The January 2017 To-Do List »
The holiday festivities are over, but January doesn't have to be a drag. It's actually the best time to finish projects and organize your life – all while having a little fun.
YP - The Real Yellow PagesSM - helps you find the right local businesses to meet your specific needs. Search results are sorted by a combination of factors to give you a set of choices in response to your search criteria. These factors are similar to those you might use to determine which business to select from a local Yellow Pages directory, including proximity to where you are searching, expertise in the specific services or products you need, and comprehensive business information to help evaluate a business's suitability for you. “Preferred” listings, or those with featured website buttons, indicate YP advertisers who directly provide information about their businesses to help consumers make more informed buying decisions. YP advertisers receive higher placement in the default ordering of search results and may appear in sponsored listings on the top, side, or bottom of the search results page.
104 Buckwalter Pkwy Ste 1cBluffton, SC 29910
I had a great experience with Dr. Weniger. On November 4th, I had liposuction in his office. The staff was always friendly, and so was Dr. Weniger…
80 Baylor Dr Ste 104Bluffton, SC 29910
Very nice upscale place and pleasant well dressed employees but customer service was poor to me in their knowledge of product and my major eye insur…
I have been seeing Dr. Nivens for 10 years for Degenerative Disc Disease and Spinal Stenosis in the Lumbar, Thoracic and Cervical spine. I also hav…
38 Sheridan Park Cir Ste FBluffton, SC 29910
The medical assistants seemed to be learning on the job. One was very knowledgeable, one had no clue what to do. She had terrible aseptic technique.…
19 Promenade StBluffton, SC 29910
38 Sheridan Park Cir Ste FBluffton, SC 29910
7 Mallett WayBluffton, SC 29910
10 Oak Forest Rd Ste CBluffton, SC 29910
23 Plantation Park Dr Ste 402Bluffton, SC 29910
29 Plantation Park Dr Ste 602Bluffton, SC 29910
29 Plantation Park Dr Ste 202Bluffton, SC 29910
11 Arley WayBluffton, SC 29910
Worth the wait for me to find this all-female staffed oasis ready to listen to my heath concerns and acknowledge my imput. They are prompt, courteou…
119 Palmetto WayBluffton, SC 29910
350 Fording Island Rd Ste 200Bluffton, SC 29910
From Business: Dr. Weniger is the premier cosmetic plastic surgeon in South Carolina. He specializes in surgery of the Face, Breast & Body. Facial Rejuvenation includes; Face Li…
3 Malphrus RdBluffton, SC 29910
From Business: Sungate Medical is your neighborhood eye doctor located at 3 Malphrus Rd. Your Bluffton eyecare center offers genuine eye care where your eye health and wellness …
29 Plantation Park Dr Ste 803Bluffton, SC 29910
From Business: Providing affordable pain management to those WHO suffer from chronic pain.
14 Oak Forest Rd Ste CBluffton, SC 29910
18 Oak Forest Rd Ste ABluffton, SC 29910
I was able to find the pain medication that was very effective, but did not interfere with my normal functioning thanks to Dr Rowe and his team! He'…
29 Plantation Park Dr Ste 301Bluffton, SC 29910
The holiday festivities are over, but January doesn't have to be a drag. It's actually the best time to finish projects and organize your life – all while having a little fun.
Went to Dr. Goetz for a wellness checkup one week after my bloodwork as I had been doing for the last five years. I wanted to talk to her about how I had been feeling since I was in the hospital 3 months earlier with no good bacteria in my gut. She informed me she couldn't talk to me about it because Medicare wouldn't let her and I would have to make another appointment. Well, what in the **** is a wellness exam if you can't talk to your doctor about your wellness???? She told me this relationship isn't working and I should find myself another doctor. I went to her believing she was there to help me with my "wellness". She is rude and doesn't care for her patients. I should have got the clue on our first visit when the first thing out of her mouth was that I needed to loose weight and I am a size 10-12 and am 66 years old who is not overweight. If you are looking for a caring doctor, don't go near this rude, uncaring doctor.
