Retirement Priority: A good medical community --how's Ocala's? (Orlando, Gainesville: homes, buying)

[PJPlatt]

My husband and I are searching for a retirement home. One of our top priorities is a solid medical community.

Earlier this year we spent an afternoon in Ocala and loved the area as we prefer interior Florida to the crowded coasts.

So we'd appreciate hearing about the medical community. Here are a few questions to get this conversation rolling:

Are there any large multi-specialty practices in the greater Ocala area? (I currently see 13 different (specialty) doctors. And to look at me, you'd think I was healthy! But there are a 2-3 time bombs ticking away.)

Have any of the medical practices computerized all medical records? (At my current practice, the doctor walks into the exam room pushing a computer cart with a laptop so that they can access all test results and any other records -- it's great to know these physicians are sharing their knowledge about me.)

Do you have to travel to Gainesville or Orlando to see specialists?

Honestly, we need to move to a consistently warmer climate. We've had it with winter!! Please share your opinions about the medical care available in the Ocala area. Thanks for any information you can provide.

[kshe95girl]

Ocala is Gods waiting room, it has all you ask for in the way of medical, and more. I would suggest doing a google search for the multiple specialties you need

[PJPlatt]

Thanks for your suggestion, kshe95girl.

[greeneyesfromNY]

wish I could agree with good healthcare in Ocala, although I've been told its better than The Villages....My experience in the two months I've lived in Florida is a nightmare medically - I went to my first specialist and he told me that my doctor in NY was definitely wrong and the second specialist I went to told me I had heart disease (from one ekg reading the diagnosis was made) I was so upset I flew back to NY where my doctors have reassured me that I have none of the problems that were told to me in The Villages....I have an ongoing health issue that needs to be check periodically and after this experience I want to move back to NY to be with reasonable doctors. Make sure you check out all the doctors and keep trying to get ones that are good for you.....as for me -- I'm going to be a snowbird.

[kshe95girl]

One must always remember that docs are "practicing" medicine, and they are practicing on you..... which means you need to be pro-active about your care.
There are many fine docs in this town, dont let the previous post frighten you off.

[christylynn3]

Im telling you, you should see The Villages just south of Ocala on 441, it is awesome, we just moved from Ocala to Summerfield, we now are on the northern edge of The Villages, there is so much to do there, it is beautiful, absolutely beautiful, just check into it, I'm sure theres stuff online about it. No town like it for retirees, sincerely, Christy

[BoundtoRetire]

Christylynn3 -- we have visited The Villages very briefly last March (a day trip)... it was very interesting and gorgeous, but sort of "unreal" too. Still I do know folks that live there and are very happy, but I'm not sure it's what we are looking for.

Thanks for the suggestion though.

[RichardDiekmann]

Dear Friend; my wife and I are thinking about moving to The Villages--any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated.--RTD

[staywarm2]

Originally Posted by RichardDiekmann

Dear Friend; my wife and I are thinking about moving to The Villages--any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated.--RTD

If you haven't already read it, a must is the book, "Leisureville" by Andrew Blechman. Available at Amazon.com and at your local library. There may be a waiting list. It's excellent and points out the good and bad, as well as info on 55+ communities in general. I've read it twice and still can't decide whether to move there or not. Blechman also has a website with lots of more recent info on The Villages, such as their problems with the CDD's and the IRS. Not trying to dissuade you--it's a great place, but it's best to know the full story before buying in.

[Dave Laspesa]

Check out www.TheVillagesFloridaHomesForSale.com It's awesome!