Tough to Find a Family Doctor

[HunterDave]

When I retired from the military 8 years ago I was fortunate that my wife and daughter had a family doctor that took me on as a new patient. Now that our current family doctor is closing his practice (retiring?) we've been looking for a new one. We must have been very spoiled by our doctor because if we were sick or needed a prescription refill he'd tell us to come right in. We've found a new doctor that will take us as patients (not very easy) but holey cow, talk about loops and hoops to go through and stipulations that he has!

First my wife had to be interviewed by him so he could decide whether or not he wanted us as patients.......kinda like going to a job interview. He laid out exactly what she could expect from him as a family doctor (good, I like that). If we wanted to see him we could expect to wait at least a week to get an appointment and if we were sick or injured we'd have to go to emergency (by my definition, even if it wasn't one) or a walk in clinic.

I know that we had a great doctor and maybe we were spoiled a bit but I'm just wondering if this is now the norm for all doctors in Alberta. I live close enough to St Albert/Edmonton that the drive is not an issue but what happens in rural communities if a doctor decides that he's not taking anymore new patients? AND, what's up with clogging up emergency rooms with people that just want to get a doctor's note in order to get paid for a day off sick?

It is what it is and I'm not going to complain about it but I'm wondering what is going on with other AO members?

[FishingMOM]

Unfortunately that seems to be the norm.
I had interviewed with a couple docs before I found one I could talk to and trust.
Because it is another example of the OLD BOYS CLUB, there are many qualified doctors who are not allowed to practice in Canada.
Nothing will change until the rules change.

A friend of mine is an emergency doc in Russia however here she is a doc's assistant.
Go figure.
We have a member of AOF who has credentials but the OLD BOYS CLUB wont allow him to practice as he is trained.

[WCTHEMI]

Be glad you found a family doctor, here in Lloyd no doctors are taking on new patients at all. The emergency room is backed up with things that should/could be handled at a walk in clinic or doctors office. Sad sign of the times I think.

[DarkAisling]

As we're a "blended" family, we actually have two family doctors.

Hubby's family doctor has been his doctor since he came to Calgary in the late 70s. Hubby and #2 son usually book appointments with him, and they get in pretty quickly.

#1 son and I usually see my family doctor. I had to interview to get in with him. Physicals need to be booked six months to a year in advance, but other appointments can usually be scheduled within a week.

Both of our doctors will see anyone in the family, so we're usually not left in the lurch for too long. If we need to see a doc pronto, and neither of our family docs can get us in, there are three walk-in clinics that we use.

[artie]

I have heard that people from Calgary are going to the Doctors in the Crowsnest Pass. Great Doctors down there and small wait times. If I had to go to emergency and could make it I would go there. Also their hosptal is very clean compared to what I see in the city.

[Scott N]

I recently found a new doctor through here I believe it was:

http://www.cpsa.ab.ca/PhysicianSearch/AdvancedSearch.aspx

It took a few months, but eventually I found a doctor.

[FishBrain]

When I was looking for a doctor, due to migraines, I found that a certain place had openings. When I went in the doctor I talked to listened to me then gave me pills, didnt touch me examine me or nothing. I went back a week later and he was busy so I sawthe other doctor that was accepting patients, after he checked me over booked a couple exams for me, then Asked if I needed something for the pain. I dumped the pill popping doctor as I would rather be fixed instead of masking it with drugs.
Be glad the doctor had an interview, maybe he won't be so quick to get you full of meds so you forget about the problem, he might actually want to help you get better.

[BobLoblaw]

We had the same family doctor for years here in Calgary; in fact, my wife had been a patient of his since she was a kid. Really nice, older fella, only 15 minutes from our house. Most importantly(since I'm in my 40's), he's a small man, with really tiny fingers...:sHa_shakeshout:
Unfortunately, he retired last year.:mad3: Luckily, we found a doc in Airdrie who took us as patients. Since we live in the north end of Cowtown, it wasn't a bad drive; less than 15 minutes. Kinda crappy in the winter when the highway gets bad. Even worse, though: he's a BIG man. With BIG fingers.:scared0018:
Lucky for me, I never got the displeasure of finding out just how uncomfortable one of those fingers would feel poking & prodding my nether regions. A friend referred us to a doc within 5 minutes walk of our house. She's a small lady. With very tiny fingers. :happy0034:
Here's to small-fingered family doctors...:happy0180:

[Big Daddy Badger]

Hey Hunterdave!

What branch/regiment?

Listen...I'm still in CFMS and it does seem to be the norm. My wife had to jump through hoops to.
I know that some of the green Docs are making extra coin taking rotations in rural clinics to fill the gaps out there.
In fact the Bde Surg was telling me that he was going out to Hardisty and area about 1 weekend per month for just that reason.
The advantage for us is that it maintains his competence in geriatric and family medicine since most of what they see on base is 18-40 years old and otherwise pretty healthy.

