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Because I live in a rural area, keeping therapists is a real problem. I was a client with Lutheran Community Services for 8-9 years, and they hire therapists cheap so they can do their one year internship here, after which, they waste no time moving to greener pastures. I had to start all over with a new therapist every year. Then the hospital hired a therapist who would have a very limited number of clients. They stayed a little more than a year, but not much. After the last one, it took them 18 months to fill the position. Robert came last April, and has indicated that he plans to stay here. I don't know if I can handle losing another therapist and starting all over again. I have to go through the painful process of telling my story. I hate doing that.
My pcp is approaching retirement, and I'm not looking forward to finding another one. He's been a really good doctor for 12 years.
Our daughter-in-law is a nurse practitioner, and works in a private practice with 3 doctors. She only schedules 3 patients an hour. In her previous positions she saw many people in their homes. I think I'm going to talk with her and see what she says about finding a new doctor. I've seen a couple of doctors at my doctor's clinic as a walk in appointment and been pleased with them. I haven't yet asked my pcp how soon he's going to retire, but he might not know at this point.
Grief is a personal thing. We each process it in our own way and at our own pace. I hope that you are able to find a doctor with whom you're comfortable and compatible, Jane.
Jim
Replies to "@shoregal45 Because I live in a rural area, keeping therapists is a real problem. I was..."
Thanks Jim. In the past 12 months I've had to find new opthamologist, psychiatrist, therapist and now internist. I was in the process of pushing myself to therapy and then this happened. I would love to be able to get a doctor who besides Internal Medicine could monitor my Antidepressants. BTW, just heard about those "3 patients in an hour" - that's because in case one is late or a no show they don't waste the time! Hate the new structure - it's all business - the almighty dollar.
So true. Some places do not even allow 20 minutes. It is hard for a doctor, PA or NP to give a a patient quality care. I believe most of them would rather care for a patient with compassion and a willingness to give adequate care. Yes, it is a business and it will not get better. Pets get better care. I also want to believe the professionals I see are qualified and I realize it is a business like any thing else. Everything has become a business and about the Almighty Dollar...I think insurance plays a large part. Surely medical professionals want to care for patients.
When I go for an appointment I find I feel under pressure to the point I am hesitant to ask questions and have learned to not even mention pain. I waited in the exam room for 1 hour-even offered to reschedule as I had questions and did want to run the NP even later. Sad when one goes for health care and feels guilt for even going.
I don't think my retired doc adjusted to that system - I know I didn't. He always gave me time. Our last visit was over an hour. He had his own practice before joining that group and for 24 years I never worried when I went to visit him. It's not just the insurance, it's the large hospitals which keep buying up other medical facilities and it's all about money.
Jane
@parus, the goal of many of the large "not-for-profit" medical institutions who actually have profits into the hundreds of MILLION dollars is that their affiliated physicians spend 3 minutes with a patient. I hang on to the ones I have who don't really try to adhere to that and go shopping if I have one who will not allow me the time necessary to be comfortable with anything we've discussed and any questions I had. It is not all about age, either. My PCP is probably around 30, but is very patient and tries to wrap a bow on all of the specialists I have seen since I saw him last and summarize where I am holistically. A very good man - when I found out that he volunteers with Doctors without Borders, I knew I had found someone with the compassion I believe so necessary.
DWB is a fabulous organization and would certainly influence my decision-making. Jane
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@jimhd Would there be a conflict of interest for you to see a doctor in your daughter-in-law's practice? I have been through periods where I only saw a nurse practitioner and was very happy with the attention and professionalism I received. She handled all of the practices diabetes patients and did the education, diet, etc...