I hate going to the doctor. I avoid it, and suffer before I will go. But sometimes, I just know it is the right thing to do. Until recently, I had not been to my PCP for several years. But, when I chose this PCP, I had specific criteria: female, extended hours, and accepts medicaid. I think she no longer accepts medicaid, but the rest apply. She also employs a physician extender (nurse practitioner, but that could also include a physician's assistant). Since I have been going to my PCP, I have actually used the physician's extender that she employees. And, I am very happy with that. I did not know, until my first appointment with this PCP, that she has a multi-cultural staff, and employs staff in non-stereo specific gender roles. This impressed me.
Last year, my PCP provided support to Catholic Charities for a fund raiser. I was surprised and impressed. Today, at an appointment, I learned the physician extender is Catholic. I did not tell her, but will at my next appointment, of my appreciation of the support of Catholic Charities.
I also appreciate that they could work me in quickly, and have in the past when I had an emergent need, get me in and out quickly, and respect my time in terms of scheduling appointments, recognizing I have obligations outside of a medical appointment.
I am also impressed that when prescriptions were called for, the nurse practitioner talked about affordability. She does not know my financial circumstances, but that was very considerate of her (I have insurance, and can afford my copay. But using Wal Mart, the medication was $4.)
These medical professionals practice medicine doing the right thing. When I was a child, our family physician did the right thing: one child was sick, all got prophylactic medication, calling in prescriptions when he was sure an office visit was not warranted, taking care of the patient no matter what her mother wanted done.
Good values, good ethics, and good practice are such a premium. Thank the Lord for this PCP and her staff.
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