Best primary care clinics in the twin cities? (Minneapolis, St. Paul: insurance, university)

[around_the_world1]

We recently moved to the twin cities and are looking for a primary care clinic (we have good insurance but it requires that we select a clinic). Coming from a state that is not HMO-heavy, we are not at all familiar with the "clinic" approach that we see here!

Can anyone recommend a good primary care clinic that is clean, has good doctors and nurses, quality care, nice environment/atmosphere, etc? One name that has come up is Smiley's Clinic (U of M). Does anyone know anything about this?

Thank you!

[Min-Chi-Cbus]

As a FREQUENT medical care recient, I feel like I've been to many hospitals in town and have some experience in this regard. However, I started with one clinic (Park Nicollet) and have never strayed from it. The only thing I'd like to say about the hospital systems and its clinics is that I really do not like Fairview Hospitals at all! They are unfriendly, business-driven (seemingly), and not very helpful. I've had a lot of bad experience with them personally, but I know I hold a negative bias towards them. I'd just recommend Park Nicollet because there are a lot of clinics within the area and they treat you pretty well.

[golfgal]

Where do you live? You don't want to have to drive across the cities to get to a doctor.

[around_the_world1]

Thanks for the info so far! We live on the east bank near the U. We don't mind driving a few minutes if needed, but you're right, we don't want to be driving all over town!

I'll look into Park Nicollet- thanks for the tip!

[Globe199]

I recently went to the Fairview clinic in Highland Park. Everyone there was outstanding. Highly recommended.

[sparksals]

I was going to recco Apple Valley Medical Center, but I think it may be a bit far for you.

[Citizen helper]

Originally Posted by sparksals

I was going to recco Apple Valley Medical Center, but I think it may be a bit far for you.

Their business practices are not accessible. After fifteen years I fired them.

[Citizen helper]

Originally Posted by Min-Chi-Cbus

As a FREQUENT medical care recient, I feel like I've been to many hospitals in town and have some experience in this regard. However, I started with one clinic (Park Nicollet) and have never strayed from it. The only thing I'd like to say about the hospital systems and its clinics is that I really do not like Fairview Hospitals at all! They are unfriendly, business-driven (seemingly), and not very helpful. I've had a lot of bad experience with them personally, but I know I hold a negative bias towards them. I'd just recommend Park Nicollet because there are a lot of clinics within the area and they treat you pretty well.

I recommend doing research such as through mpls/ st paul mag for the best doctors.
You can also go to the University of Minnesota hospital to start your search. They have some of the leading doctors in the country.
(My kids have a genetic disorder and I have always relied on and received the best care - even advice for dance instructors- from them.)

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by Citizen helper

I recommend doing research such as through mpls/ st paul mag for the best doctors.
You can also go to the University of Minnesota hospital to start your search. They have some of the leading doctors in the country.
(My kids have a genetic disorder and I have always relied on and received the best care - even advice for dance instructors- from them.)

Excellent suggestion--we have frequently used the Minneapolis/St. Paul magazine for dr references mainly because they are rated by their peers (and NURSES).

[around_the_world1]

Great advice, everyone- thank you!