I wonder, have you considered checking with the folks on base?
Maybe one of the MO's is getting ready to set up in a clinic and will be building a patient list. If not maybe they know someone accepting new clients through their civie connections.
JPSU might have a list since they are helping guys make the transition to the real world to.

If you like...PM me and I'll ask around...I have regular meetings with Bde and Base Surg....and the JPSU Pl WO is an old friend....just cause you retired doesn't mean you are out of the family and asking around is no effort.

Ex Divum...Curatio

[ksteed17]

we must be very spoiled down here. In my town of 3500 we have 5 working doctors. Ive known all of them my whole life and one of them delivered all my sisters and his son just delivered my daughter. To get an appointment in a day is not hard. Guess i thought it was like that everywhere. Hopefully it works out for you.

[alacringa]

Only one week? I got told 3-4 weeks. I said "forget it," and just go to a walk-in and wait for 3 hours, if I'm really, really, really hurting or sick.

[Shaggy]

I just started looking last week too. Not having any luck. I have been using the website but it seems that the doctors don't keep it updated very well. There are a few that take patients of family and friends but I don't fall into that category.

[Redfrog]

I guess I've been lucky. I phone for an appointment and usually tell them when I want it. My doc of 10 years just moved to B.C. I made a phone call and have a new guy. One thing to remember is not all doctors were #1 in the class. Some only made the grade by one mark. It's your health and family docs get the same pay whether they are #1 or #41. I ask the tough questions and keep asking till I get an answer. I have walked out of visits and gone to some one else because I didn't get the answers or was treated like a moron getting advice from a genius. For the most part I've been happy with doc, but there were a couple who are still "practicing" medicine and will always be "practicing'

[Big Daddy Badger]

I guess I've been lucky. I phone for an appointment and usually tell them when I want it. My doc of 10 years just moved to B.C. I made a phone call and have a new guy. One thing to remember is not all doctors were #1 in the class. Some only made the grade by one mark. It's your health and family docs get the same pay whether they are #1 or #41. I ask the tough questions and keep asking till I get an answer. I have walked out of visits and gone to some one else because I didn't get the answers or was treated like a moron getting advice from a genius. For the most part I've been happy with doc, but there were a couple who are still "practicing" medicine and will always be "practicing'

TOOOO RIGHT!!!

We've brought all sorts in from overseas to. Some like the Brits...South Africans etc are usually good but...if they graduated in Grenada...its probably because they couldn't get into any other school....they were bottom of the class before they even started. The best I've worked with usually graduated from Oxford, Harvard, U of A, UBC and Xavier. Most of the SA guys are great to...if they graduated U of Pretoria quite a few SA's go to Oxford to.

We had a family doctor a few years ago when the kids were little that still made house calls. He was awesome! The kids loved him...they'd try to fake belly aches to get him to come over....little buggers. One of the great failings in our health care system now is that doctors don't do that anymore because it doesn't pay. Now, they never get to see how and where people are living...thats important information especially when they are trying to find out why someone is always getting sick.

[BloodHound70]

I guess I've been lucky. I phone for an appointment and usually tell them when I want it. My doc of 10 years just moved to B.C. I made a phone call and have a new guy. One thing to remember is not all doctors were #1 in the class. Some only made the grade by one mark. It's your health and family docs get the same pay whether they are #1 or #41. I ask the tough questions and keep asking till I get an answer. I have walked out of visits and gone to some one else because I didn't get the answers or was treated like a moron getting advice from a genius. For the most part I've been happy with doc, but there were a couple who are still "practicing" medicine and will always be "practicing'

You said it Redfrog.....
I used to go see a guy in Sherwood Park who was o.k not fantastic, but I could get in in a timely fashion. My wife on the otherhand was seeing this lady Doctor at the RAH and soooooo glad she took me as a patient. She is actually a instructor in the medical program, and the Clinic is a training center as well. She is better than any Doctor I have EVER had, absolutely unbelievable!!!!! She only gives you drugs when you really need it and truely cares about your well being. The best part is she used to be in Pediatrics as well so that will come in very handy when the little one arrives in 2 months:sHa_shakeshout:

BH

[Kanonfodder]

The key is not to be a melonhead when you are sick thinking it will pass..which can lead to complications...right buddy

[BloodHound70]

The key is not to be a melonhead when you are sick thinking it will pass..which can lead to complications...right buddy

LMAO....That's what your for, to drive me to the Hospital and call my wife:sign0161:

BH

[dbcooper]

