Glad I switched - twice

Good friend suggested a new primary care doctor when I needed one. He was pleasant, his staff very helpful and office not far away. When he joined MDVIP, I thought long and hard about the extra expense. Friend who had referred him to me, only lasted about a year with the new kind of practice. Told me she thought he would retire shortly and she didn’t want to spend the money. I did not consider the new practice that she chose. And as before, didn’t have anyone else in mind. One afternoon, right before a major holiday, Easter, I fell right close to my front door on paved driveway. The accident was caused by my little dog that I was taking for a walk. As we rounded the corner she must have seen a deer, as she jumped in the air pulling me off balance and crashing down. I knew if I let go of her I might never see her again so I turned sideways to save my face and did a real number on my right side particularly my leg. I had to crawl back up three steps and back inside my house to crawl across the floor to find my phone. First called my son who lives next door and then my primary doctor on his cell phone. He assessed my condition, told me what equipment I needed and offered to get such to me if I could not find it. Fortunately, a family member had a commode and walker from recent surgery so I was set and saw my doctor first thing Monday morning. That incident alone would have convinced me to stay with him. Living alone, it is just such a comfort to know I can always reach help. Yes, three years later, he did retire. But I chose to be transferred to another local MDVIP doctor. It was painless and the best part for me is not only did all my information go to the new doctor with no effort on my part, but the same office staff moved also. It is very comforting for this 82 year old not to have to start over with totally new people. While I have only seen my new MDVIP twice, I love that he is familiar all ready in the type of care I am used to having.