Changing docs (in real life)

I went to my doctor (a GP) yesterday for my regular three-month check up. My doctor is a sweet old man (in his 70's) who bears a definite resemblance to a Basset Hound. He came out of retirement several years ago to treat people who have no insurance and would otherwise go without medical care. He has been a blessing to me, and while I've never thought he was the sharpest knife in the drawer, I give him credit for saving my life more than once. In many ways, he is the embodiment of the kindly old country doctor in the high-tech age. I'd wager that when he started his medical career, house calls were still common practice.

It seems that the time has come for dear old Dr. D. to retire - again. He will be leaving the practice in March and all of his current patients are being transferred to the local internal medicine associates. If I remember correctly, this is where Dr. D's son is in practice. I was offered the choice of a male or female physician (it seems there are two of each in the practice). As is my custom when offered a choice, I chose "male". Perhaps I'll be lucky enough to get Dr. D, Jr.

My challenge in the New Year is to "break in" another physician and to get him (and the office staff) to understand that if it's not covered by Medicare, it's not happening. If the drug isn't generic, my Part D probably won't pay for it and therefore, I'm probably not going to be able to get it.

I guess I'm lucky not to be having a male child while on Medicaid. My daughter called me in a tizzy the other day; it seems that program is not covering circumcision after Feb. 1. While I don't think it's a terribly big deal, my daughter is a little upset because her baby is due in March and evidently, her two little boys will not be a matched set, so to speak!

Ah, the joys of the modern age and health care in America! Something is still better than nothing. And as long as I'm not changing play docs, I'm still one of the luckiest ladies around!

Play On!

LadyDoc

Good luck with your change over ladydoc. Change can be good sometimes, so I'll wish that for you.

It's sad when one has to choose their health care because of financial reasons(what happens, how much happens, if it happens at all).

I remember my first and pretty much only doctor, (female, older lady) who took care of me in high school and during college. Would bend over backwards to help anyone of her patients at any time. I miss that kind of care from a medical person. Not that our local PA wouldn't do what he could to help you out, but there is only so much he is capable of doing.

Ladydoc, I know exactly what you are going through. My doctor is 81 and still running his office. It's amazing when you call a doctor today and have to wait to get into see him. When I want to see my doctor ..I walk in the door and am greeted by name and told to have a seat. I doubt if i have ever waited more then 15 minutes to see the doctor,get treated or medication and am back out the door. Now he doesn't screw with insurance but his prices are still half what you would pay for a modern day doctors visit. My problem is I am spoiled and will have to be looking for a new doctor next year because he is thinking about retirement for good. One other thing is..if needed he still makes house calls. Don't you just love small town doctors.