We had the same family doctor for years here in Calgary; in fact, my wife had been a patient of his since she was a kid. Really nice, older fella, only 15 minutes from our house. Most importantly(since I'm in my 40's), he's a small man, with really tiny fingers...:sHa_shakeshout:
Unfortunately, he retired last year.:mad3: Luckily, we found a doc in Airdrie who took us as patients. Since we live in the north end of Cowtown, it wasn't a bad drive; less than 15 minutes. Kinda crappy in the winter when the highway gets bad. Even worse, though: he's a BIG man. With BIG fingers.:scared0018:
Lucky for me, I never got the displeasure of finding out just how uncomfortable one of those fingers would feel poking & prodding my nether regions. A friend referred us to a doc within 5 minutes walk of our house. She's a small lady. With very tiny fingers. :happy0034:
Here's to small-fingered family doctors...:happy0180:

Read your post and had a good chuckle man. You go from a Dr with small fingers and your happy... then comes along a Dr with chubby fingers and your scared... then a 'lady' with small fingers... that finger test may not hurt but has to be 'awkward' :scared0015:

Dave

[BGSH]

I myself have not been to the doctors for about 9 years, i hate doctors, dont trust them fully, my family doctor is in Victoria, its sad for the people who do want and need a doctor and cant get one the goverment should do something for those people, eat healthy live a happy life cheers :)

[deanmc]

eat healthy live a happy life cheers


You are young. Just wait. Its coming for all of us.

I go to the walk in. Small town and i usually get the same doc anyhow.

[rugatika]

Too many people going to the doc for nothing these days. Why? Cause it's "free". I have a friend who's a doc and he sees a lot of old people who "visit" him for social visits. Why not? Canada has lots of doctors...just too many people that think they need to see a doc for the flu or a cold or a chat.

[deanmc]

Too many people going to the doc for nothing these days. Why? Cause it's "free". I have a friend who's a doc and he sees a lot of old people who "visit" him for social visits. Why not? Canada has lots of doctors...just too many people that think they need to see a doc for the flu or a cold or a chat.

Probably true. I remember my old man telling about this happening 30 years ago. not new to "these days"

[leeaspell]

Everytime I have gone to the doctor here in town, they ask me whats wrong and as im telling them they are writing a prescription and handing it to mo before im even done talking. Last time i had, what I taught was torn chest muscle. They gave me precription for acid blockers. Take for a wekk and come back. When I went back and said it didnt help, he asked if I hadd any refills left, I had 2. he said go home and take twice as many pills per day and come back in a week. I left and tossed the precroption in garbage. At $250 a bottle, im not taking twice as many of something that didnt work the first time

[RumRugby]

Gee I must be lucky then, if I have an issue I have no issues getting into see my family doc. As a matter of fact I had to see the doc in February for the first time in 3 years and had no issues getting in, waited maybe 15 minutes, xrays the next day, referred to a specialist the day after, within three months surgery was done, week later I went back to get the bandage changed, took less then 15 minutes. Great service experience other then the minor surgery. Very professional group of docs in the office, very efficient!
Like it's been said, keep fit, eat right and maintain your body and you'll be better for it near the end.

[Sporty]

The reason most new doctors interview now is so that they can weed out the doctor shoppers looking for drugs.

I had the same doctor for 10 years, he was ok, took forever to get into see him. I had surgery last year and was prescribed meds, doc told me I'd probably have to take them for the rest of my life. I decided I was going to go the alternative route, when I told my doc he told me if I was going that route, something he didn't believe in, to find myself a new doctor. I wasn't going to be held hostage for bring proactive with my own health and would continue with the alternative natural meds, he canceled me as a patient. I filed a complaint against him but nothing has come of it. Thankfully, I found another doctor who is more open to alternative medicine and isn't stuck to the prescription pad.

[Redfrog]

Too many people going to the doc for nothing these days. Why? Cause it's "free". I have a friend who's a doc and he sees a lot of old people who "visit" him for social visits. Why not? Canada has lots of doctors...just too many people that think they need to see a doc for the flu or a cold or a chat.


The "rest of the story" is when you call to get your monthly prescription re issued and are told you need to come in to see the doctor. Nothing changes from month to month for years, but I still have to go in so he can hand me the script and talk about hunting in his homeland.:)

[rugatika]

The "rest of the story" is when you call to get your monthly prescription re issued and are told you need to come in to see the doctor. Nothing changes from month to month for years, but I still have to go in so he can hand me the script and talk about hunting in his homeland.:)

Yeah...I thought Alberta was going to give pharmacists the ability to do this? I agree that it is silly to have to go and see a doc just to get a prescription renewed for something ongoing.

Lots of inefficiencies in the system that could be gotten rid of.

