We're not very lucky when it comes to finding doctors for our kids. Actually, we're pretty good at finding them, we're just not lucky when it comes to keeping them!
When we were in Anderson, there was one main pediatrics practice in town that pretty much everyone took their children to. Out of the 5 doctors in the practice, we chose to see Dr. Strom-Morgan who we loved immediately when I was pregnant with Camryn. Once Camryn was born, we only got to see Dr. Strom-Morgan a handful of times before she went out on an extended medical leave. During that time, we saw a couple of other doctors in the practice that we just didn't click with. Eventually, Dr. Strom-Morgan's medical issues lasted so long, she ended up leaving the practice. We were upset but decided to see another doctor there we'd never been to before, Dr. Draisen. We had friends who saw her and recommended her. She was incredible. After thinking we'd never find another doctor like Dr. Strom-Morgan, she was amazing. She saw us through all of Camryn's chronic coughing, ear infections, and a bladder infection. Then we moved. Sad day.
We found out that around here, there's not one main practice where parents take their children. Actually, the more we asked around for recommendations for a pediatrics practice, we found out people take their kids to pediatricians as well as family doctors all over the surrounding area. We really weren't sure where we should go, but chose a practice in Ballantyne for Camryn's 3 year old appointment. We only went there for a few visits before we realized it wasn't the place for us.
Then one day, we randomly got a postcard in the mail for a new doctor advertising her practice. The practice was in town, which was a huge plus for us, so we decided to give Dr. Fine a shot. She was absolutely wonderful! We were so excited to finally find another doctor we felt was on par with the ones we left in Anderson.
When Ella was born, I called Dr. Fine's office to make her newborn appointment. I was told she was not taking new patients. I asked if it mattered that Dr. Fine currently saw our older daughter, and the receptionist said, "I'm not sure if you're aware, but Dr. Fine is leaving the practice in a few weeks!" NO! I was NOT aware! Apparently a letter had been sent out to all of Dr. Fine's patients explaining this, but we didn't receive one. We were so bummed that we were losing another doctor! We went ahead and made an appointment with the other doctor in that practice who we knew nothing about. Once we got there, we actually ended up being able to see Dr. Fine, and she saw Ella for her newborn appointment, 2 weight checks, and her 3 week appointment.
We started the process of asking around again for doctor recommendations but didn't really feel comfortable with anything we were hearing. In the end, we decided it was worth it to us to follow Dr. Fine to her new practice in Charlotte. We're OK with the drive and would rather have the peace of mind that comes with having a doctor we trust rather than having to go through the process of weeding out more until we find another good one. Plus, we have some fabulous family doctors in our church who we know would see either one of our girls if something urgent came up, and we weren't able to make the drive to see Dr. Fine.
Unfortunately, getting an appointment with Dr. Fine has not been smooth sailing, because apparently she had to be "verified" (whatever that means!) with our insurance company once she changed states to her new practice. However, we finally got the call today that everything is straightened out, and Ella is all set to have her 2 month check up tomorrow. We're excited to see Dr. Fine, and I'll be glad to report how our little roly poly is growing soon!
