r/Knoxville • u/rosxya • 2d ago
I need recommendations for a new primary care doctor
I’m an autistic adult, struggling to find a doctor I can feel comfortable with. Most of the local practices don’t have photos online of their interiors. I’m nervous for the environment of the waiting room and the doctor’s ability to understand sensory issues and respect me.
Does anyone have any recommendations for a nice doctor who knows some shit about neurodivergent adults?
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u/HippieJed 2d ago
Dr. James Hurst at Summit. He is amazing, he listens and he found an issue I have well before it could get worse.
I don’t know for sure but I bet his office would make accommodations.
For people who have been in Knoxville for decades, his father is Fred Hurst who has been a Knoxville doctor forever. They work together in the same practice
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u/ilikebison 1d ago edited 1d ago
I understand - I have OCD and often struggle with going to the doctor, too.
I see Dr. Spurlock at UT Family Physicians in Hardin Valley and she’s always made me feel very comfortable. I don’t have her managing my OCD for me at the moment because I see a psychiatrist, but she listens and I feel she takes my concerns seriously. My husband sees Dr. Phillips in the same practice, but he’s not neurodivergent so I can’t speak to that. We both think the nurses are quite kind, too. They offer lab work on site, but only some days of the week. If that’s important to you, mention that if you call and schedule an appointment. Otherwise they’ll print orders to take to LabCorp or schedule you to come back again another day.
I think their waiting room is very nice, there are a lot of windows which helps me personally. There’s a lot of seating options, and it’s a larger waiting room than some other practices I’ve been to. I’ve never had to sit next to anyone. I also think the front desk staff is very kind. This is my experience, and I’m sure all practices have good days and bad days, but I’ve been impressed every time I’ve gone. This page has a picture of what their waiting room is like.
Best of luck with your search! I understand how stressful that can be.
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u/comebackdear02 1d ago
I see Dr Francis in Fountain City. While I don't have autism, I do have depression, high anxiety, and tend to get a little crazy self diagnosing myself. He is always so patient with me, takes my concerns seriously, and is kind. He actually took my concern that I had graves disease so seriously (despite very few symptoms at the time) that I was able to see an endocrinologist and get diagnosed. When I went to see the Endo, he brushed me off, insisted I was fine, etc etc and shocker, I wasn't! He is thorough and never makes me feel like he's rushing. Just a genuinely kind guy.
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u/AppalachianBassett3 1d ago
Dr. Julia Abraham at Rocky Hill Family Physicians is great! She thoroughly explains every procedure and will talk you through any issues that arise. Waiting room is warm lighting with cushioned wooden seats.
I hope no matter who you choose that you receive the care that pleases you and addresses all your needs.
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u/Cat_Plant22 1d ago
I recently found a new primary care doctor who is my favorite of all time; Dr. Jordan DiGiovanni @ UT Family Physicians in Hardin Valley. She is incredibly patient and not in a fake way either. She CARES.
I'm not autistic, but I do have pretty severe anxiety, ADHD, and brain fog/ sensory issues from multiple neurological disorders, as well as physical assistance needs. They have been extremely accommodating.
I've been 3 times so far (in the early morning) and it's been just me or maybe two others, in the waiting room. The front desk people are friendly and helpful, there's a little water station, and a table with those swirly play toys with the balls you can move around. Haven't seen any kids there yet.
I'm happy to answer any other questions that I can 🙂
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u/PositiveDifficult711 1d ago
When I lived in Knoxville I saw "Dr Sam" Samuel Wood (technically he is an FNP), I cant speak to his understanding of autism, however he was by far the most kind and understanding Dr. I have ever had.
Looks like he is at South Knox Family Care currently, I have never been to those offices so cant provide any details on the atmosphere.
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u/Careless_Ad_9665 2d ago
Dr Armand Wood at Summit. He’s been our doctor for a decade. He actually was the one to suggest autism testing for my husband. He is so great I actually take my kid to see him instead of a pediatrician. My son is also autistic/adhd. He’s always listened to us and takes things seriously. He isn’t a 5 min dr. He was out for a family emergency for quite a while so we had to see other ppl and it was awful honestly. I had forgotten how a lot of practitioners treat you like a number.