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Replies: 22
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CU Medallion [58411]
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Does everybody here have a regular family doctor? If not,
Jan 4, 2022, 11:12 AM
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how do you handle routine doctor visits? Doc-in-a-box? ER? here's the reason I ask ... I have always had a regular family practicioner. I like the familiarity of going to the same doctor who knows me and my history. Problem is, it works great for planned, routine visits like yearly physical exams and labwork and such; but if I'm sick, have a weird pain, etc., and need to see him that day or next, forget it! He's always too booked up, or seems he's always off on the day I need to come in. If I don't have an appointment 6 months ahead of time, I'm out of luck. My family and I have resorted to going to the doc-in-a-box around the corner for most stuff now, which is not a terrible option, I guess. I've changed doctors already for this very reason a few years ago; new doc, same deal. Are all practices like that?
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Orange Blooded [4701]
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Unless you find a doctor who does concierge medicine
Jan 4, 2022, 11:19 AM
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where you may an annual fee for same day access, yes... that's the current state of medical care.
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Hall of Famer [21929]
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can you go to a pcp in a network
Jan 4, 2022, 11:30 AM
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that has walk-in clinics?
or have I been utterly spoiled by having Emory in ATL and now Vandy in Nashville?
keeps all the records in one spot so they can talk. and surprisingly, they actually do talk which I have learned over the past year.
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CU Medallion [60033]
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that is how it is here too. tons of docs, urgent cares
Jan 4, 2022, 12:47 PM
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specialists on the same network. So there is one portal where everyone can see all my info and share notes.
I think we are spoiled.
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Oculus Spirit [81048]
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I've never had a "regular" DR.
Jan 4, 2022, 11:34 AM
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And yes, I've just used doc in a box type places when I get sick.
I'm probably past an age where I need to start doing regular doctor stuff, but I kinda look at it like a car--if I keep gong to a doctor and there is nothing wrong...they will eventually find something.
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All-In [38514]
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I used to have that mindset.
Jan 4, 2022, 11:49 AM
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Then you find that age brings stuff that can kill you but can be easily prevented. I look forward to my next bloodwork, it's like running a diagnostic check on an engine. It can tell a lot about current issues and even potential future issues. It gives me a lot of peace of mind and a few copays are cheaper than large bills in the future.
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Oculus Spirit [81048]
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Re: I used to have that mindset.
Jan 4, 2022, 11:50 AM
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I'm 53. Lets be real...how much time do I have left if I don't do anything? 5, maybe 10 years less?
Those last 5 years ain't that great anyway.
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All-In [38514]
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I'm about to turn 55 and living my best life.
Jan 4, 2022, 11:55 AM
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I didn't feel this good when I was in my 20s.
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Oculus Spirit [81048]
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Thats a little weird that you felt worse when you were
Jan 4, 2022, 12:01 PM
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young then you do 30 years later; your body isn't in any better shape then it was then, thats for sure. But if you think you do, I guess that's good.
And how do you know when you are living "your best life"? Maybe you best life WAS when you were, say 30, but now you just feel better about being more pro-actively healthy?
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All-In [38514]
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Because I value it more.***
Jan 4, 2022, 12:03 PM
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Oculus Spirit [93650]
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As far as I know all doctors book like that.
Jan 4, 2022, 11:36 AM
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I go to a clinic regularly for bloodwork and refill on meds. It's a quarter mile from the house. If I need to see a doctor I walk in and wait. My doc is a PA who knows me well and she always works me in within half a hour of arrival. She's a Clemson grad, maybe the only one in the building.
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Heisman Winner [135806]
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I do -
Jan 4, 2022, 11:37 AM
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longest I've ever had to wait is 2 days for an appointment.
He and his partners do urgent walk in care as their primary business but also have "regular" patients. They hold slots for appointments and then if nobody fills them they have snotty nosed kids etc in the waiting room to pick up the slack.
He doesn't take insurance - Straight Cash Homey - but his fees are the same or less than the deductible I was paying at my old doc.
I've also used Emergency MD for bigger stuff because they have more diagnostic equipment. You can sign up as a primary patient. Everything there is walk in but it doesn't seem like the wait is very long. You are screened by a PA or NP but the same 2 doctors over see everything.
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All-In [38514]
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My GP closed his office around 10 years ago.
Jan 4, 2022, 11:42 AM
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I never got a new one as I also found myself at Doctor's Care out of necessity because he was either closed of couldn't get an appointment soon enough.
When I had my myocardial infarction it was a Saturday so I went to Doctor's Care who called an ambulance for ER. On discharge I was required by my cardiologist and insurance to have a GP for the purpose of scheduling and tracking my preventative care. He encouraged/forced me to have a colonoscopy, which Doctor's Care would not have. That colonoscopy saved my life. So especially as you age having that GP becomes vital for the routine care, even if I still find myself at Doctor's Care more often.
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Oculus Spirit [81048]
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You had a heart attack and colon cancer?
Jan 4, 2022, 11:44 AM
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Dude..you are on borrowed time.
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All-In [38514]
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I had a heart attack and colon pre-cancer.
Jan 4, 2022, 11:50 AM
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Both were resolved before they became bigger issues thanks to awesome doctors.
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Oculus Spirit [81048]
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Thats sounds like "pre diabetes".
Jan 4, 2022, 11:51 AM
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EVERYONE is pre-diabetic.
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All-In [38514]
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Can they cut pre-diabetes out of you?***
Jan 4, 2022, 11:56 AM
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CU Medallion [54758]
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lawd i hope so***
Jan 4, 2022, 12:16 PM
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110%er [7002]
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Doc in a box for me.
Jan 4, 2022, 12:12 PM
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When I moved I established as a patient with a local doctor. She retired/quit/moved. The next time I wanted an appointment the office told me that I'd have to have an initial checkup again to establish care before they would see me for a sinus infection. No thanks.
The doc in a box is nearby, faster than the doctor's office, allows walk ins, and has great customer service.
I have considered doing direct primary care as there is a clinic down the street but it doesn't seem necessary at this point.
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All-In [46816]
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I have one doctor I see for certain stuff
Jan 4, 2022, 12:19 PM
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and another doctor who I see for other stuff.
One doc I grew up with her and her husband. She gets seen for regular stuff.
If it's something sensitive like picking up an STD from a bathroom seat, I see the other doc.
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CU Medallion [54758]
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you're smarter than you look
Jan 4, 2022, 12:23 PM
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and sound
and probably smell.
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All-In [45715]
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me does.....
Jan 4, 2022, 12:19 PM
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she is a bit younger than me. Good education, Clemson fan, and cares. I asked relatives and friends before picking her. She's part of Lexington Medical. We communicate. Didn't have pills left because Blue Cross decided to screw me on price. She gave me two months free from drug rep.
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110%er [9785]
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Yup but when he's not there or booked solid
Jan 4, 2022, 12:45 PM
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we can usually get in to see the Nurse practitioner on staff.
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Replies: 22
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