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I have never gone once. My husband doesn't either. He goes for his regular physical and blood work.
I only go to the doctor if I'm sick. So far, so good.
It is not mandatory. Frankly, I think the doctors would rather you not come.
I had my annual Medicare exam today and I was given the usual 15 minute allotment. I brought a very short list with me, about 7 questions and she seemed annoyed. The first 5 minutes were wasted by me just sitting there while the nurse read to her from the computer the answers to the questions he previously asked me. I had a change in my EKG that I would have liked to discuss with her but there was no time for it. It's being sent to my cardiologist and if he thinks it warrants an office visit then his office will contact me. Otherwise, the hell with me. I can just sit and worry as far as she is concerned.
I'm thinking of skipping it in the future. Except for some prescription renewals, it's nothing but a questionnaire session. Do I see a dermatologist, do I wear sunblock, do I get my eyes examined? I think the only way I can get her ear is to call in with an illness urgency and then I won't be on the 15 minute clock.
And while I'm complaining, every year I take off less and less clothing for the exam. Doctors don't seem to want to touch patients anymore. I could have sat in front of a computer and gotten the same satisfaction.
This is mostly a vent but I'm interested in your experiences with your own annual rush jobs.
I've never done the annual Medicare exam because I see my doctor when I need to...and that's not often...and I've requested lab work to check out different things like vitamin levels, etc.. Then my Medicare insurance INSISTED that I let a visiting nurse come and do a complete evaluation. I told them that over the prior three or four months, when I broke my hip, I'd had a whole battery of doctors who had tested me for everything under the sun...and they did! Including a bone scan and lots of lab work. But I still had to do it and they even 'bribed' me with a $15 gift card from Walmart. lol The visiting nurse did a good job of it and the only thing she said was that I should get the second pneumonia shot. Unless they again insist on a home visit I probably won't get an annual exam next year either. My doctor knows about all there is to know so why bother?
Whoever did your exam sounds like an uncaring jerk. You need to find a new doctor.
I was under the impression that you only ever get one (1) Medicare well exam. My GP described it to me and guessed, accurately, that it sounded to me like something I would never ever hope to have to endure.
My GP said that after age 65 she wanted to see me every six months, instead of every year. I did that. For one year. Then I wondered why the magic number "65" made a twice a year appointment needed. (I am aware that Medicare only reimburses so much per appointment. So if they're using that to justify two appointments a year instead of one I can understand it from their point of view. But no, I'm not doing that. )
I'm not doing it. It's too stoopid. She's using prescription renewals to sorta push me towards it. Luckily, my pharmacy has no problem phoning her and saying ... "need a refill here" . . .
I'm on MCare and I've decided to re-model my health responses as follows:
I go to Urgent Care for acute situations. Fortunately this is very rare.
I go to specialists when I deem necessary. Fortunately this is very rare.
I use the internet to evaluate what I think is going on. Not so rare.
I have a good supply of wide-spectrum antibiotics and use them judiciously.
I don't hug every Tina, Debbie and Helga.
I don't care about controlling cholesterol but I do monitor my BP.
If I have a stroke or MI at home, I am toast.
I don't get an annual physical anymore but I wanted to.. until I read this thread.
I went to a podiatrist and she diagnosed me with diabetic neuropathy. I mentioned this to my general practitioner one day. He started taking off my shoes. I asked him why he was doing that.
People with (diabetic) neuropathy won't necessarily be aware of severe issues with their feet. Check your feet every now and then for sores or blisters -- especially the bottoms of your feet.
i thought the burning in my toes was from running . i mentioned it to the doctor and he did an a1c and it turned out it was not running but i was diabetic
The variety of responses help to point out a common problem. It can be difficult to pick a physician and few people do it well. If you do not have one, you need to find a physician that does a good job. They should take enough time for completing or updating your medical history, for discussing any issues and concerns. You also need to be sure they have a first rate medical education, training and they are up to date. A white lab coat and a smile mean Jack.
I don't do doctors unless there is something very wrong and even then I might do my own research. In my city there are two big hospitals fighting and I lost my doctor because UPMC doesn't take my Highmark anymore. I don't trust the medical system and my goal is to just stay healthy.
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