It's been several years since my last doctor's appointment, due in large part to either not having any insurance, or not being able to find a doctor who takes my insurance. Here in the area, all the doctors are completely booked, and the 1 doctor I found who was actually accepting patients, didn't accept my insurance! FRUSTRATING!!!

This past Sunday night, my DH and I spent the night at the ER with what turned out to be a probable case of a wierd viral pneumonia. The attending physician wanted to refer us back to our regular doctor, but we kept explaining that we don't have one. Finally, he told us about a new physician just hanging her shingle right here in town. She is, apparently, the wife of one of the hospital's obstetricians. I called Tuesday, and was shocked to learn that I could get an appointment for Thursday --- today!!! (DH has not yet set up an appointment- says the 9 needle sticks he recieved Sunday night were plenty- LOL!)

Okay, so I arrive at the office, and there is a sheet of paper attached to the inside doorannouncing this is her office. Like I said, she's new. My appointment was at 10:30, so I arrived a few minutes early to fill out the standardized paperwork. No sooner did Audrey, the receptionist, announce that I was here, then Michelle, the nurse, was out to get me. Not in a bad way! LOL! Nope, she just wanted to get me into the examining room, and do a height and weight on me. So now, I'm filling out the paperwork in the examining room.

Probably 2-3 minutes later, the doctor walks in... all smiles, very friendly. Now, I'm trying to answer her questions verbally while filling out the paperwork still. I told her all about Sparkpeople.com, and will take some stuff back to her when I go back November 12th for the gyn exam. I explained to her that I was basically in for just the basic physical, as I realize that now that I'm 40, I need to keep an eye on my health. She agreed, and is ordering up the gamut of tests, as high cholesterol and diabetes both run in my family. In addition, I pointed out a small mole on my arm (5mm circle) and explained that, because my father died of melanoma, I would like to get this removed. While she doesn't think it looks threatening, she agreed, and is setting me up with a dermatologist. Given the family history, she recommended yearly skin checks as well.

As Thursdays are my only day off, I'll go in and have the tests done next Thursday morning. Something about having to not eat or drink for 8-12 hours prior to the test makes me think trying to do it after work isn't very smart.

So, overall, it was a good experience. She was very friendly, and her entire staff was warm and eager to help. I'd highly recommend her to anyone at this point!

Ann