had 2 physicals in 3 months, with additional blood work that she missed to be done in a few days, but at least we both feel confident he knows what he is doing.

As we were leaving Dr. Saxon came out another door and I told him how grateful and relieved we were to find him and he actually gave me a hug and said "I like what I do".
He shared some personal information with us that he had retired 4 years ago and came back to practice 'cause he likes helping and working with people. He is former military and you can tell by his incredible efficiency.

So anyone looking for an "outstanding" primary care physician I can't praise Dr. Saxon enough. He is one of the few good guys left in medicine! This was a true "Dr. Welby"
experience. He actually asked if we had any questions or concerns he didn't cover.

P.S. My husband and I are both early 60's and only dealing with high blood pressure and cholesterol for him and hypothyroid for me. We are not ailing and in need of continuous care or monitoring. We are very aware of our health and keep diligent records or past lab work. What worries me is we are very tuned into this and fortunately caught the issue with Colony early on - what about a senior not so tuned in getting poor care - who will advocate for them?

[Bavarian]

Originally Posted by johndamelio

Marcus Welby aired from the late 60's to mid 70's.

Originally Posted by Bizdoc

The clinics take Fed Blue (they are a preferred provider)

Thanks for the info. I found some doctors listed in the villages on FEPBLUE site.

[Finallyfree]

We have been using Premier Medical for the last year. We live one mile from the new clinic and will NOT switch. Dr. Gegaj is like the Dr. Welby from the old show, talks as long as needed, listens and believes we should take responsibility for our health issues not just take meds and keep bad habits.

From what I have heard it takes several appts. to actually see the Dr. at colony the first time, why?