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Question. I'm looking for a good general or family practice doctor that's not part of one of the big medical groups. More like someone you can sit and talk with and won't feel rushed. Where there isn't a waiting room of 100 people waiting to see one of 10 doctors. Something more old-fashioned. Any suggestions?

Comments in this discussion: 10

I went to the urgent care center at the old Gulf Coast Hospital on Garth today and was seen by DR. Caroline Johnston. I was very impressed with the amount of time she spent with me and her great personality. I'm not sure where she practices during regular week day hours, but I would recommend her as a GP.

I would also highly recommend using the urgent care center, during off hours, as an alternative to using an emergency room for non life threatening instances. The staff were great and I was in and out in less than an hour. Just be sure to check out what hours they are open.

If you don't mind going to Pasadena, Dr. Ruben Almaguer is excellent. He will take the time to listen to your concerns and answer your questions. He's not in and out in a few minutes if you have questions, he takes the time.

Dr. Steven Melcher at the old Baycoast Medical Center on 146. Great guy and very nice. Went to him the other day for my company physical. Very friendly staff. In & out in no time. He will sit & talk to you for as long as you want.

Nunya,
I also went the the Urgent Care Center on Friday and saw D. Johnston. She was very nice and you are correct about the staff, the girls are so nice and funny and they talk to you like you are a person. I will no doubt go back to the UCC when I can't make it during the day. Also in the same office is Dr. Pardo,R. I've been using him for almost 3 yrs and he is wonderful. Very funny and actually cares about the patient, gives hugs and asks about your family and he actually wants to hear how you are outside of being there. I would recommend him hands down, he's just a very nice man..

I agree with the comments about Dr. Stephen Melcher. I have worked with him when he was doing his family practice residency, and he was always very helpful to the nurses when we paged him for a patient problem. He always had suggestions to help the patient out.
Now that he's in the occupational health center at the Alexander location (old Bay Coast) he does take patients as a general practitioner.
I sent my husband to him and he's been great. My husband said he's got a great personality and takes time to explain things to him.

I also recommend Dr. Caroline Johnston. I've gone to her for years. I know you mentioned you didn't want to go to a doctor that was in a "group" office, and Dr. Johnston is part of the Jacinto Medical Group. Her staf is wonderful and there usually isn't that long of a weight with before lunch appointments. She never rushes you out of the office either.

Dr. Jimmy Doan. He is not only a general practitioner, but he is also a certified internist, and a pediatrician. He has two office locations on Spencer Highway, and he runs a retirement home! He's very good, and never rushes and explains everything clearly, and makes sure to answer all your questions. He also does same day appointments, and he helps to train new doctors.

We go to Dr. Johnston, while she is great for a way advanced scheduled appt. Be warned, if you go in as a walk in (like any last minute illness) your going to see the another dr for walk ins or a PA (worse maybe even one in training). I HATE the cattle call weigh in!! By that I mean they call 3 of us in and get weigh in front of the others. I have gotton to the point of refusing that.

Bright note - the girls in the lab are the best at taking blood. I hate it, but they are right on the vein every time for me and friendly.

Yeah, I love the docs at that grou-but if you are actually sick, you had better know about it a week in advance! Otherwise, you will see a physician's assist, and communication is NOT a strong point in this office.

I, too, used Pardo for years, and left to find another doctor about a year after Jacinto Med. Group got together. Yeah, if you want to go in to see anyone, then it is great. But, I called and asked for an appointment with Pardo and they wanted to know why I HAD to see him? I told them that he was my doctor and I hadn't seen him in a year, and had some health concerns I wanted to talk with HIM about. Anyway, they said it was a 6-week wait to get an appointment with him.

I am curious as to what other doctors people suggest, because I think the doctor I am using is no longer on my new insurance.

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