12-16-2010, 02:18 PM
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#1
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Marshmallow Maiden
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Calgary
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Switching family doctors
I'm wondering if this is easy to do?
My family doctor and her office have really been dropping the ball lately. The tip of the iceberg came last week when I visited a specialist. It took me 6 months to get that appointment, only to get there and find out my doctor's office didn't fax/transfer any of my referral information. The specialist had no idea how to treat me and we couldn't get in touch with my doctor's office because it was too early in the morning.
So that was the final straw...
I don't really know what the next step is. If anyone has any suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it.
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12-16-2010, 02:20 PM
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#2
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Norm!
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Right now its tough enough to find a family doctor to switch too. I also think that there is a $60.00 per person fee to transfer medical files to a new doc
__________________
My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;
Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!
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12-16-2010, 02:29 PM
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#4
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Powerplay Quarterback
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Calgary, AB
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mango
I don't really know what the next step is. If anyone has any suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it.
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First step would be to find one that's accepting new patients. It's really hard these days. You used to be able to look on the Physicians' College website but they're so out of date. Your best bet is to phone offices nearby or that treat friends/family. Good luck.
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12-16-2010, 02:33 PM
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#5
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That Crazy Guy at the Bus Stop
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Springfield Penitentiary
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About 8 months ago I went from having no regular family doctor (other than the total quack at the walk in here in Tuscany) to seeing Dr. Dillon (he's a guy, not sure if that matters to you) at the Market Mall doctor's office. It is the place right inside Market mall on the 2nd floor. The ph # is 403-268-9118. I have no idea if they are taking new patients though.
I can honestly say it has changed my life. Maybe not in a massive OMG kind of way but definitely for the better.
I wanted some moles removed and they hooked me up with a great specialist. I have a regular prescription and he gives me like 6 month refills minimum where the joke of a physician I used to see only did 3 months so he could collect more $$ from the government. He's even offered to help me out with other remedies to get me off my meds. I haven't taken him up on his offer because quite frankly I'm a little too busy with school but he's a great doctor and I've heard good things about his colleagues because my whole family goes there actually.
When I schedule an appointment they don't keep me waiting long to see a doctor, nor do I wait long in the waiting room on the day of my appointment.
If that is in your area of the city I would definitely check them out.
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12-16-2010, 03:15 PM
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#6
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Marshmallow Maiden
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Calgary
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Thanks everyone. I appreciate the replies.
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12-16-2010, 03:20 PM
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#7
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Dances with Wolves
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Section 304
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When talking to potentials, see if they are part of a network that does after-hours clinics. As others have said, getting one at all might be a trying task, but they are great if you can find them. I had no idea mine was (or that they even exist) until a few nights ago when my 1 year old developed pink eye at a daycare. I went to a walk in and after hearing that several people much sicker than my kid had been there for almost 6 hours, I decided to just leave and call healthlink (I didn't have the supplies to wait it out). Upon calling them I found out that my doctor is part of a network of doctors that runs an after-hours clinic that doesn't allow walk-ins. They faxed off a report and not long after that I had an appointment for an hour later. It was awesome.
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12-16-2010, 03:41 PM
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#8
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Franchise Player
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Not sure
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Reggie Dunlop
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That database in your first link is terrible. All the doctors I called marked as accepting new patients weren't.
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12-16-2010, 03:42 PM
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#9
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All I can get
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GoinAllTheWay
That database in your first link is terrible. All the doctors I called marked as accepting new patients weren't.
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Sorry.
I'll try harder next time.
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12-16-2010, 03:44 PM
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#10
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Franchise Player
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Not sure
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/\/\/\
I didn't think I had to say that comment wasn't directed at you.
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12-16-2010, 04:14 PM
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#11
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Marshmallow Maiden
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Calgary
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I've run out of thanks, but I appreciate everyone's replies. I figured I had an uphill climb, and I think I'd rather put in the effort than deal with what I have been for a few years now. It sounds cliche, but health comes first.
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12-16-2010, 04:27 PM
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#12
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Franchise Player
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Switching family doctors is damn hard. There are lots of people who can't get one. I'd talk to the doctor's staff who screwed up and try to work it out. Switching is only a last, last resort.
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12-16-2010, 04:59 PM
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#13
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Marshmallow Maiden
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Calgary
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MoneyGuy
Switching is only a last, last resort.
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I hear you. And that's kind of where it is for me. I want to give my doctor the benefit of the doubt...that there have been some honest mistakes. She's been my doctor since I was born. However, I worry things will only get worse as she gets older and if something health-wise changes for me, I can't help but be paranoid.
I was just reading the doctor ratings site Reggie provided the link to and my current family doctor has some really bad comments. Brutal. I'm glad that I'm not the only patient that feels this way.
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12-16-2010, 05:08 PM
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#14
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All I can get
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What part of the city are you in, Mango?
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12-16-2010, 05:20 PM
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#15
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Marshmallow Maiden
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Calgary
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Reggie Dunlop
What part of the city are you in, Mango?
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I'm in the west section of SW. Honestly, I'm willing to commute anywhere in the city to a good and competent family doctor.
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12-16-2010, 06:14 PM
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#16
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Franchise Player
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mango
I'm in the west section of SW. Honestly, I'm willing to commute anywhere in the city to a good and competent family doctor.
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Keep us posted on what you find out., I'm in the West and am in a similar boart; I've got a wicked family doctor (not that I see him that often), but he's retiring soon and the guy taking over is a d-bag.
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12-16-2010, 07:26 PM
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#17
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Lifetime Suspension
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: 51.04177 -114.19704
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ducay
Keep us posted on what you find out., I'm in the West and am in a similar boart; I've got a wicked family doctor (not that I see him that often), but he's retiring soon and the guy taking over is a d-bag.
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I am in the exact same situation - wierd! 
Keep me posted
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12-16-2010, 08:23 PM
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#18
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All I can get
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I travel from the SW to Temple to see my GP. He's an excellent doctor taking new patients.
I'd mention his name here, but I don't want to give him too much new business.
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12-16-2010, 08:39 PM
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#19
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Franchise Player
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: California
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I don't understand why people think it is difficult to find a doctor. I found 3 that were taking new patients at the time. An Asian guy on 16th Ave, one I didn't go to and the guy who I am with at South Fish Creek in Chaperal.
I will have to see if the guy is any good but my initial impressions were positve. My Wife has had 2 different doctors in Calgary and it wasn't an issue to find either. Just straight off the College of Surgeons website.
I really have had a completely different experience with the Health Care System then most people I talk to. It has always been positve, reasonably quick to see specialists, and I have always had good service.
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12-16-2010, 09:03 PM
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#20
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Marshmallow Maiden
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Calgary
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My mission begins tomorrow. I'll let everyone know how it goes. Thank you again for all your suggestions. It's much appreciated.
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