Health & Exercise

Anyone had a DO (v. an MD) for Primary Care?

My MD primary physician retired and, sadly, now that I need a preconception physical, I am stuck hunting for a new doctor.  I wanted another female doctor.  Unfortunately, most of the female doctors listed for my PPO insurance appear not to be taking new patients (and, believe me, I have called at least 15 different providers - - very frustrating).  I have found a female doctor who is board-certified, takes the PPO, but is a DO (not an MD).

Anyone had experience with a DO?  I've never gone to a DO before and I'm reading that their training/residency requirements are the same, but I just would like to hear the perspective of  a patient.

Re: Anyone had a DO (v. an MD) for Primary Care?

  • I was misdiagnosed by several MD's for months.  They kept telling me I had allergies when I actually had a respiratory infection that put me in the ER and led to adult onset asthma.  It was a DO in the ER that finally made the correct diagnosis.  I also saw a DO for the asthma and it was a really positive experience.  He focused on lifestyle in addition to prescribing medicine and encouraged me to keep running.  He also gave me hope that I could wean off the meds.  The MD I saw before him prescribed me 4 different medicines, told me I would have to quit running and learn to deal with a life-long disease.  I'm happy to say the DO was right. 

    I've had some great MD's, so I'm sure it really comes down to the individual physician.  If your insurance company would allow you to switch if you don't like her, I would definitely give her a shot. 

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  • My primary care is a DO and he's great.  Don't believe all the stuff you may hear from DO haters who say it's like fancied up chiropractic medicine.  I think DO's take the time to listen a little more than MDs because they're looking for solutions that don't always rely on medication.

    That said, whenever I've been really sick (bronchitis, infected fissures-- I know, TMI), my DO never hesitated to prescribe something.  Then we'd talk about how to get better faster and avoid repeat occurrences.  He's also pretty open with suggesting referrals if he feels that a specialist is needed, as opposed to trying to solve very specific issues himself.  I like that.

    I stick to his advice and sadly, hardly have to see him.

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  • I have two good friends who are both DOs.  They went through the SAME schooling and residency/fellowship programs as any MD does.  DOs are taught a slightly different, more holistic approach to medicine than MDs, but that's basically the only difference.  I personally would not hesistate to go to a DO.  There's actually a lot about the DO approach to medicine that I like better than the MD approach (more holistic and geared towards less drug prescription, etc.)
  • When I moved to be closer to be now husband, I had to find a new doctor.  A DO was recommeded to me by friends and I had reservations that they were not "real" doctors".

    But I LOVE my DO.  She is awesome.  Communicates well, knows her limits when it comes to expertise, and gives me a choice of referrals when I need one.

    I say go for a female DO if you find one in your network.

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  • My primary care doctor is a DO and he's fabulous. He is one of the best doctors I've ever seen! I feel like he really takes the time to listen to me, and he asks plenty of questions before discussing options. He doesn't hesitate to prescribe prescription medication when needed. In fact, when I began seeing him I had just been to a dermatologist the month before to treat acne. The medication the dermatologist gave me was CLEARLY not working, and he prescribed a much better regimen than the specialist had!

    I say go for it!

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