This was my first trip to a doctor's office in over a year, and until I was diagnosed with diabetes, I NEVER visited one unless I was having very painful symptoms. I never got physicals (which I still won't), and never submitted to the recommended exams that men should get when we see age fifty in the rear view mirror.
That being said, I didn't know what to expect when I arrived there as a new patient last Friday, but I was very intimidated. I was quite certain they would press me to undergo various examinations that I'd never had done, and in fact the very thought of them had literally made my skin crawl. (So I never will submit to them, and I'll deal with whatever consequences may befall me because of it).
Exactly why I'm so adamant regarding this is beyond the scope of this review --- however it's well within in it to say that, although some of these procedures were recommended by the nurse and doctor, when I said "no", that was the end of it. And when I told the doctor that I also had gender preferences (requirements, actually) with respect to examinations, I was told they could accommodate me there also. I felt that was very respectful and it helped to ease my anxiety.
About the only negative thing was that when I called to make my first appointment, I was given the names of two available doctors --- and of course I knew nothing about either one. Only when I asked, did they tell me that one of them was a female. I don't allow examinations by females, so if I had unwittingly selected one and hadn't realized it until I'd arrived to my appointment --- I'd have been very upset and would've likely been back to square-one regarding my treatment for what was then uncontrolled diabetes.
But that issue was thankfully circumvented, and overall my visit to Family Practice Associates went very well! read more