[FishingMOM]

Here is another reason why

http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2011/08/01/doctors-interprovincial-barriers.html

[Redfrog]

My doctor quit his practice here and moved to Penticton. I know, crazy eh?:thinking-006: He is from South Africa and a great guy. He was in Hanna. I would make a day of the trip[ 2 hours each way] and visit my kids.

When the doc moved I called the local med center and told them I needed a new doc. Well they just had a change up as well and have a new guy in town.
I went in to see him and get my monthly script.

He's seems like a good guy who is struggling with the language. Not a problem I have 4 preschool grandkids, a wife that talks in tongues when she is ****ed at me and I taught ESL in a past life.

On Friday I got a letter from the clinic in Hanna re: my request for the transfer of my records. They explained that the transfer was not covered by Alberta med. and they needed $40 before they would send them.



Well I had a spare hour today so I replied to their ransom demand.

Among other things I wanted proof of brain activity as I was confused about what they would do with the records if I didn't pay the ransom. I also told them that since my new doc was difficult to understand the info probably wouldn't do much good anyway, so they could file the records and I would just tell the doc what I could remember about my accidents,concussions, heart surgery, cancer treatments and the rash I got from the reaction to the painkillers the last doc prescribed. I listed all the stuff about the horses and hornets, and the truck wreck where we nearly killed all the horses. I listed the reason for the stitches in my gluteus maximus and the incident with that crazy woman with the squirrel monkey at the rodeo. I reminisced about jumping out of a perfectly good plane, and time I threw my back out jumping out of the pickup truck. [Be sure the truck is stopped] I was confused. All I could find on my mental hard drive was STOP! DROP! and ROLL! I added CRY! on my own.

On Tuesday I'm phoning Ed and see what exactly he plans to do about this injustice.

I take some solace in the fact that it will likely cost $40 for someone at the clinic to read my tirade.:)

[sinawalli]

I had a doctor from South Africa in a clinic in Stony Plain. He was awesome, but packed up and headed for Ont. The clinic then put me with another doctor from S. Africa, but I had a very hard time understanding him, and always found him to be in a hurry. Decided to look elsewhere, and found a doc in a clinic in Spruce Grove. Was told that my first appointment was to be a interview only, and if I had anything health related, I was to make a appointment afterwards.:thinking-006: The doctor was a young lady, with small fingers, and she wanted to know why I switched doctors, and what I expected from her, end of story! She then asked what brought me here (medically). She is very easy going, and will take all the time I need, no rush! Very happy with her, and she has a sense of humor, cause when it came time for the dreaded "finger ride", I asked if she could at least buy me a drink first? Found it pretty amusing!!

[HunterDave]

UPDATE..........my wife called the doctor's office last Monday and got an appointment for Friday afternoon. About an hour before the appointment the secretary calls me to reschedule but I have to wait until September 9 to call her back and rebook it. :scared0015: And so begins the chit show I guess. :lol:

I need my one Previcid and one Lipator everyday so I guess that I'll have to hit a walk in clinic in St Albert to get a couple of prescriptions refilled. There's not much else that I can do I guess. :confused0024:

[Sporty]

Yeah...I thought Alberta was going to give pharmacists the ability to do this? I agree that it is silly to have to go and see a doc just to get a prescription renewed for something ongoing.

Lots of inefficiencies in the system that could be gotten rid of.

They can only refill a prescription if its a regular medication and only if its an emergency, (according to my pharmacist). They are still working with the gov though to have more leeway in this.

[slivers86]

Welcome to a growing crisis in healthcare. Emergency waiting times increase, as no physicians will go into family medicine, because the government wont set the funds aside to make it 'worth while' to be in family medicine. Why do that, and take 10-15 years to pay off your student loans when you can go into a specialty, or family medicine in the states, and be a millionaire?

[rhuntley12]

Whats a family doctor?

Been here 5 years and haven't had one, I gave up looking when I couldn't find one near me that would take me. Just go to a walk in clinic when I need to.

[Okotokian]

Too many people going to the doc for nothing these days. Why? Cause it's "free". I have a friend who's a doc and he sees a lot of old people who "visit" him for social visits. Why not? Canada has lots of doctors...just too many people that think they need to see a doc for the flu or a cold or a chat.

That's somewhat true, but I don't think we are overstaffed with doctors. We are #39 on the doctor/patient ratio list, just ahead of Jordan and just behind Quatar. The US, almost all of Europe, Australia, all have more doctors. The only "indistrialized" country with less doctosr per citizen is Japan. All the rest are "third world" countries.

Limiting doctor numbers is the government's way of controlling costs, as doctors drive everything, from test to prescriptions to hospitalizations. We need some sort of triage system where maybe the first person you see is a nurse. They are way cheaper to train and keep and you can't tell me that they could probzbly deal effectively with 90% of what people go into a doctor for.