Healthcare in Delaware (Dover: office, rating, deal)

[rockky]

I feel that I had very poor primary care in Dover. I was moved on to specialists, and again I did not find the quality of care that I thought was found everywhere. I was inappropriately treated for a 'garden variety' infection. Someone didn't read the report, or didn't read it correctly. The infection spread and was much worse that it should have been. None of this happened in a hospital setting.

There were two specialists that were wonderful. Also, two PT groups that were very good to me.

I sincerely think that I would not have these on going issues if I had better care at the onset.

I've seen this in other cases in the Dover area as well.

Like annie says, do as much direct research as you can. I do agree that teaching hospitals provide better, more involved care. I am from an area where there are wonderful teaching centers. Guess I was naive and spoiled.

All I can share is personal experience and what I witnessed/learned from the first-hand experiences of others in the area.

[elizamary]

Yes annie this can happen anywhere. WE were recommended a family doctor only to find out we were not satisfied. My friends son in law is a paramedic and he recommended a good doctor to her. I decided to switch but had to wait months for an appointment since she wasn't taking any new ones.
If fact, I go June 3rd.
I understand there are good doctors and bad doctors anywhere. Finding a good doctor is not usually that easy at times. We will give her a chance.
As far as hospital..........good to hear they are no worse than any other state.
A lot depends on your primary care physician and the specialist they send you too. It never hurts to get a second opinion.
I have been waiting since Jan for this appointment in June. Thank God I have remained healthy.

Originally Posted by anniebleu

Having lived here for more than 30 years, much of that time with growing children, I'd say this to anyone planning to move to Delaware, especially anyone with serious illnesses of any sort in their family. Be certain that the care you will need exists in, or near, your community. The last time my husband checked there were still no medical schools or true teaching hospitals in the state. This can sometimes mean that you don't get the best specialists associated with hospitals. I imagine that others have done this same sort of check--perhaps even on this thread which I don't have time to read.

Be certain that you check any potential caregiver's background, education, and board certification.

We have known of quite a few people who have moved out of the state because they had bad experiences, medically, here, or couldn't find the quality of care they needed. Please believe me that this is not unusual. Note: one family moved elsewhere, found, they believed, a terrific specialist, and had a bad experience with him. This can happen anywhere, of course, no matter how careful you are.

I think that things are improving. I'm sure they will continue to improve, but please be like some of the very thorough posters here and do your research. I hope you will find yourself (or yourselves) reassured.

[movn2del]

Okay, here comes my opinion, for those that are interested. When it comes to medical care these days, I believe you have to be very pro-active. You need to do your own research. Years ago, people used to think that Dr.s knew it all. I don't think it's that way anymore. I do have health issues and are reading up on things all the time. I know what I need and speak with the Dr.s rather than them just telling me what to do and accepting it. A lot of medicine is either common sense or experimentation, with us as the guinea pigs. Nobody knows my body better than me. I don't like pumping drugs into my body that don't work. I think we need to advocate for ourselves and our children and not think Dr.s are G-d. That gives them too much power and I'm not willing to allow that. Well, that's my $.02. I hope I haven't hurt anybodys feelings.

[Gone-2-Beach]

I finally figured out how to use multi-quote

Originally Posted by movn2del

Years ago, people used to think that Dr.s knew it all. I don't think it's that way anymore. A lot of medicine is either common sense or experimentation, with us as the guinea pigs. Nobody knows my body better than me. I don't like pumping drugs into my body that don't work. I think we need to advocate for ourselves and our children and not think Dr.s are G-d.

I absolutely agree. Some experimentation is understandable, as some diseases mimic each other and diagnostic test results can sometime be confusing, making some medical decisions difficult. Some is inexcusable and is based in medical education being less than desirable. I also think that the rapid production of all these new wonder drugs hasn't done a damn thing to improve the human condition!

Originally Posted by elizamary

Yes annie this can happen anywhere. state.
A lot depends on your primary care physician and the specialist

Very true. You'd be amazed how lousy healthcare is in New York. I worked in the system for almost thirty years and found some very good practices and some incredibly bad practices. The bad ones were usually in the name of cost-efficiency. Too bad health-efficiency has never taken priority.

Originally Posted by rockky

I feel that I had very poor primary care in Dover. I was moved on to specialists, and again I did not find the quality of care that

A lot of this is because doctors are not as well-trained as they used to be. A lot is also due to there being so many new ailments, new viruses, new testing methods, etc. And a lot is due to our litigious society, causing doctors to refer to others (specialists) just in case one might not be right, the other can correct and prevent a suit.

Originally Posted by anniebleu

The last time my husband checked there were still no medical schools or true teaching hospitals in the state.

