Huntsville area Dawgs: internist recommendations

[UpTheMiddlex3Punt]

I'm looking for a new primary care doctor. My previous family practice doctor has semi retired and given I'm quite a bit older (getting close to 40) than when I first moved to Huntsville, I want to get in with a good Internist. Any suggestions?

 

[dawg1]

Dr. James K. Byrd III, MD Is who I use. Seems to be very knowledgeable.

 

[Polygonal]

I go to Dr Byrd, also. Highly recommend him. My wife goes to his partner and really likes her, also.

 

[RocketDawg]

I'm looking for a new primary care doctor. My previous family practice doctor has semi retired and given I'm quite a bit older (getting close to 40) than when I first moved to Huntsville, I want to get in with a good Internist. Any suggestions?

Well, at that age you won't be around much longer. **

Best I can tell, most doctors aren't taking new patients, so good luck. Mine quit accepting new patients some time ago.

I just went through the same thing with my dentist. He had his own practice but retired, and we went to one of the "assembly line" places that have several doctors and a bunch of technicians. Quality is OK, but the personal touch is a notch or two lower.

 

[UpTheMiddlex3Punt]

I'm worried about the not taking new patients thing. My previous doctor was a well-regarded family practice doctor in Madison. He has since become a 'medical director' at his clinic and the new physicians are not nearly as good. The company I work for has a free clinic, but I wouldn't trust that doctor to give a lethal injection. Lately I've been going to urgent cares as needed, but I do need to get back to a regular doctor.

If I tell them I have good insurance does it help?**

 

[horshack.sixpack]

I'm looking for a new primary care doctor. My previous family practice doctor has semi retired and given I'm quite a bit older (getting close to 40) than when I first moved to Huntsville, I want to get in with a good Internist. Any suggestions?

Initially read this as "internet". Then saw doctor responses. I need to learn to read the words. To my credit we are now hosting the millionth rendition of cord cutting, which is unfortunately, a welcome reprieve.

 

[RocketDawg]

I'm worried about the not taking new patients thing. My previous doctor was a well-regarded family practice doctor in Madison. He has since become a 'medical director' at his clinic and the new physicians are not nearly as good. The company I work for has a free clinic, but I wouldn't trust that doctor to give a lethal injection. Lately I've been going to urgent cares as needed, but I do need to get back to a regular doctor.

If I tell them I have good insurance does it help?**

You jest, sort of, but yes, having good insurance probably would push you higher up on the wait list, maybe even to the top.

A lot of doctors (3 out of the 4 in office that I go to) have become concierge docs where you have to pay $1500 or so annually for the privilege of seeing them. For that fee, you get a separate waiting room and supposedly faster service. My doc is the 1 of the 4 that didn't change, and I've never had a problem with seeing him the same day if needed. Anyway, concierge medicine seems to be a thing, and might even become more widespread with Covid limitations.

This area seems to be pretty underserved with doctors, I suppose because of the rapid growth.

 

[HotMop]

Since you're close to 40 be sure to find a doctor that can palm a basketball. You'll thank me later.

 

[truemaroon11]

Dr. David Traynor is excellent