Opinions on medical care in Tampa area? (Brandon, Wesley Chapel: insurance, chapel)

[gardenpearl]

I'd like to hear whether people feel it is as good, better, or about the same as where they came from, particularly the surgeons.

[jsun556]

Wouldn't that depend on which care provider you went to?

[gardenpearl]

Yes, but for years all I've heard from my friends on the southeast coast of Florida is how messed up their medical system is over there. And two of those saying it are retired doctors who have practiced there. Poorly run hospitals, insufficient staff, etc.

I have a feeling Tampa is better and more professional, as I have not heard complaints, so wanted some opinions.

[BucFan]

you can have a great surgeon but poor nursing staff or anesthesia service and have fatal outcomes -

[Kaybri73]

I would love to be able to tell you but Im still having trouble finding a Dr that takes our insurance that doesnt have a 4-5 month wait for new patients. I need to switch plans with my ins company most likely so I dont have to use a network provider. Id love to know if there are any retired military in the area using tri-care prime or standard.

[BucFan]

I'm Tricare Prime, but haven't needed surgeons or other care other than an annual check up w/ my general practitioner.

[Kaybri73]

Bucfan, I am on Prime now and having a difficult time finding a PCP within 30 minutes of Land O Lakes that is accepting new patients. I have been considering switching to Standard but then I have a deductible and higher co-pays. It may be worth it to see whom ever I want without a referral. I called tri-care earlier this week asking if I was able to use an urgent care clinic until I found a PCP and was told no I would need a consult for that, lol. I thought a referral for "Urgent care" was a bit of an oxymoron. I rarely use go to the doctors but not having one available if something happened is a bit unnerving. Luckily my husband works at the VA Hosp and is using them for his care.

[BucFan]

Urgent care and emergency care are different in Tricare's eyes, I guess.

I used to go to the Brandon Clinic (a satellite clinic from MacDill AFB's Air Force Clinic, but last year the Tricare folks allowed me to move to a local provider who accepts Tricare - he was part of the network).

There's got to be someone available to you - but you probably have to extend your search to Wesley Chapel or Odessa. You might have to travel a little. I don't think a 30 min drive to the doctor is that far - only problem is if you're sick and don't want to drive that far.

Good luck w/ your search.

[gardenpearl]

Is there an insurance company that is most widely accepted there for those under 65, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, etc.?

[The Villages Guy]

Originally Posted by gardenpearl

I'd like to hear whether people feel it is as good, better, or about the same as where they came from, particularly the surgeons.

I have received the best care and have been the most impressed with the service I have received here more than anywhere I have lived, BY FAR.........with the exception of just one doctor so far.

I am sooooo grateful to be here while I am going through some medical issues.