When I was growing up, our family doctor was Dr. Patel. I could never understand a word he said, but my mom could — and that's all that mattered.

If anyone in our family was really sick, Mom would call Dr. Patel's office. Beverly, who was both the receptionist and the nurse, would answer the phone and schedule an appointment for us that same day. We'd go in, wait a bit, see Dr. Patel, get the diagnosis and prescriptions, and go home to get better.

When I moved to Indianapolis nearly three years ago, finding a doctor wasn't a big priority for me. Overall, I'm pretty healthy and only go to the doctor for routine checkups. But, on occasion, I get these really nasty upper respiratory infections — in fact, I'm suffering from one right now.

The first time I got really sick in Indy, I checked with my health care provider for in-network physicians in my area and called a few of them. After describing my symptoms — chest congestion, sinus pressure, watery eyes, cough, etc. — they all told me this: 'The next available appointment is in two weeks.'

What?!?!? I needed care RIGHT AWAY. Where's a Dr. Patel???

I went to an immediate-care facility to get some medications for that first bout of sickness, and I did the same thing for this bout. It costs a bit more money, but at least I get the necessary medicine to be on the mend.

What I don't get is any sort of bedside manner — no inkling that the physician wants to hear my health concerns or take the time to do more that write a prescription. It's assembly-line medicine.

I still need to establish a relationship with a physician here. There's great comfort in seeing a doctor who knows your medical history from having treated you and talked to you in the past. A doctor should see you as a person, not as a medical file. In my search for a Dr. Patel-type in Indy, this time I'll not only consult my health care provider's network, but also the List, so I can find someone who is available to listen and treat my symptoms.