Where do you go when you're sick? (In the LR)

Argie's Wife · 11-13-2009, 09:33 PM

This could be a loaded thread... but I'm looking for a straight forward answer about where you go for treatment when you're under the weather but it's not a major emergency? (Major emergency = nearest hospital).

I'm trying to think of what our choices are around here... Hugging Hospital, Lakes Region General Hospital, Franklin Regional Hospital, Concord Hospital, Laconia Clinic... I'm sure there's others...

I don't want this to turn into a discussion about healthcare reform or trashing some healthcare provider or hospital because of some lousy experience you've had - we've all had our share of those, I'm sure.

What's your recommendations?

VtSteve · 11-13-2009, 09:59 PM

I'll be honest. I generally stay home and let it go away. If I'm not bleeding profusely, turning weird shades of whatever color, or have a limb severed, I don't see doctors, regardless of where they are. Most of my problems are with my back and neck, various joints, and they're about as much help with those ailments as a bonfire in a snowball fight.

BroadHopper · 11-13-2009, 10:17 PM

Too many lawsuits and they turn people away to the Gilford clinic if you have no insurance!
I would go to Concord, if you can.

wifi · 11-13-2009, 10:21 PM

I would say look towards your family doctor. LRGH, for instance, has fast track, but its billed thru the ER, so insurance claims can be a nightmare. I get a referral from my doctor and it helps get me a lower rate, otherwise I get charged an ER visit, and my insurance won't cover it unless I get admitted

Now, if you have a tooth ache and your town just purchased a new ladder truck, there is a movement underfoot for free coverage, but that's another story.

trfour · 11-13-2009, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wifi

I would say look towards your family doctor. LRGH, for instance, has fast track, but its billed thru the ER, so insurance claims can be a nightmare. I get a referral from my doctor and it helps get me a lower rate, otherwise I get charged an ER visit, and my insurance won't cover it unless I get admitted

Now, if you have a tooth ache and your town just purchased a new ladder truck, there is a movement underfoot for free coverage, but that's another story.

Thank God I had Great coverage through a former employer when I needed it and LRGH was fantastic!

[/Quote] Now, if you have a tooth ache and your town just purchased a new ladder truck, there is a movement underfoot for free coverage, but that's another story.

If FLL's application to drive that new ladder truck had gone through, with his Hazmat CDLA license, I know that he would never have backed it into that building and could have saved a ton of money.
However, on his application he side noted for two polishers to keep the truck looking new, so that he could do his push ups on the side.

angela4design · 11-14-2009, 11:50 PM

I try to go to Concord. LRGH has not been recommended by staff and friends. Even past experiences have led me to go the distance; drive to Concord unless it's REALLY urgent.

However, we are blessed with some good MDs in the Lakes Region. Is that what [recommendation] you're looking for?

I have a chronic health condition myself, but have to drive to MAINE for treatment, so it really depends on what you're talking about! (Lyme Disease for me)

Argie's Wife · 11-14-2009, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VtSteve

I'll be honest. I generally stay home and let it go away. If I'm not bleeding profusely, turning weird shades of whatever color, or have a limb severed, I don't see doctors, regardless of where they are. Most of my problems are with my back and neck, various joints, and they're about as much help with those ailments as a bonfire in a snowball fight.

I didn't have that luxury the other day... cold, asthma, ear infection, and bronchitis made for the perfect storm of a miserable day. My rescue inhaler died - not good. It had been five years since I'd been seen for anything so I thought it was time to get patched up and back in business. One day and three prescriptions made a big difference... I'm back to chasing kiddos again (us moms can't call in sick, ya know....)

trfour · 11-15-2009, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Every Friday from 8-4, the DMV does cdl pre-trip, backing and road tests based in the parking lot behind the DMV in Concord on Hazen Drive.

Fire trucks from multiple NH towns & cities (along with numerous different commercial trucks) show up and get put into use by fire-fighters for passing/failing their cdl-b or cdl-a license.

Up till November 2006 about 85% of all test-takers were failed. In December 2006, the backing section of the test which involves straight backing, parallel parking, and not touching any of the many orange highway cones on the course was made less demanding and thereafter only about 20% of all test-takers were failed. Have no idea if the lower standards had anything to do with this Meredith truck repair but it is something to consider?

