Has anyone else had this problem?

GoneButNotForgotten · ‎03-29-2020

I need to get in to see one of my doctors and she's booked up until October! I was offered the chance to see a nurse but when I told them what the issue is, I was told only a doctor could see me.

Has anyone else run up against this? i.e., all the doctors and medical types in your area being booked for weeks/months at a time?

BTW, I'm not seeking advice on how to deal with this; I'm just curious to know if this is a national problem or "just" local.

FLgardener · ‎12-15-2013

Yes, that's what it's like for me in central FL also. I think if I need more immediate care, I'll try a walk-in clinic. There is one on just about every corner here.

Laura14 · ‎06-09-2014

We have one option here in North Georgia and honestly two months is pretty decent.

You could try calling periodically to check for a cancellation before then but several months is standard around here too.

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

Same issue for me where it takes months to get to see an actual doctor. Getting dental work is also a problem getting in with an appointment...takes many, many weeks there, too. I thought maybe it was b/c I live in a boomtown and there are just too many people here and not enough staff.

sgraham30 · ‎03-14-2010

@GoneButNotForgotten wrote:
I need to get in to see one of my doctors and she's booked up until October! I was offered the chance to see a nurse but when I told them what the issue is, I was told only a doctor could see me.

Has anyone else run up against this? i.e., all the doctors and medical types in your area being booked for weeks/months at a time?

BTW, I'm not seeking advice on how to deal with this; I'm just curious to know if this is a national problem or "just" local.

@GoneButNotForgotten, is your doctor a specialist by any chance? It's a HUGE problem in the healthcare systems in IL, ESPECIALLY if the doctor is a specialist.

I last saw my cardiologist 06/21/22, he said he wanted to see me in 6 months. The earliest appointment I was able to get was 02/11/23, which is 8 months. I'm on the cancellation list for an earlier appointment, that doesn't mean I'll get one. I've been fortunate in the past because I have gotten an earlier appointment, that doesn't mean that'll always happen.

My issues aren't life threatening or I could die between scheduled visits since it's so difficult to get in to see my cardiologist!

To me, a 2-3 month wait doesn't sound too bad.

Kcubed · ‎03-09-2010

Yes that is what it is like in southwest VA. I think it is very scary. Fortunately, I discovered a wonderful walk in urgent care in my area. Thank goodness for that. There was just a story on the news about how much normal (noncovid) hospital visits have decreased since COVID. That is because people can't get diagnosed with a problem becasue they can't get in to see their doctor. For the sake of all of us, this needs to change.

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

It's not uncommon. That said, if it's something that's going to require successive follow up appointments, those seem to be set more easily.

bonnielu · ‎03-11-2010

My doctor got sick so I was rebooked for two weeks out. Good think it was only a routine check up. My fear because of his age he will retire soon.

cindyNC · ‎08-01-2019

I think it's fairly common. I switched to a nurse practioner for that very reason, but am thinking of switching to a new physician . I drive 30 miles one way to the office.

My BF, who preferred a local physician, could not get in to see his doctor several times when he was quite ill. He switched to somebody just a bit further away and is quite happy. Of course, he is now seeing several specialists; we drive a distance to see them but the quality of medical care is much better.

PhilaLady1 · ‎03-11-2010

I am in the Philadelphia area. For a full physical, 6 months in advance for an appointment. For a medical issue that arises but can wait, about 2 weeks. For something that needs immediate or almost immediate attention, they suggest the hospital emergency room.