How far would you drive to see a good doctor?

[Funnygrl]

Poll time. For purposes of the question, assume that there isn't a good doctor closer, only a mediocre one. This is the maximum distance you would be willing to go, not how far you actually go.

[BlueSky]

The question really needs a qualifier. Generally, the only reason I see a doctor is to get a prescription. And I am not prepared to go out of my way for that. But if I had a problem that needed specialist attention, like a malignant tumour for example, I would do whatever it takes to get it sorted. :(

[sweetcheeks]

The question really needs a qualifier. Generally, the only reason I see a doctor is to get a prescription. And I am not prepared to go out of my way for that. But if I had a problem that needed specialist attention, like a malignant tumour for example, I would do whatever it takes to get it sorted. :(

I agree with that

Ill see a regular MD in my town, now when it comes to specialists and depending on how many times I need to go, will determine how far Ill travel

For instance, If Im going to see an endo, the closest one to me is over an hour away. If that endo required me to come back every two to three weeks, forget it. If it was about once every three months or more, then yes I'll travel the distance. Thats one of the whole reasons I have not went to one yet, 1. is distance and 2. my BG"s are under control, no need for an endo at this time.

[JediSkipdogg]

I think it depends on how much time the person wants to put in themselves in treatment. I'm one that can do everything myself (I just choose not to, lol.) Therefore I just need to see a doctor for prescriptions and to get tests performed. Heck, generally when I sit with my doctor now I just shake my head and say "uh huh" or "I understand, I'll change that." And alot of the problems I have now I just need a CGMS to level my numbers out.

Now, if the person is one that needs alot of guidance then they need a quality doctor. I think that's what partially drives mine nuts (I drive all doctors nuts though.) She is probably the #1 in Cincinnati, started her own medical center, has done numerous conferences, books, studies, etc. I highly recommend her to anyone as she is a very brilliant lady (if she'd get her head off MM being #1 and actually look at the other pumps...she has 2 million MM brochures but no info on any other ones.)

If someone is on a pump and leary of making pump changes then they should drive to see a good doctor. The same applies for shots and changing doses drastically. Some people just aren't comfortable doing it on their own.

Now Funnygrl, I'm sure this didn't help you at all...lol...but those are my thoughts.

[nneighbour]

There are a lot of factors to consider. But I know if there was an emergency and I needed to see them and wasn't feeling well, driving a long distance just wouldn't be something I would be happy about. But I also recognize the limitations of rural/northern communities where there are very few options.

[kgm0612]

I've been with my PCP for years. She joined another practice which is a 40 minute drive from my house, but I stayed on with her because I like her so much.

If a serious illness was to occur where I would need a specialist, Boston is only an hour away.

Karen

[Funnygrl]

The question really needs a qualifier. Generally, the only reason I see a doctor is to get a prescription. And I am not prepared to go out of my way for that. But if I had a problem that needed specialist attention, like a malignant tumour for example, I would do whatever it takes to get it sorted. :(
That's why I said in the original post that there's only "mediocre" alternatives closer. I can't say what your definition of mediocre would be, but for purposes of this question, lets say it's for treatment of your diabetes, and you cannot get the best possible treatment if you stay local.

For purposes of this, we will also say that local doctor won't give you the prescriptions needed for the best possible treatment- ie, he only puts his patients on N and R.

[BriOnH]

I'd travel the world to find a dr that could teach me things I haven't thought of or could drastically improve my life. I've been enjoying Bernstien a lot lately. Not the diet, but the mans teachings. Speaking of which, he has a teleconfrence on tonight. Here is the email excerpt:

March 26, 2007 FR: Diabetes Teleseminars
RE: Teleseminar with Richard Bernstein, M.D. and a free recording.
Hi steve

Tomorrow, Tuesday March 27th, is our next teleseminar with Dr. Bernstein. To join the call:

************************************************** *****************
Dial: 646-519-5860
PIN: 6006 #

Call in five or so minutes early as lines are limited!

************************************************** *****************

We look forward to having you on the call!

We have over 100 questions that Dr. Bernstein will try to answer LIVE!

I listened to his last one and enjoyed it a lot. Hope you listen, as it is fun to discuss what he talks about.