If I could give zero stars I would. It's unlike me to ever write a review but this has to be shared. I made an appointment for my daughter to see Dr. Lynn Goetz....after 45 mins she storms in the room with as little as an introduction, hey some eye contact would have been nice too. She proceeds to question my daughter on what took her so long to see a doctor concerning her wart. From here she was hostile and condescending. My daughter asked her a few questions and Dr. Goetz couldn't lose her attitude. The entire feeling of the room was that her time was being wasted. Furthermore, I asked if she could look up what shots my daughter needed, she abruptly left the room. I looked at my daughter and we were both shaking from her tone, manner and absolute arrogance. We walk out and I tell her that I hope her day improves. She comes over and my daughter tells her she's taken aback from her unnecessary attitude. Dr. Goetz claimed that we shot demands at her. What demands? Really? She then yells, "You're not welcome here. I own the place. LEAVE!" .....this is the reason our health care is so subpar - we have doctors like her who are money driven, we get it you own the place. Now I have to find a new doctor which is unfortunate because Dr. Stephanie Lovato is truly an excellent Doctor. Worst experience I've ever had at a doctors office. Beware!!!!
Terrible choice! 5 minutes late to an appt? You have to reschedule. You need a medication? They prescribe the most expensive that their pharmaceutical companies are giving kickbacks for. Need a doctor? 3 month wait to get in. And their office staff is rude and unwelcoming. I regret ever taking time off of my day to do business with them. Better off in an ER....
Physicians and surgeons help to keep people - from infants to the elderly - as healthy as possible. These individuals provide diagnoses and treatments for a wide variety of ailments, and preventative care and early detection for more serious illnesses. Whether you love or hate going to the doctor, the fact is your physician is there to listen to your health concerns, take preventative measures against diseases and advise you on your options for staying in tip-top shape.
In 2013, there were more than 1 million doctors of medicine in the U.S., over 854,000 of which were active. Additionally, in 2012, there were about 18,000 active general surgeons in the country. It's important to know which type of physician or surgeon you need, how to choose the best one, and account for other considerations in order to stay healthy.
Patients can choose from a wide variety of physicians depending on doctor specialty and what problems they are experiencing. Here are a few of the most common types of physicians that you may see in your lifetime:
General Practitioner
Your GP is the doctor that you go to for regular checkups, vaccines and to identify health issues. GPs can treat many different illnesses and injuries, from the common cold to a broken arm. If your health requires a second opinion or expert care, the GP will refer you to a specialist who has the skills to focus in on the issue.
Cardiologist
Heart attacks and heart disease are some of the most common afflictions seen across the country, making cardiologists important to your long-term health. These physicians specialize in studying and treating the heart and related diseases.
Dentist
Other than a GP, the dentist is likely the most common physician you'll ever see. These professionals work with the human mouth, ensuring that your teeth and gum health are up to par. Patients typically go to the dentist twice a year.
Dermatologist
Dermatologists are focused on skin-related issues and diseases, from skin cancers, to acute acne, eczema, psoriasis, and general cosmetic concerns like aging and scars. Most will also perform annual or semi-annual mole checks to screen for any signs of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.
ENT
If you have a number of sinus infections or have had your tonsils taken out, you've likely seen an ENT specialist. ENTs handle ailments related to the ear, nose and throat, often related to taking out tonsils and treating hearing issues.
OB/GYN
For many women, their gynecologist and obstetrician are the same person. These professionals work with the female reproductive system to focus on reproductive health, fertility issues, prenatal care, options for new and expectant mothers, neonatal care and childbirth. OB/GYNs can also help in the early detection of breast or cervical cancer.
There are obviously a number of physicians that you can choose from, but how do you know if they're the best choice for you? Here are a few considerations to help you pick a physician:
Look at Your Insurance
Before you get down to the details, you need to verify which doctors are covered by your insurance and whether they are in or out of your carrier's network. Rates may be cheaper if the doc is in network – a doctor can be covered by your insurance but not necessarily in network. Out of network is typically more expensive. Doctors often add and drop plans, so it's important to ensure that your options are compatible with your insurance plan. Doing your homework will help you avoid unexpected expenses.
Check for Board Certification
Your physician should be certified through the American Board of Medical Specialties. Doctors must earn a medical degree from a qualified school, complete three to seven years of residency training, be licensed by a state medical board and pass one or more ABMS exams to be certified.
Examine the Reviews
Reviews of a doctor can reveal a lot about what your experience may be like. People may grade on staff friendliness, availability and effectiveness of treatment. Looking at these evaluations and getting recommendations from family and friends can direct you toward a physician for your needs.
Surgeons can literally hold your life in their hands, and it's important to find the best one that can put you at ease and treat you effectively
Compatibility Factor
You need to feel comfortable with your surgeon. It's important to communicate your concerns and that your surgeon can respond adequately. Surgeons should be willing to go over the details of your procedure and answer any questions that you may have. They must take the time to discuss and address your worries.
