When I moved here establishing a doctor unfortunately was not something I had the foresight to do…read more Six months later after clumsily taking a fall on marble floor landing on my elbow, I thought you know, why not go to that blacksmithing class the next day? Two days later, with shooting pains going up my arm, I was obviously in need of a doctor. Stat. Unless that doctor falls under the urgent care rates. No, not even severe physical pain will break my cheapskate reserve.
After calling over 20 different general practitioners, not a single one would grant me an appointment. The broken record of receptionists played "we're not accepting new patients right now" or "the soonest availability after the 2 week process of accepting a new patient would be in a month". Finally, Dr. Bakula Sheth appeared on my list, and to my surprise, the doctor herself answered my phone call. The first words out of her mouth weren't about my insurance or my irresponsibility in not establishing a doctor upon relocating to Louisville. She just wanted to know how she could help me and when I wanted to be seen. Finally, a doctor above the bureaucracy. She told me she would see me in 30 minutes.
Upon arriving, a receptionist/nurse greeted me and made a copy of my insurance while I filled out a short form. It was a little weird I had to pay in cash, but the doctor later informed me that not losing money on card transactions is one way she is able to sustain her small independent practice. The waiting area made me feel cozy and at home. Instead of the typical white, black and chrome decor I've been accustomed to at large practices, I felt like I was in my grandmother's parlor with all the Victorian-esque paintings and furniture.
The same nurse who greeted me took my blood pressure, height, weight etc. However, that was a slightly horrific experience. She confessed it was her first day and as she tightened the blood pressure pump, she asked me how to figure out my blood pressure. It ended up being a bit higher than usual...
In our first conversation Dr. Sheth embodied every quality I want in a physician. She understands the importance of creating time and a comfortable space for patients to reflect in awareness of their bodies and communicate their ailments effectively. She was very inquisitive about my medical history and even listened to my slightly hypochondriac hypotheses. Direct and assertive, she listens but is not hesitant to give you her opinion. Her philosophy as a doctor seems to mindfully straddle the line between Eastern and Western approaches to medicine. Despite being able to squeeze me in on such short notice, we still spent over 30 minutes talking.
She does not have x-ray capabilities at her practice, similar to the cash policy, it helps her stay in operation as a small independently owned practice. However, she referred me to another place that does x-rays for her since she believed I had a hairline fracture.
My only other negative aspect of this experience was that Dr. Sheth told me she'd have the results sooner than she actually ended up getting the results. Who knows if this had to do with her or place where I had my x-rays taken? When she didn't call, I had to call in the day I expected to hear from her. No results. I called the next day, and the next before I finally received message along that I did not fracture my elbow. It turned out it was just bruised and time and taking it easy was the only thing I needed to heal.
With only two minor issues that didn't really have anything to do with her, and plenty of amazing and unheard of perks, I will definitely go back to see Dr. Sheth.
