How important is your doctor's Philadelphia hospital affiliation?

[Redddog]

Originally Posted by FromGA

Did they send to Labcorp instead of Quest?

Looks like the healthcare system is still trying to master this simple issue!

It was a lab in the hospital.

[Avalon08]

When I moved back from CA to the PHL 'burbs, I fortunately worked with many nurses who'd come over to IT from Main Line Health. One of them recommended a female PCP as well as a cardiologist who just happened to be head of the department. I got all my bloodwork and other tests done at Paoli Hospital, part of MLH. So the doctors were great plus they all used the same computer system, which was a real advantage. Not saying you should go with MLH but it's good to have the advice of a healthcare professional who's worked with these doctors. Plus the integrated computer system helps.

[selhars]

Thanks all...it really is hard to find a new doc.

In the DC area, I lived 40 mins from my doc..we were both in suburbs. I didn't mind the trip. She was great -- and affiliated with a good hospital.

I'm in far SW Philly, so the closest hospital to me is actually Mercy Fitz in Landsdowne.

HUP is my first choice. It has LOTS of satellite offices so that's likely where I'll eventually end up.

I don't know that I want to go downtown, to 8th and spruce, or Jefferson and deal with that congestion. I just don't know.

[jazzy jeff]

Originally Posted by selhars

Thanks all...it really is hard to find a new doc.

In the DC area, I lived 40 mins from my doc..we were both in suburbs. I didn't mind the trip. She was great -- and affiliated with a good hospital.

I'm in far SW Philly, so the closest hospital to me is actually Mercy Fitz in Landsdowne.

HUP is my first choice. It has LOTS of satellite offices so that's likely where I'll eventually end up.

I don't know that I want to go downtown, to 8th and spruce, or Jefferson and deal with that congestion. I just don't know.

FYI! Sometimes a nurse practitioner can provide equal or even better care then an MD or OD when it comes to routine care. Many primary care practices have them on staff if you can find one taking on new patients.

[Fireshaker]

Originally Posted by jazzy jeff

FYI! Sometimes a nurse practitioner can provide equal or even better care then an MD or OD when it comes to routine care. Many primary care practices have them on staff if you can find one taking on new patients.

This is very true. It might be based on their different background, but nurse practitioners in my experience tend to be much more patient and thorough, even when working under the same time constraints as other practitioners. When I first moved back to the city a decade ago, I found a wonderful nurse practitioner operating out of a practice near Pennsylvania Hospital. She later left a few years later, and I never found a true replacement for the level of care I received under her.

Not saying there aren't wonderful MDs or ODs, but don't feel like you need to limit your search to them.