For observation, I sat there all day from 8-4 in Sept 2006, and watched eight out of nine cdl test-takers flunk the backing test because they touched an orange cone. Only the very first vehicle, a 10-wheel dump with a large construction trailer taking the 'a' test, passed. The next eight different trucks all hit cones and flunked. It was like "you just touch the little black square base at the bottom of an orange highway cone with the tires or mud flaps and you get blown away for three months till your next scheduled test. A trooper administering the test would blow his/her whistle and shout "set the brakes and get out of the truck, Junior!"

Way too many flunkees so the test was made much more easy or something.......oh well...........

!

I have every confidence in you're abilities to be a first rate CDL operative and I am sure that you know of today's rules that each and every CDL licensee needs also to pass the scrutiny of the Homeland Security. I was originally grandfathered in way back when, and enjoyed ( part time driving for some Large companies ) and got to travel to many areas of this wonderful country, computer shows in Elkhart IND, New York's Madison Square Garden, Long Island and a host of others, so I have and was fortunate and used my CDLA/MC around, Big Time!
We ( ratchet jaw, back and forth here ) but we also respect one another.
Besides your great sense of humor, I think that you are a good kid!
Terry

trfour · 11-15-2009, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

I didn't have that luxury the other day... cold, asthma, ear infection, and bronchitis made for the perfect storm of a miserable day. My rescue inhaler died - not good. It had been five years since I'd been seen for anything so I thought it was time to get patched up and back in business. One day and three prescriptions made a big difference... I'm back to chasing kiddos again (us moms can't call in sick, ya know....)

Argie's Wife, my sincere hope is that you are feeling better soon.
I am not too sure that I will ever grow up, 'H'age 65 and counting, but after baring 11 children, I would think that my Mom would hope so.
Please stay forever young. Never grow up, never grow up, never grow up.
Only kidding.

Whimsey · 11-15-2009, 10:01 AM

I've used Barrington Walk-in Care on Rt 125 in Barrington a few times when I can't get to my primary care physician in Alton. No appontments needed. Wait isn't too bad, good results and open until 8 pm during the week and until 6 pm on Saturdays.

KBoater · 11-15-2009, 01:07 PM

Having spent 1+ years chasing down and seeing medical people, I have bias opinions.

First thing is to review local doctors and become a patient of one so you can get
references from them and get to a specialist if needed. Do this before you have a problem.
I lost my previous doctor when he left the area.
I spent April to October last getting to the correct doctor.
Many doctors have long waiting lists for new patients.

Second I can only praise Concord Hospital as having excellent faculties,
great people and caring service.
It was a chore to get there from Wolfeboro over the frost heaves in Barnstead but well worth it.
They fixed the road just after I finished treatment. Concord was the recommend facility for me.

The last thing and best solution is STAY HEALTHY or have good insurance.

Greene's Basin Girl · 11-15-2009, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLboater

Having spent 1+ years chasing down and seeing medical people, I have bias opinions.

First thing is to review local doctors and become a patient of one so you can get
references from them and get to a specialist if needed. Do this before you have a problem.
I lost my previous doctor when he left the area.
I spent April to October last getting to the correct doctor.
Many doctors have long waiting lists for new patients.

Second I can only praise Concord Hospital as having excellent faculties,
great people and caring service.
It was a chore to get there from Wolfeboro over the frost heaves in Barnstead but well worth it.
They fixed the road just after I finished treatment. Concord was the recommend facility for me.

The last thing and best solution is STAY HEALTHY or have good insurance.

I use to have my doctors in the lakes region, but I decided to switch to Concord Internal Medicine. I have been very happy with the change. The drawback is that it is a bit of a drive from Moultonborough.

KTO · 11-16-2009, 01:47 AM

How about Speare Memorial in Plymouth. It's one of the best small-town hospitals in the country.

weim2 · 11-17-2009, 07:51 PM

I have used Fast Track at LRGHealthcare numerous times with great results. My PCP is Belknap Family Health in Meredith across from the Harley Shop. Both are excellent. Heart attacks, go to Concord however.

