1 /5 Jeffrey Schnur: I had visits to Dr. Jacobs, and then to the P.A., Lisa, a few times a year for more than two years. A potential stone -- gall or kidney, I think -- had them monitoring my bloods every several months. But in all that time, Dr. Jacobs didnt so much as put a finger on me, or even a stethoscope. Eventually, I started seeing the PA instead, who did use a stethoscope, but again, no other touching. At one appointment, I related to Dr. Jacobs a strange, undiagnosed neurological symptom I have whenever I run a (rare) high fever. He told me that any problem would show up in my blood results. Really?! You dont need to be a medical professional to know how absurd his response was. All that said, both the doctor and the PA did monitor my bloods closely, and detected and kept an eye on the aforementioned gall stone issue, as well as a drop in my ferritin level. But no checking my eyes, my throat, my ears, my prostate (except for PSA levels) -- I was 66 with a family history of prostate cancer -- no urinalysis, and certainly no old fashioned palpation. Also, no "turn and cough" to detect a hernia. (A urologist just detected one and Ill be getting surgery.) Just another example of the failure of corporatized primary care. Several months ago I moved to Broward County and found a doctor in a private solo practice, a rare bird these days, for sure. This doctor and his staff are wonderful and very hands on -- literally. Decent primary care still exists, apparently.
