Do I need to find another doctor?

Dr. Joe would be honored for you to continue seeing him in Prairieville. The Ochsner Health Center in Prairieville is only a 25 mile, 30 minute drive away from Turner Medical Clinic. You may call the Ochsner Health Center in Prairieville at 225-744-1111 and see one of the other excellent doctors there until Dr. Joe starts in July. They often have same day appointments and no long wait times just as we do here. If you wish to stay more local, you may call Poche Medical Clinic at 869-3493 (Lutcher), Dr. Vellanki’s Clinic at 869-9200 (Gramercy) or Dr. Cullen Ocmond at 265-4087 (Vacherie).

Why is Dr. Joe doing this?

This was a very difficult decision. Dr. Joe investigated trying to rebuild the clinic, or find a new place in which to rent space. The opportunity at the Ochsner Health Center in Prairieville offered a chance to provide high quality care to his patients, while also offering a benefit package that better provides protection for his family in the future.

Why is Dr. Joe “abandoning” us?

Again, he is not abandoning you. Although it is a less convenient location, you can still be treated by Dr. Joe. Dr. Joe’s priority has always been providing the best quality of care to his patients. Ochsner has a long history of having developed an extremely well integrated, high quality system of medical care. And since many labs and X-rays will be available right in the office, this will make things actually more convenient to you. Because this is a smaller satellite clinic of Ochsner, they promise quick (usually same day) appointments, and minimal to no waiting time once you arrive. There is also a Saturday Urgent Care clinic available at the Bluebonnet location and Ochsner’s electronic medical records system means your Prairieville chart is available to the doctors there, and the Saturday doctor’s notes and tests will be available at the Prairieville location for follow-up as well. This provides for much better coordination of medical care than using emergency rooms for minor illnesses. If you need to speak with a doctor after hours, the doctor on call will also have access to your entire medical record.

What do I need to do if I want to continue with Dr. Joe?

If you have chronic conditions that require frequent refills, you should go ahead and call the Ochsner Health Center in Prairieville at 225-744-1111 and make an appointment to see Dr. William Baird (adults), Dr. Robert Hart (all ages), Dr. Melissa Love (all ages) or Dr. Kendra Michael (pediatrics) to get established at the clinic. You must be established and seen at the clinic before any prescriptions can be refilled. Again, it is important to check your bottles carefully to see when you may be running out so you can get an appointment well before then.

How do I get to Dr. Joe at the Ochsner Health Center inPrairieville clinic ?

The drive to Ochsner Health Center is very easy and only takes 30 minutes. From Turner Medical Clinic, go north on LA- 3193N/ Lutcher Ave for 0.9 miles. Turn right onto LA- 3125 and continue for 0.5 miles. Turn left onto N Airline Ave/ LA-3274 and continue for 1.0 miles. Turn left onto Airline HWY/ US-61 N and stay straight on Airline HWY/ US-61 N for 22.7 miles. You will see Ochsner Health Center Prairieville on the right.

Why is Dr. Candy retiring?

Dr. Candy has always been interested in continuing her education in other fields of study. Since there was only one opening at Ochsner, she felt now would be a good time to explore those other educational opportunities. She will keep her license current in case she wants to return to the practice of medicine in the future.

 

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