He's right. There are none. But like every other state, there are doctors who went to off-shore medical schools and return to this country. Those doctors actually get an extra year of "medical studentship" (sometimes called the "fifth pathway") because the off-shore schools don't teach enough and the prospective doctor needs another year of medical education.

On the whole, I think things are improving - but YOU as the patient need to be in charge of your care. Start with wellness. Walk - exercise - eat right - stop smoking - lose weight - watch your cholesterol and blood pressure, etc. You can prevent many problems if you concentrate on wellness. When needing a physician, make sure he or she meets YOUR needs. Ask questions. Seek alternatives. If the doctor is fast to write out a prescription, ask first if there is a non-pharmaceutical way to treat. There often is. I rejected my doctors drug orders for both blood pressure and cholesterol. I changed my diet and started exercising. A year later, both are absolutely normal. Cholesterol 178 and Blood Pressure 110/70. Now if I could have only prevented a hernia ...

Protect your health the way you protect your wealth and you should have more of BOTH for years to come!

Charley

[elizamary]

I agree with you in reference to Docs thinking they are God. You can't dare question them. Well If they feel that way, i look for another doctor.
I do think we should educate ourselves as much as possible.

My sister is a nurse and I usually run a lot by her and she steers me in the right direction.

Originally Posted by movn2del

Okay, here comes my opinion, for those that are interested. When it comes to medical care these days, I believe you have to be very pro-active. You need to do your own research. Years ago, people used to think that Dr.s knew it all. I don't think it's that way anymore. I do have health issues and are reading up on things all the time. I know what I need and speak with the Dr.s rather than them just telling me what to do and accepting it. A lot of medicine is either common sense or experimentation, with us as the guinea pigs. Nobody knows my body better than me. I don't like pumping drugs into my body that don't work. I think we need to advocate for ourselves and our children and not think Dr.s are G-d. That gives them too much power and I'm not willing to allow that. Well, that's my $.02. I hope I haven't hurt anybodys feelings.

[anniebleu]

Originally Posted by movn2del

Okay, here comes my opinion, for those that are interested. When it comes to medical care these days, I believe you have to be very pro-active. You need to do your own research. Years ago, people used to think that Dr.s knew it all. I don't think it's that way anymore. I do have health issues and are reading up on things all the time. I know what I need and speak with the Dr.s rather than them just telling me what to do and accepting it. A lot of medicine is either common sense or experimentation, with us as the guinea pigs. Nobody knows my body better than me. I don't like pumping drugs into my body that don't work. I think we need to advocate for ourselves and our children and not think Dr.s are G-d. That gives them too much power and I'm not willing to allow that. Well, that's my $.02. I hope I haven't hurt anybodys feelings.

movn, you didn't hurt my feelings! None of you did. We have probably all had unfortunate experiences with doctors and hospitals, and we all want good care. As I said, you really have to do your research--and ask a lot of questions. Sometimes, unfortunate things are going to happen anyway.

Eliza and movn, I agree that some docs think they're Superior--even Supreme--Beings! I say that even though I have, at this time, four doctors in my family currently practicing, and a lot in my family tree. Charley, one of them is in your state--watch out! But seriously, they are very aware of the problems within their profession.

rockky, I'm sorry to hear that you're among those who've had a difficult time getting proper diagnosis and treatment, and hope all is well now.

Eliza, good luck with your new doc! Hope all goes well on the 3rd.

[movn2del]

Originally Posted by elizamary

I agree with you in reference to Docs thinking they are God. You can't dare question them.

I think you guys misunderstood me. Sorry. I didn't mean to imply that the Dr.'s think they are G-d. What I wanted to get across is that patients thought Dr.'s were G-d and had all the answers so never looked any further. Today there is a need to look further, question and not just take Dr.'s word(s) as gospel.

[Gone-2-Beach]

Originally Posted by movn2del

I think you guys misunderstood me. Sorry. I didn't mean to imply that the Dr.'s think they are G-d. What I wanted to get across is that patients thought Dr.'s were G-d and had all the answers so never looked any further. Today there is a need to look further, question and not just take Dr.'s word(s) as gospel.

I worked with them for almost 30 years. Many do, particularly the more experienced ones. You called it absolutely correctly.

[movn2del]

Originally Posted by CMTAD

I worked with them for almost 30 years. Many do, particularly the more experienced ones. You called it absolutely correctly.

I am aware that some do think they are G-d. I stay away from them and suggest everyone else does too. That should humble 'em.

[elizamary]

[quote=
Eliza and movn, I agree that some docs think they're Superior--even Supreme--Beings!

Eliza, good luck with your new doc! Hope all goes well on the 3rd.[/QUOTE]

thanks Annieblue................I'm sure I will be happy with this one