Nadia · 11-17-2009, 09:41 PM

I go to Laconia Clinic, my physician, Mike Dipre is there and has been seeing me since I was a teenager. If I'm very sick like you described (AW) he has sick slots and will fit me in right away, however I am a regular patient of his. If he is not there I will see one other Doctor, Barrett Chapin, who handles his patients when he's not there. I pretty much refuse to see anyone else unless it's really bad. My next choice is Concord Hospital. There is also a walk-in clinic in Concord right off of 93, I think it's exit 15. I took my husband there once, they were excellent. For many, many reasons, we are not fans of LRGH. One time I was rushed to LRGH but it was a major emergency.

Argie's Wife · 11-18-2009, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trfour

Argie's Wife, my sincere hope is that you are feeling better soon.
I am not too sure that I will ever grow up, 'H'age 65 and counting, but after baring 11 children, I would think that my Mom would hope so.
Please stay forever young. Never grow up, never grow up, never grow up.
Only kidding.

Oh, I don't intend to... ask anyone who knows me. I'm a big kid and had kids to justify buying toys, playing games, and still playing on swing sets.

And I feel much better, thank you! I'm back to running after the littlest Arglet and yelling again... (much to my kids' disappointment...!)

CGI3 · 11-18-2009, 10:32 PM

This website might be helpful for those with a high deductible like myself.
http://www.nhhealthcost.org/costByProcedure.aspx This site will give you the cost of basic office visits, and many other procedures. I didn't relize that the prices fluctuated so much! I went to an LRGH affiliate (was seen by a nurse, not a doctor) for a basic check up. Checked my heart rate, checked my weight, pulled some nasty earwax out of one of my ears, etc. etc. I was in and out in 20 min. Cost me a whopping $267.00! My new insurance agent told me to check out this site. I could not believe the differance in prices. The same procedure at speare would have cost me no more than $88.00! Check it out. With my 5000.00 deductible believe you me, I will be shopping around.

mcdude · 11-19-2009, 07:48 AM

Luckily I haven't had to avail myself of their services often, but, I've been pleased with the walk-in clinic at Huggins Hospital.

summersux · 12-22-2009, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

What's your recommendations?

Dr. Google, hard to get a script though.

tis · 12-22-2009, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcdude

Luckily I haven't had to avail myself of their services often, but, I've been pleased with the walk-in clinic at Huggins Hospital.

Where is the walk in clinic at Huggins Hospital? You must mean the emergency room? If you have ever gone to the emergency room and had it treated as a walk in visit, you are the only one I have ever heard of that has done so! Lucky you!

ApS · 12-22-2009, 06:43 PM

McDude's last visit must have been years ago—lucky him!

Huggin's "Walk-In-Clinic" sign hasn't been seen for a very long time. (It was adjacent to—and otherwise indistinguishable from—the Emergency Room).

Heaven · 12-22-2009, 06:59 PM

Huggins did have a walk in clinic, for years and years, at the emergency room area. They only stopped about 2 years ago, I think.

trfour · 12-22-2009, 09:06 PM

Too Cute... [Quote}= "Oh, I don't intend to... ask anyone who knows me. I'm a big kid and had kids to justify buying toys, playing games, and still playing on swing sets.

And I feel much better, thank you! I'm back to running after the littlest Arglet and yelling again... (much to my kids' disappointment...!") end [Quote].

Great news! You add Much Spice to the threads over here, and you are appreciated!
From a fan,
Terry

Argie's Wife · 12-22-2009, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by summersux

Dr. Google, hard to get a script though.

Uh, yeah. That's sorta obvious. But I was looking for other people's opinions vs. another list of trial-n-error. (And I work in healthcare - but I'm on the other side of the counter, if you know what I mean - it's a lot different when you're the patient....google it if you don't believe me...)

tis · 12-23-2009, 07:23 AM

When Huggins supposedly did have the clinic, very seldom would they consider it outpatient. Very seldom. Most I know including myself, got charged emergency. Questionable or not.

Heaven · 12-23-2009, 06:16 PM

I think they used to charge the incident as an emergency visit if it were a visit in an emergency (like if you have a regular doctor but you needed emergency care right now), and charged as outpatient if it were a medical visit more like an office visit except the person didn't have a local regular physician to go to.

tis · 12-23-2009, 06:26 PM

I remember when they started it we had some kind of a notice, I don't remember how we got it, but it said things such as sore throats and minor things would be outpatient but if it was much more serious, it would be emergency. However, maybe for a sore throat you got the bill for oupatient, but that hardly ever did happen. At least not to anyone I knew.

