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If you don't need to go to the doctor a lot, I'd recommend just going down to Albuquerque... medical here really sucks! I drive to Albuquerque for many medical things and for dental. I absolutely love my dentist... best I've ever had! Michael Armijo, DDS in Albuquerque.
I like my dentist in SF -- Pete Tafoya. I'm still trying to find a doctor I like. The one I really liked when I lived here before doesn't take new patients unless you're pregnant.
Sean,
Really, really hard to find a PCP. Many aren't taking new patients. Get on their waiting list, if they have one, or call back regularly.
The hospital has opened several clinics around town. You can get you basic GP-type needs taken care of there. The one in at de Vargas also has an urgent care clinic in the same location - to get help, without an appointment, if you've got a problem that doesn't need an ER visit.
Ask at the clinic about who is accepting patients. Consider physician's assistants. They can be more caring than MD's.
And, there are plenty of specialists who haven't been squeezed out of the system by the government.
As one who spent a former career in health care administration, the one thing that concerned me when we moved here was the quality of medical care - which I had heard was poor. I am happy to say that there are some truly excellent primary care physicians here, although like others have said it can be difficult getting into their practices. There are also excellent specialists, and dentists. Over the past few years, since the purchase of our hospital by the Christus Health Care System, I have seen, through the experiences of others, a dramatic, positive shift in the quality of service and care provided at Christus-St. Vincent's. I'll also add that we have a large number of accupuncturists, chiropractors, physical therapists, Oriental Medicine and other holistic practitioners.
I once thought I'd have to drive to Albuquerque for hospital care. Now I'm not so sure. I'm one who believes that if you've got something serious, you go to the best - no matter where that is. I'm also of the belief that if you can stay as far away from hospitals as possible, the need for urgent care notwithstanding, the better off you'll be!
I am very happy with my PCP. His name is John Becker and his practice is Eldorado Family Practice (which is located, unsurprisingly, in Eldorado). Not sure if he is taking new patients, but he is very thorough, spends time explaining his thinking about your situation and is an all around nice person. My dentist is Dr. Jensen and he is good as well.
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