When searching for a new primary care provider, the right fit makes such a difference. From the ease of scheduling appointments to prompt communication and working with other specialists, a trusted provider is a valuable resource for your family’s health and well-being.
Jennifer Reppond, 51, who teaches advanced placement classes at Central Texas Christian School in Temple, Texas, had these same considerations during her family’s search.
“I grew up in an age when our family had one doctor for the entire family, from our grandmother on down,” said Reppond. “We always saw him when we got sick. Now, I know it’s not that way today, but we still want a main point of contact for all our family’s health concerns.”
Reppond and her family had seen a doctor for about six years before it became very difficult to get an appointment.
“The other organization had become so big, we could never get an appointment to see our doctor,” she recalled. “Whenever we got sick, we would call and find out it would take more than three months to get in. They just told us to go to an urgent clinic or the Emergency Room. We got tired of telling our medical history multiple times to the clinics. That’s not what I wanted for my family.”
In addition to scheduling appointments, Reppond needed a primary care provider who would work well with the specialists already connected to her family.
“My husband Travis retired from the military with a combat-related disability stemming from a helicopter crash in Afghanistan,” said Reppond. “He sees a pain specialist, so we want that care to be coordinated with our primary care provider. We also see a specialist in Austin who provides care for our middle son who has autism, so that provider needs to be included as well.”
Physician interviews
Reppond and her husband decided to spend a few months looking for a new primary care physician for their family.
“We interviewed three or four different doctors at large organizations to get to know them, understand how their practice works and if our family would be a good fit,” she said. “After 15-20 minutes with Barry Holdampf, MD, a family medicine physician at Wellstone Partners, we knew he was the right choice.
“We felt that he understood us. He put us at ease about working with the other doctors, saying it wouldn’t be a problem. With all the things we have going on, Dr. Holdampf’s easygoing demeanor was very refreshing and comforting.”
Reppond and her husband were also impressed with the interactions with the team that supports Dr. Holdampf.
“They are very good about returning and sending messages,” said Reppond. “A lot of times we will leave a message and then get a return call within the hour. With our previous providers, it could take a day or two to get a callback, if at all.”
Reppond and her husband are pleased with Dr. Holdampf’s staff, especially nurse practitioner Amy Krejchi. “If we can’t see Dr. Holdampf, like on sick visits, we are happy to see the nurse practitioner. Amy is fantastic!”
When asked if she had recommended Dr. Holdampf and the team to others, Reppond jokingly replied, “Of course, I would recommend them. But at the same time, I don’t want to because I don’t want him to get overbooked!”
Reppond is pleased they spent the time to research area physicians to find Dr. Holdampf.
“With our son and our specific health needs, we needed to be very thorough when interviewing the doctors,” said Reppond. “In the end, we found the doctor that is the best fit for our family.”For more information, visit our website or call 254-618-1020 to schedule an appointment.