Family Physician - Recommendations

[Meticulous madness]

Anybody have a good general doctor they would recommend (in Tooele)?

My OB/GYN is in Salt Lake and my kids Pediatrician, too. I'm definitely not willing to give them up.

But, I do think we need a more local avenue, for my family's "over-all" medical needs.

[5ft Diva]

Ooh, good question. Someone gave me a suggestion once and I've already forgotten who it was so I'm all ears as well. I need a good local dr just for me.

[Meticulous madness]

I was referred to a lady in Salt Lake recently. I called her office today (hoping to get in within the next few weeks) and heard that she is booked out until the end of August. HELLO. Are you kidding me?

I'm sure that she's awesome, to be that popular. But seriously. August?

I think I have gall stones (could just be paranoia). But, I just don't think I can wait that long to find out.

In all fairness, I haven't had a 150-point inspection since my high school years. Maybe I just don't remember.

Is it normal to wait for a 3-4 months to see a doctor?

[5ft Diva]

I don't think it is, but I'm no expert either. Maybe for a specialist or something, but just a regular dr? I didn't think we practiced socialized medicine here in the U.S.ofA.?! Good luck!

[LostnFound]

My family sees Dr. Abarca. My husband really likes seeing him. He has a PA also at his office that I always see. His name is Chad Jarvis. He has been wonderful for me. A while ago I was having the blues and he actually spent some time talking and not just rushing me for his next appointment. They are both LDS and have actually recommended certain LDS talks or books that help with the problems I was having.

My husband has really bad ulcers and was referred to a stomache specialist who put him on medicine that wasn't really helping his pains in his stomache but she wouldn't change the medication. Two weeks ago during his routine visit to our Doctor, he actually listened to my husband and changed his medicine. He is feeling so much better.

Anyways what I am trying to say is they are both very thorough and seem to have a genuine interest in their patients.

Thats my two cents.

[natickgirl]

It is only "normal" for doctors to book so far out if it is for a physical, well-visit, or routine prevention exam. Most doctors book these kinds of visits out so they can be open for sick visits. Specialists are often booked out a month or so, but 4 months is ridiculous. Of course, new patients always get the worst of it. Even if I am a new patient, I refuse to go to ANY family doctor that can't see me the day I'm sick. What's the point in having a "primary care physician" if you can't ever get in to see him/her? I also avoid practices where they are so busy that the nurses or PA's see the majority of the patients. I don't mind that occasionally, but when I want/need to see the doctor, I expect him/her to be available. I'm paying big bucks--lousy insurance--and I pay the same whether I see the doctor or the nurse. I guess I just want to get my money's worth.

[5ft Diva]

Originally Posted by LostnFound

My family sees Dr. Abarca. My husband really likes seeing him. He has a PA also at his office that I always see. His name is Chad Jarvis. He has been wonderful for me. A while ago I was having the blues and he actually spent some time talking and not just rushing me for his next appointment. They are both LDS and have actually recommended certain LDS talks or books that help with the problems I was having.

My husband has really bad ulcers and was referred to a stomache specialist who put him on medicine that wasn't really helping his pains in his stomache but she wouldn't change the medication. Two weeks ago during his routine visit to our Doctor, he actually listened to my husband and changed his medicine. He is feeling so much better.

Anyways what I am trying to say is they are both very thorough and seem to have a genuine interest in their patients.

Thats my two cents.

This is way good info, lnf. Thanks for sharing! I really appreciate getting recommendations from people I trust.

[runamyrun]

I haven't seen Dr. Abarca, but I have seen Dr Beazer. He shares his office with Dr. Abarca. He has an odd sense of humor, but I liked him. My son has seen Chad Jarvis, and we loved him. My son has a sense of humor, and Chad Jarvis really related well to him.

[SMILEY]

YES. Darrin Smith hes with Dr. Holt his in the phone
book. Why i recommend him is because he will come
to the office after hours plus his just awesome!

[Meticulous madness]

Thanks you guys! I need to make a decision. I appreciate the input.

[Dia Minha]

My husband was just into Abarca's office yesterday, but saw Rowan. I really liked him. He is just a Physicians Assistant, but that doesn't bother me. He seemed to know what he is doing.

He is quite young (Younger than me anyway. I guess that is getting easier to do, finding a doctor younger than me. I must be getting old.) and very cute. So, if having a doctor both younger than you and very cute makes you anxious than you will want to be aware of that. My first OB was young and cute, and I worked with several ladies that were in his stake and they would not go to him, just because he was cute.

We also had a very long wait even though we were his first appointment. So I'm not sure what was up with that. I'm willing to give him another try though, because he was very thorough and really listened to what both DH and I were saying.