I just noticed it's not an 800 number! wtf!! I hope I don't have to pay much for that.

[mzizgayle]

My doctor and hospital are about 10 miles away right off the expressway so it takes me about 20 minutes. I drive an hour for my eye doctor since I really like their care and will not change. If it was something major, life threatening, I would drive as far as needed.

[Funnygrl]

What time is the conference?

[BlueSky]

What time is the conference?
7pm central time.
For purposes of this, we will also say that local doctor won't give you the prescriptions needed for the best possible treatment- ie, he only puts his patients on N and R.
I stopped looking for a "good" doctor many years ago. I see an endo once a year at the diabetes outpatients clinic at our local hospital, mainly because it is free. He supported my switch to Lantus and the GP is now happy to prescribe it. But I haven't really needed him for anything else. I guess I have been lucky. :o

[Lloyd]

Poll time. For purposes of the question, assume that there isn't a good doctor closer, only a mediocre one. This is the maximum distance you would be willing to go, not how far you actually go.

Since I have had good doctors for the last 20 years, I have trouble answering that hypothetical question.

However, even though I have a good doctor, I have yet to see an Endo. The nearest is a 300+ mile round trip. I'm sure I could benifit from that visit, but it would have to be a one time thing, and I can't say I NEED to see one, as I am doing well on a pump. I'd likely see one it it wasn't such a long trip.

-Lloyd

[Petruchio]

I would drive a few hours for a good Dr. Heck, I drive just under an hour to go to the Barber! (She gives great haircuts) ;)

[jeggeman31]

Well I voted and then started reading your question. So I voted for under an hour, however if I would have read the thread prior to voting I would have voted 1 to 2 hours.

[sugarfree76]

When it comes to my diabetes and my quality of life, who the heck cares. It's only time and gas that you are spending (quite wisely, if it is for a good doctor)

I love my doctor. He's close.Even if he wasn't, I'd travel 3-4 hrs to see him.

I'm also in love with a doctor. She's almost 10 hrs away :D

[parrotletzoo]

The majority of my drs are 5hrs away from me. I have dr's closer but I'm willing to make the trip.

[parrotletzoo]

Ok, now that I read the question.... Currently I drive 5hr, I'm not sure i'd drive much further then that. With a 5hr drive I can drive there and back in a day if i need to, so I consider it 'local'. If my current dr ever moves back to Switzerland, I may just have to move. ha.

[rmccully2000]

We travel 1000 miles to see craniofacial specialists for our daughter's medical needs. Angel Flight and Ronald McDonald House are two blessings that make it possible.

I do travel 45 min. across town for a pediatrican that knows to trust parental instinct. The first guy we had was close to home but didn't trust this instinct which resulted in a delayed diagnosis of ICP for my daughter. Now I would travel an hour to find this quality in a ped. It's just as important as brains and skill in my book! Do you think they teach that in medical school these days?

Great question!
Becky, Mom to Mason, 7, Dexcom, Iport

[panda1076]

Luckily, I have the Joslin Clinic just a few miles away from my office. But I have met people who travel several hours to attend classes and appts there. And I would too if I lived up to 3 hours away I think. My feeling is why not get the best possible care you can.

My father had a very rare cancer-like disease, and we found a doctor in Sweden who specialized in it. So we traveled twice a year to Sweden for checkups (and local doctors at home carried out the Swedish doctor's chemo regime). That doctor's treatments gave him an extra 5 years or so of his life. Definitely worth the travel and inconvenience.

[lilituc]

I didn't answer because I don't drive, but...I saw my old endo in Tucson when I was living in Seattle. I would still fly back there to see him if I had to (which is saying a lot since I hate flying with the fire of 1000 suns). I've gone 120 miles just to see a good dentist before.

[gettingby]

When it comes to my diabetes and my quality of life, who the heck cares. It's only time and gas that you are spending (quite wisely, if it is for a good doctor)

I have to agree here. When it comes to my life and my well being, no distance is too far.

[KritterMom]

I live about 30 minutes from my endo, so I feel very fortunate. I suppose I would drive as far as need be to get to a good dr. though. I just lucked out.:)