11-13-2009, 09:33 PM	#1
Argie's Wife Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Alton Posts: 1,908 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 533 Thanked 579 Times in 260 Posts	Where do you go when you're sick? (In the LR) This could be a loaded thread... but I'm looking for a straight forward answer about where you go for treatment when you're under the weather but it's not a major emergency? (Major emergency = nearest hospital). I'm trying to think of what our choices are around here... Hugging Hospital, Lakes Region General Hospital, Franklin Regional Hospital, Concord Hospital, Laconia Clinic... I'm sure there's others... I don't want this to turn into a discussion about healthcare reform or trashing some healthcare provider or hospital because of some lousy experience you've had - we've all had our share of those, I'm sure. What's your recommendations?

11-13-2009, 10:17 PM	#3
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,569 Thanks: 3,201 Thanked 1,101 Times in 793 Posts	Not LRGH Too many lawsuits and they turn people away to the Gilford clinic if you have no insurance! I would go to Concord, if you can. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

11-13-2009, 10:21 PM	#4
wifi Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lakes Region Posts: 1,321 Thanks: 282 Thanked 287 Times in 169 Posts	Your family physician is your friend I would say look towards your family doctor. LRGH, for instance, has fast track, but its billed thru the ER, so insurance claims can be a nightmare. I get a referral from my doctor and it helps get me a lower rate, otherwise I get charged an ER visit, and my insurance won't cover it unless I get admitted Now, if you have a tooth ache and your town just purchased a new ladder truck, there is a movement underfoot for free coverage, but that's another story.

11-14-2009, 11:50 PM	#6
angela4design Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Meredith Posts: 353 Thanks: 45 Thanked 54 Times in 38 Posts	it all depends... I try to go to Concord. LRGH has not been recommended by staff and friends. Even past experiences have led me to go the distance; drive to Concord unless it's REALLY urgent. However, we are blessed with some good MDs in the Lakes Region. Is that what [recommendation] you're looking for? I have a chronic health condition myself, but have to drive to MAINE for treatment, so it really depends on what you're talking about! (Lyme Disease for me)

11-15-2009, 01:07 PM	#11
KBoater Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 521 Thanks: 10 Thanked 29 Times in 15 Posts	My bias opinions. Having spent 1+ years chasing down and seeing medical people, I have bias opinions. First thing is to review local doctors and become a patient of one so you can get references from them and get to a specialist if needed. Do this before you have a problem. I lost my previous doctor when he left the area. I spent April to October last getting to the correct doctor. Many doctors have long waiting lists for new patients. Second I can only praise Concord Hospital as having excellent faculties, great people and caring service. It was a chore to get there from Wolfeboro over the frost heaves in Barnstead but well worth it. They fixed the road just after I finished treatment. Concord was the recommend facility for me. The last thing and best solution is STAY HEALTHY or have good insurance. __________________ Home Permanently in NH

11-13-2009, 09:59 PM	#2
VtSteve Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,320 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 230 Thanked 361 Times in 169 Posts	I'll be honest. I generally stay home and let it go away. If I'm not bleeding profusely, turning weird shades of whatever color, or have a limb severed, I don't see doctors, regardless of where they are. Most of my problems are with my back and neck, various joints, and they're about as much help with those ailments as a bonfire in a snowball fight.

11-15-2009, 10:01 AM	#10
Whimsey Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Rum Point/West Alton Posts: 196 Thanks: 261 Thanked 37 Times in 24 Posts	I've used Barrington Walk-in Care on Rt 125 in Barrington a few times when I can't get to my primary care physician in Alton. No appontments needed. Wait isn't too bad, good results and open until 8 pm during the week and until 6 pm on Saturdays.

11-16-2009, 01:47 AM	#13
KTO Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Meredith, NH Posts: 391 Thanks: 30 Thanked 117 Times in 26 Posts	How about Speare Memorial in Plymouth. It's one of the best small-town hospitals in the country.

11-17-2009, 07:51 PM	#14
weim2 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 92 Thanks: 7 Thanked 8 Times in 7 Posts	LRGH-Fast Track I have used Fast Track at LRGHealthcare numerous times with great results. My PCP is Belknap Family Health in Meredith across from the Harley Shop. Both are excellent. Heart attacks, go to Concord however.

