At 74yo I need a dr who will listen to me

Posted by codered032 @codered032, 6 days ago

I am new to this group so I will try to keep this short. I am 74yo, have been relatively stable health. I have arthritis and have had joint replacement surgery which has been successful. I was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease in 2019 and treated with a nephrologist. I have been in remission for over two years. Medical treatment has become so specialized. The doctor will only address his area of treatment. Nobody looks at the patient as a whole person. Office visits are limited to 15 minutes and I am lucky if I speak with the doctor for five of those 15 minutes. I am currently on no prescription medication for chronic illness. Last year I attempted to establish a relationship with a gerontologist who never examined me. She reviewed my health history, that was obtained by the nursing assistant, asked a few questions, ordered routine labs, and never scheduled a follow up visit. Recently I called to ask for pain management because I was having an arthritis crisis and her only suggestion was Tylenol. I attend warm water therapy 3-4 X week and Tylenol was of little benefit. She showed no concern for my current condition. I have never asked for pain medication nor have I ever complained about my arthritis. I got the impression that she thinks that at 74 I am going to have pain and that I have to adjust to it. I know that at this stage of my life I need a trusting primary physician who is willing to listen and be interested in my overall health. Any suggestions for finding a doctor who is interested in providing care for aging patients?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aging Well Support Group.

gloaming | @gloaming | 4 days ago

In reply to @gravity3 "Went to my PCP last week. New sign in his exam room about patients keeping their..." + (show)

Book two consecutive sessions. Twice the cost to you, but he/she must also spend more time and accept more information about your concerns.

gravity3 | @gravity3 | 4 days ago

In reply to @vic83 "That would concern me." + (show)

Yes it concerns me that the corporate "not for profit" large medical groups are trending in this direction. I worry about the health care folks working in these systems and how they can become trapped y their medical school debt this is happening all over....the new reality.

vic83 | @vic83 | 3 days ago

In reply to @gravity3 "Yes it concerns me that the corporate "not for profit" large medical groups are trending in..." + (show)

Not sure if you are replying to me or a different comment.
Certain large institutions like Mayo Clinic pay salaries to doctors. That is preferrable to "fee for service" concept which is an incentive to see as many patients an hour as possible and to order unnecessary tests.
We need more doctors, but medical school is expensive and people have to go into serious debt...States should be providing more support to public universities so that we can fill our shortages in professional fields. I hear some short-sighted people complain why should they pay so that someone else earns more money. Simply ask those benefitting from free school to do community service in underserved areas. That is a win-win for all.

vgen | @vgen | 3 days ago

I am 75.. I have found a great Nurse Practitioner who is in my primary care physicians group. She’s wonderful and ran additional tests when my primary care doctor thought my condition was a result from covid. Sent me to a rheumatologist and found my pain was from Polymyalgia Rheumatica. Never heard of it before my diagnosis. My POINT is don't think your getting less if you consult with a Nurse Practitioner or a Physicians Assistant. They have more time to consult and are very knowledgeable.

1995victoria | @1995victoria | 3 days ago

The insurance companies have killed the medical profession in our country. I remember when doctors made house calls as a child, no more. We have to adjust to the new medical care system created by the insurance companies. I don't think it will ever return to the way it was 60-70 years ago.

missey | @missey | 3 days ago

In reply to @vic83 "That would concern me." + (show)

I believe that would be illegal! Take a picture of it and send it to your state, insurance agency! Or to joint commission on hospitals

vic83 | @vic83 | 3 days ago

In reply to @missey "I believe that would be illegal! Take a picture of it and send it to your..." + (show)

I think you meant to reply to the post I replied to about the sign in the doctor's office to limit concerns to two

missey | @missey | 3 days ago

In reply to @vic83 "I think you meant to reply to the post I replied to about the sign in..." + (show)

Yes, I did

gravity3 | @gravity3 | 2 days ago

In reply to @vic83 "That would concern me." + (show)

This is not specific to my doc. It is indicative of medicine in the u.s. today. This is not a criticism of the individual providers but of the insurance companies and their stranglehold on medical care.