Expertise Level
If you're going in for surgery, you want someone that knows what they're doing and has a high success rate. Ask how often the surgeon performs this surgery and try to find one that regularly does it. This will give you peace of mind that you're in capable hands.
Your decision on a physician or surgeon can be majorly affected by the insurance plan you have. You may have insurance through employment, your spouse, your parents if you're under 26, or the marketplace if the previous options don't apply to you. It's important to understand how your insurance works to have the full picture of what you'll need to pay for.
Your insurance will have a deductible, which is the amount that you're responsible to pay for covered medical expenses. Some plans have coinsurances, where you must pay a certain percentage of the bill, and insurance will cover the rest. Co-pays state a flat rate for certain services, like paying $20 when you visit your GP or a $100 co-pay for an emergency room visit. Once you reach your out-of-pocket maximum, which will differ if you're an individual or within a family plan, your insurance may pay for 100 percent of covered medical expenses for the rest of the plan year.
If you plan to go to the doctor, need medication or have been recommended for surgery, call your insurance provider or go online to see what your plan covers. You can choose the best doctor for your needs, understand your options and prevent yourself from being blindsided by medical expenses.
Most doctors require a phone call for an appointment, although some may provide online scheduling as well. Be sure to have your insurance card with you when you set an appointment, and to bring it with you to the actual appointment. They need the ID numbers to verify your coverage, and will usually make a copy of the card for their files so you don't have to show it again unless your insurance changes.
When you call, let them know if you're a new patient, as this will require you to complete some paperwork for your first visit. Tell them the reason for your visit, such as your symptoms if you're feeling sick. It's also important to inform them if you have Medicaid and to find out if you need to bring anything to the visit, like current medications or medical records.
From here, the receptionist will likely ask what dates and times work best for you. During your call, it's important to be honest about your symptoms and the reason for your visit. This information will help the doctor treat you and give him or her an idea of what to expect. Your appointment may progress faster as a result, and the doctor can come prepared with a list of options to better care for you.
Doctors see a number of patients in a day, sometimes in 15-minute increments in areas where the physicians are in high demand. This can leave little time for doctors to perform thorough examinations, and they can end up missing certain problem indicators. While some problems, like a cold or flu, can be diagnosed in this time, more complex ailments require attention, which takes up time. Reviews can illuminate which doctors actively spend the necessary time with their patients and which ones are pressed against the clock to meet demand.
Surgery has some more dire risks attached to it, so be sure to talk to your surgeon about the potential issues that can come up as a result of your procedure. If a patient has a reaction to anesthesia, it can cause very serious complications, but this is an uncommon occurrence. Blood clots can be a significant problem after surgery, often caused by inactivity during recovery. Infections, numbness, scarring, swelling and death are all possible, but the likelihood of these issues will vary depending on the type of surgery you're undergoing. Talk to your doctor about your concerns and your risk potential.
Surgery affects people in different ways, but as you begin to emerge from anesthesia, you'll want to alert your nurse to any issues you may have. The nurse will tell you how the procedure went, what effect it will have on your condition, what to expect when you get home and how long it will take to get back to normal. If you start feeling pain, the nurse may give you medication to stop it from getting worse. When possible, it's also advised to move around to avoid blood clots from developing in your legs. This can be as simple as occasionally flexing your knee or rotating your foot.
Some surgeries are outpatient procedures, where people are released the same day. For major surgeries, patients may stay at the hospital for a few days to be monitored and address any concerns before being sent home. Discuss with your surgeon the projected length of the hospital stay and what you need to bring.
Your recovery time and follow-up expectations will vary depending on your procedure. For example, you can be expected to be on your feet within a few days of having your wisdom teeth taken out, but it may be weeks before you have fully recovered from a broken foot or heart-valve surgery. Your surgeon will give you a list of things that you'll need to do during this time, including what medications to take and when you'll be able to get back to work and other activities.
Every surgery will have a follow-up call or appointment to discuss your recovery and allow you to ask any questions about unusual symptoms or changes in your overall health. If you have a major operation, like heart surgery, it's important to make regular checkups with your doctor or a specialist to ensure that everything is normal. Visiting a doctor will help deter infection and verify that everything is healing as expected. These appointments will give you peace of mind about your state of health and ensure that any issues are caught early on.