WhichSea15 t1_j3f9fu8 wrote on January 8, 2023 at 3:36 AM

I caution against Vanguard Medical Group. The downtown location is so convenient, but my PCP there brushed off several issues I brought up. I then went to a specialist on my own and got to the root cause and am finally getting treatment. They also have some pretty terrible policies around forced video visits.

bitterfuzzy t1_j3knnj0 wrote on January 9, 2023 at 5:22 AM

This is surprising and I'm sorry to hear it. By forced video visits, do you mean telehealth appointments? I have had numerous telehealth appointments and I do not think my care has been compromised. When I've had to go in, they've made in-person appointments.

I really like my PCP there and I don't feel like I get the brush off; I feel like the reality of managed care is that the PCP will often refer you to a specialist because they can't do everything.

WhichSea15 t1_j3u7xyn wrote on January 11, 2023 at 2:24 AM

Yeah, telehealth, which you have to pay for, even when a telehealth appointment can't resolve your problem. I've also had (and paid for) telehealth appointments only for them to have misled me about appointment availability, and I had to go to urgent care instead.

I think the brush-off I received there was due to some anti-fat bias, so I'm sure ymmv.

bitterfuzzy t1_j3v6fux wrote on January 11, 2023 at 7:27 AM

My understanding is that if it's something that can wait, like a routine checkup, yeah, you're going to wait a while...weeks or longer. But if you're actually sick, they will try to fit you in as soon as possible.

On my insurance basic PCP appointments are covered 100%, so I can't comment on being charged for telehealth.

I've also never felt fat shamed. (I'm fat.) I've always been asked if they can weigh me, and if it's not related to my health issue, it doesn't come up.

Interesting how people can have such different experiences at the same practice. I hope you've found a place that works better for you.