I hate going to the doctor - since my last doctor quit his practice to go back into research I've been doctor hopping. I haven't found one yet that's really interested in what I have to say about me. All they want is herd 'em in and herd 'em out. Poke this, prod that, and ignore the fact that there's a person on the other end of the poke and prod. I think it's the fault of the insurance companies mostly - the HMOs pay a doctor a certain amount each month for every patient whether they are seen or not. Doctors have bills to pay like student loans and malpractice insurance and probably not many private patients so it's to their advantage to load up on patients and then give each one five minutes at most. And there aren't many doctors who will try what the patient wants to try - they'll go with what the drug companies pay them to use.

Okay, rant off. Sorry, but this really hit a nerve! Can you tell??

Yonuh,
My doctor, Dr. Carol Cox, will give you time and is good.
I thought I'd give you a reference since we are both here.

She will take all the time you need to discuss your health and will study up on what she does not know. She is a boomer and an Internist.

I hope you find a doctor that will listen, I sure know what you mean!

Dancer

Thanks, Dancer, but I have to find a doctor in my HMO who is accepting new patients. I will see if she fits those criteria.

Yonuh, I agree with you. The dotor I had for 10 years died Monday and I'm devastated. He was an HMO doc but took time, knew his patients and listened. He was very old and sold his practive to a doc I don't like much many years ago. I'm afraid I won't find another like him.

Sorry to hear all these problems with switching doctors. I'm not totally satisfied with mine. But I haven't done much in the way of doctor shopping. Doctor is young,...I would say she is younger in her practice than my baby doctor-sister. I must admit my opinion is coloured by the reality that I have a family member that can also give me a 2nd, unvarnished professional opinion.

Sandra you will never return to Canada now? Just wondering.