I know in this world of managed health care, I may simply be day dreaming. Please let me know if you know of a family practice (not just pediatrics) that actually gets to know the patients. I am in Naperville, but I am willing to drive any direction to find such a practice to take my family to.
I have a dental practice who knows me and my family. My ob-gyn practice knows me. My eye doctor knows me and my family. Even our veterinary practice knows my entire family including the cats!
Why can’t a physician get to know my children and me and my husband the same way when we have to call on a physician much more frequently than a doctor?
After going to the same pediatrician’s office for the past 5 ½ years, I just feel like our family is a complete stranger there.
I call to make an appointment and they ask me for all the data on my kids and why I am bringing them in. Then when I go in, I have to sign in (no one ever recognizes any of us), hand over my copay, and constantly re-fill out some form (even though our personal information hasn’t changed for years) for them. Don’t their computers have this info already stored? Why do I have to keep filling out redundant forms all the time?
Then we go back and the nurse asks, “Why are you here today?” I tell them, but think, “Didn’t the operator who took my call write down what I said in the file?”
Then the doctor comes in and asks “Why are you here today?” I tell the, but think, “Didn’t the operator AND the nurse who brought us back leave a note on the file?”
Then the doctor spends less than 5 minutes with us. And, she never cracks open my child’s file to see what their history is or any outstanding conditions. Is the file only referenced in the case of malpractice suits?
Lastly, when I ask questions like, “What antibiotic are you prescribing?” or “Last year she took X when she had the same symptoms, can we have that again?” they look at me like I am crazy. I am merely asking, in my opinion, educated questions. I thought I am “allowed” to ask questions.
My family has been through severe medical issues with my daughter in her short life. We have dealt with specialists and they have all, for the most part, been wonderful.
Are general pediatricians all on a treadmill trying to see the greatest number of patients in a day without regard to parent/patient questions, preventative health issues, and developmental questions?
Is there a family practice that isn’t on this treadmill? If you've gotten this far in my question, thanks for hearing out my vent! : )
My son's 4 year check up is coming up next month. I will be researching each of the recommendations to see who is in our PPO insurance plan and make an appointment with one of them. And, if we don't like the first choice, we'll go down the list. I'm sure all of them are great since they come recommended!
Thank you so much for the recommendations! : )
i like my primary dr lengemann out of edward his office is in the complex at edward he is the one to return calls sometimes himself even
J.
A.--
I completely understand what you are saying. Though, if I may, even the docs who do get to know you and take their time with you.. they ask you all those questions again, because they need to make sure. In my practicioners office they have a sign saying something like they are required to ask birthday and other information for YOUR safety because there are so many people who are being seen. The nurses always ask me about things IN my file and to make sure they are still relevant.
That being said.. if you are looking for a family practice I do like my doc. His name is Dr. Glas and he's out of the Edward medical group on Brom (right next to the hospital). They LISTEN to your concerns and actually OVER explain the reasons why they think things, the meds they are choosing, etc. They are usually PRO-ACTIVE which I like.. and while you usually have to wait, it's because they DO take time with their patients.
If you are looking for just a good Ped? I love Dr. Reicherts. We run into him everywhere and he knows us, says hi, etc. He's very good about doing things based on Mom's instinct. He would rather RULE it out, then to think that he missed something. Though he's very laid back and so easy to talk to. Again, you might have to WAIT to see him, but it's well worth it because he never rushes you out of there...
We have been seeing Dr Paul Granoff since my son was born (he is 4 now) He has a small practice and we have been very happy with the service we get. Here is his web site:
www.rushcopley.com/physician_sites/rcmg/pediatrics/welcom...
Try Dr. Christopher Stallter.
He works out of the Fox Valley office on Eola and Indian Trail road. I started going to him long before I was married, and now my husband and both of our kids see him. We just love him and he is so good with our kids. He spends as much time as I need, and he always answers all of our questions....I had so many questions when I was a first time mom, and he was absolutely patient with me, even with the dumb questions. I can always get in the same day with sick kids if necessary...his office is just wonderful. He recommended me to my OB when I was first pregnant, and he has also recommended me to a pediatric dermatologist for my son's eczema, and both referrals have been fantastic.
Contact details are: 2972 Indian Trail Road, Aurora, IL ###-###-####.