11-17-2009, 09:41 PM	#15
Nadia Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Laconia/Vegas/Florida Posts: 160 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 24 Thanked 19 Times in 10 Posts	I go to Laconia Clinic, my physician, Mike Dipre is there and has been seeing me since I was a teenager. If I'm very sick like you described (AW) he has sick slots and will fit me in right away, however I am a regular patient of his. If he is not there I will see one other Doctor, Barrett Chapin, who handles his patients when he's not there. I pretty much refuse to see anyone else unless it's really bad. My next choice is Concord Hospital. There is also a walk-in clinic in Concord right off of 93, I think it's exit 15. I took my husband there once, they were excellent. For many, many reasons, we are not fans of LRGH. One time I was rushed to LRGH but it was a major emergency.

11-18-2009, 10:32 PM	#17
CGI3 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 91 Thanks: 135 Thanked 18 Times in 11 Posts	Comparative health care in NH This website might be helpful for those with a high deductible like myself. http://www.nhhealthcost.org/costByProcedure.aspx This site will give you the cost of basic office visits, and many other procedures. I didn't relize that the prices fluctuated so much! I went to an LRGH affiliate (was seen by a nurse, not a doctor) for a basic check up. Checked my heart rate, checked my weight, pulled some nasty earwax out of one of my ears, etc. etc. I was in and out in 20 min. Cost me a whopping $267.00! My new insurance agent told me to check out this site. I could not believe the differance in prices. The same procedure at speare would have cost me no more than $88.00! Check it out. With my 5000.00 deductible believe you me, I will be shopping around.

11-19-2009, 07:48 AM	#18
mcdude Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Rock Haven Lake - West Newfield, ME Posts: 5,367 Thanks: 374 Thanked 1,057 Times in 495 Posts	Luckily I haven't had to avail myself of their services often, but, I've been pleased with the walk-in clinic at Huggins Hospital. __________________

12-22-2009, 06:43 PM	#21
ApS Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Florida (Sebring & Keys), Wolfeboro Posts: 5,935 Thanks: 2,204 Thanked 776 Times in 553 Posts	McDude's last visit must have been years ago—lucky him! Huggin's "Walk-In-Clinic" sign hasn't been seen for a very long time. (It was adjacent to—and otherwise indistinguishable from—the Emergency Room).

12-22-2009, 06:59 PM	#22
Heaven Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 523 Thanks: 128 Thanked 95 Times in 67 Posts	Huggins did have a walk in clinic, for years and years, at the emergency room area. They only stopped about 2 years ago, I think.

12-22-2009, 09:06 PM	#23
trfour Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Lakes, Central NH. and Dallas/Fort Worth TX. Posts: 3,694 Blog Entries: 3 Thanks: 3,069 Thanked 472 Times in 236 Posts	Argie's Wife... Too Cute... [Quote}= "Oh, I don't intend to... ask anyone who knows me. I'm a big kid and had kids to justify buying toys, playing games, and still playing on swing sets. And I feel much better, thank you! I'm back to running after the littlest Arglet and yelling again... (much to my kids' disappointment...!") end [Quote]. Great news! You add Much Spice to the threads over here, and you are appreciated! From a fan, Terry __________________ *trfour* Always Remember, The Best Safety Device In The Boat, or on a PWC Snowmobile etc., Is YOU! Safe sledding tips and much more; http://www.snowmobile.org/snowmobiling-safety.html

12-23-2009, 07:23 AM	#25
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,681 Thanks: 750 Thanked 1,446 Times in 1,004 Posts	When Huggins supposedly did have the clinic, very seldom would they consider it outpatient. Very seldom. Most I know including myself, got charged emergency. Questionable or not.

12-23-2009, 06:16 PM	#26
Heaven Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 523 Thanks: 128 Thanked 95 Times in 67 Posts	I think they used to charge the incident as an emergency visit if it were a visit in an emergency (like if you have a regular doctor but you needed emergency care right now), and charged as outpatient if it were a medical visit more like an office visit except the person didn't have a local regular physician to go to.

12-23-2009, 06:26 PM	#27
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,681 Thanks: 750 Thanked 1,446 Times in 1,004 Posts	I remember when they started it we had some kind of a notice, I don't remember how we got it, but it said things such as sore throats and minor things would be outpatient but if it was much more serious, it would be emergency. However, maybe for a sore throat you got the bill for oupatient, but that hardly ever did happen. At least not to anyone I knew.