Looking for a new PCP

Hello to all, My husband and I are beginning a search for a new family doctor.  The one we have just isn't our cup of tea and we cringe everytime we go to her.  Personality and friendliness is just as important as medical knowledge and skill if you ask me.  I thought maybe those of you on here may know of some PCP's we could investigate that are NICE and WLS supportive/knowledgeable.  I'm wanting to stick to Jefferson or Oldham County.  I actually tried to ask the Bariatric Group this morning and Reta told me they weren't allowed to make those kinds of recommendations.  I'll also ask Dr. Larson himself when I see see him next week as well but wonderered if any of you guys had any hot recomendations to check out! Thanks!

First off you have to bring your husband to all the support group meetings he was a riot last night...hes hilarious. You look amazing by the way. I went through the same thing with my pcp...it made me sick when I was already sick to think about going to him. I since was recc. a pcp by several people. She is wonderful, he name is Dr,Nigam, and she is located by Sts Mary and Elizabeth hospital...office staff is wonderful and so is she...if you have any questions feel free to email me.  Missy

Thank you for both compliments!  You are looking great too!   Richard was very impressed with the 100 plus pound weight loss you've had.  I think he would prefer to have the bypass himself but due to our self-pay status he's going to opt for the band since it's cheaper.  I personally think it makes more sense to have us both with the same rules and limitations though.   He's also seen what my sister goes through with her dumping syndrome and wasn't too impressed with that!  She still tries to push the limit on her sugar intake although she's getting better.  I personally couldn't imagine not having a bit of sugar from time to time though so my hat's off to all people who can do it successfully. Richard is definately a keeper isn't he?  We are known as "that weird couple" on  our street.  There isn't anything he won't do as he's the biggest kid there ever was.  I've learned that you can't dare him to do anything since he'll do it!  A few years ago I jokingly dared him to go get the trash cans at the end of the drive naked, thinking there's NO WAY he'd do it and.....well.......he did it .....it was already dark out though and we never did get any really odd stares afterwards so I think we got away with that one!  If nothing else he is great entertainment. I'll have to check into that MD.  Richard's parents live in the South End so it isn't too far from them.   Thank goodness you still call it by it's old name.  I always get lost when they call it Caritas. 

Yeah he is for sure a keeper...and he got a good deal also with you...Yeah Caritas is actually Sts Marys again...best of luck and look forward to hearing from you. Missy

My PCP is Dr. Richard Hefner, who is in Crestwood. He is VERY nice and I found him through a member here. His number is 502-243-3161

Hey Steph, I just looked him up and his office is only about three miles from here!  I see he's listed as an osteopathic physian which I'm not familiar with.  What differences did you find in him versus a more traditional MD?

I didn't notice any difference. :) He and his office staff and nurses were all VERY nice, and treated me like a human being instead of a blob. He also answered all my questions about managing my weight and sleep issues, and recommended me for a sleep study in a way that my insurance will pay for.

I think the main difference between an Doctor of Osteopathy and a Medical Doctor is the holistic approach that DO's take toward treating a patient's illness...how it affects the body as a whole.  Used to be a big deal, people used to refer to them in derogatory terms as "bone crunchers".  Not so much of an issue anymore as far as I can tell, they often work together in the same practices. I've been to both kinds of physicians and really there isn't any difference in terms of quality of care other than the differences you'd expect to find between "good" and "bad" doctors in general.  Hope that might help answer your question about the DO.

My PCP is Richard Hefner, I have recommended him many times here and will continue to do so.  He is wonderful.  He recommended I have WLS about 3 years ago and it took me 2 and a half years to agree with him.  He has since helped me get everything I need for insurance approval.  That was 6 continuous monthly visits, labs, etc.  He is really wonderful.  Please PM me if you want to talk and I will give you my phone #.

Thank you all for the info on Dr. Hefner and the DO specifics.  I will certainly check him out and see if he's listed under my insurance (AnthemBCBS).  I have a tentative appointment with another MD Thursday next week but if I get on the ball and like his info better I can cancel that one on Monday or Tuesday and get lined up with Dr. H.  I certainly like that he's close to the house and sounds like he won't simply be a "pill pusher" type either. Thanks again. I hope everyone has a great weekend!