Are there any good doctors out there?

[Ruark]

I apologize for the NBR topic, but we're getting a little frustrated. TWICE in a row now I've gone for my annual physical exam, and all the doctor did was sit in front of a computer and ask me some questions, then listen to me breathing with the stethoscope, peek into my ears and throat, and that's it. NO urine sample, no blood draw ("we just do that every 5 years"), nothing. And at my age (65), my physical exam is very important to me.

My doctor several years ago gave a REAL physical EXAM. He'd palpate my abdomen, check my balance, have me do things with my arms "put your palms on mine and push down.... raise your arms over your head..." check lymph nodes, nails, skin (for skin cancer), do blood work, a UA, sometimes an EKG. Are there ANY doctors out there that do a real EXAM any more? My wife wants to do her "well woman" exam, which she hasn't had in several years, and she's afraid of the same thing.

That being said, can anybody refer us to any doctor (preferably female for my wife) that really do their jobs? We need somebody in the Cove/Killeen/Belton/Temple area, possibly Lampasas or Burnet.

[El Viejo]

Sorry, I'm of no help, except to say that you definitely need a new doctor. Mine does all of those things with me whenever I go in for my checkup (except for the woman-things). Best of luck to ya!

[glen]

If you were still around I send you to mine in Leander. I have used the Nurse Practitioner for 15 years. She checks blood every year. Physical takes her about 45 minutes. She checks everything and she even caught my possible skin cancer.

[BrandonH]

Wow...I can't believe the doc even calls that a physical. I don't have any recommendation other than you definitely need to find another doctor.

[docmay]

I'm a real doctor and promise I do a full and complete exam. However, I don't think you would enjoy the process and don't think you have the right equipment for my services!

[poisonivie]

To answer the title question, not that I have found in the last few years. They're all afraid to do anything like doctoring because of Obamacare.

[StrayDog]

Whatever you do don't do business with a Dr. Smith that practices out of a late model van parked down by the river. He was real thorough, his exams took several hours, but insisted I take an anesthetic as all the flashes from the many cameras in his van could cause me to have seizures.

Not really comfortable stripping down to your skivies in that old van either.

...wait, Dr. Smith was a dentist - you looking for a family doctor? Sorry, I was confused.

[HogHunter34]

I'm 42 and my Dr. typically does blood screening & he keeps an eye on my cholesterol considering it runs a little high on my mothers side. He normally factors my age & medical history based on what he will do. He mentioned colonoscopy screening starting at 50 so I'm surprised yours doesn't do that along with blood screening & physical exam. Couldn't hurt to question what you'd like done. Most insurance plans have wellness programs that will often provide info on preventive type tasks. Good luck

[Tx625]

I get where your coming from. I have sat and asked Dr's questions and watched them google the answers. I have met a few good one's, but some, not so sure about.

[kumathebear]

!

I'm a real doctor and promise I do a full and complete exam. However, I don't think you would enjoy the process and don't think you have the right equipment for my services!

LOL, you always crack me up with your threads and responses. If I had known you when I lived in Lubbock and worked Amarillo, could have been a lasting, life long friendship! NOT for your services of course, just hitting the field and having a good hunting time....

[Drycreek3189]

You might notice a change when you get on Medicare. Look at your statements, see what the doctor charges, then see what Medicare pays for that particular service. There is your answer. I've had the same doctor for over twenty years, and I noticed the change as soon as I got on Medicare. It doesn't pay squat, and the doctor just barely goes through the motions. I can't say as I blame him much. I didn't ever like working for nothing either !

[Pistol]

Try a search in your area through HealthGrades.com
I also use it when going to a new doctor to see how they measure up with patients. I've flat said "where's the nearest exit" with a few of them.

[Heron]

Sorry to hear this. I'm not a medical doctor but I've had plenty of good experiences with them. It may be, as suggested above, based on my coverage which I pay out the nose for. My doctor's all but beg me come in for annual physicals and blood work which I still tend to ignore. They've started threatening to cut off meds until I comply with their demands, most of which I've already paid for on a monthly basis these past few years. I suspect they'll win, ultimately.

I would think that being relatively close to Scott & White, you'd have access to some very good general practitioners unless your insurance prohibits this. (?)

[stevieray54]

Find a Younger DR thats been in practice for 5 years or less, these younger Dr are way beyond the guys in their 50s- 60s as far as technology

[Draco]

Wish you were closer to Georgetown as my doctor is the best I've been to. I met him fishing on the river. We still meet up and fish together ever once in a while.