Has anyone else had this problem? - Page 4

GoneButNotForgotten · ‎03-29-2020

Thank you all for your input, so it seems to me that a 2-month wait to see a doctor is pretty common. She is a specialist but I don't think (or at least, I don't know) if that makes a difference.

hckynutjohn · ‎06-15-2015

@RedTop wrote:
I hear the same here in WV, but my medical Dr extended his office hours until 6 p.m. to accommodate urgent need appts. As long as you never miss a scheduled appt and go on their No Show list, staff does their best to accommodate you.
Also, in this area, if the medical problem is serious enough to send you to the ER or hospitals quick care clinic, paperwork is sent to your Dr with the recommendation for follow up care, which is usually within 7-10 days. As soon as the office receives that paperwork, they are reaching out to set up an appt, regardless of their schedule.

@RedTop

I agree and have done just that several times within the last 12 months. If anyone has a medical issue they feel that, time is of the essence, your post gives the precise information.

My situations, all but 1, required quick intervention. All but that 1 required in-patient treatment. After release, as you stated, my doctors found an appointment time for my visit, well within the 7-10 day followup window.

Since my 1 issue was not an immediate concern. It was close to 4 weeks to get my appointment to see my Gastroenterologist. From there my procedure, Colonoscopy/Endoscopy were scheduled for 6 weeks later.

I had no problem understanding the why of my situations.

hckynut 🇺🇸

hckynut(john)

Xivambala · ‎07-26-2019

@GoneButNotForgotten I have always had to wait at least 3 months for a doctor appointment with the exception of my Internist. Most of my doctors are all specialists. Due to a conflict with necessary cataract surgery, I recently called my Endocrinologist's office to reschedule an appointment on 8/16. The office rudely told me I would have to wait until next February. I wouldn't have to wait that long if I had gone and made a routine follow-up appointment. This office also mis-managed one of my diabetes prescriptions so I told them to cancel my appointment as I was leaving this doctor's care. I found a new Endocrinologist that I will have to wait to see in 3 months. I also need to see a Dermatologist which will be 3 months too.

I think you're lucky to only have to wait 2 months. I currently live in south Florida but also experienced this wait time while living in and around the Chicago area in Illinois.

Trailrun23 · ‎05-31-2022

I think it seems to be an issue in most places. I know many PCP offices overbook so if one office visit takes even a few more minutes than anticipated, it throws off the entire system. DH had a 4:00 appt with his PCP and after waiting until 4:30, the nurse came out and told him he would need to schedule an appt for another day since they were running late and close at 5. Glad it wasn't something really serious!

AuntG · ‎03-09-2010

It seems our general practitioner builds in time for last minute appointments. I once called for an earache and they had me come in rather than go to the walk in clinic. He said to always try him first. Now, for specialists, we book out months in advance - dentists too for cleanings.

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@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

Yes, this is very common. My neighbor just booked a dental appt with her long-time dentist ... first appt is early November. He's a really good dentist, and this is not an emergency, so November is the appointment date.

Toppers3 · ‎10-25-2016

@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.

It's the same for us, too.

This is especially with our new primary care doctor.

I have chronic health issues concerning my feet and legs that can sometimes become really serious.

Our new doctor had told me that she would see me whenever something serious happened/infection, but when this recently happened I was sent to Urgent Care by her office instead.

We usually don't see now her unless we have an appointment scheduled months or weeks ahead of time.

Our other primary care doctor had retired and he was just as busy as our new doctor who took over his practice, and when Covid hit he would tell us to go Urgent Care, too.

MyShadowLove · ‎01-05-2015

@chickenbutt wrote:
I don't see doctors at all, but I've been hearing this from all over the country for a while now. I belong to a couple of boards (totally unrelated to this one), with people from all over and have seen stories about this so many times.

@chickenbutt ...Don't you have a PCP and go for annual physicals?...It is so important to be in the care of a Physician who knows you and your wellness history...I am just curious and understand that this is personal in nature, so if you don't answer, I will understand.

~~Formerly known as "WildFlowers"~~

chickenbutt · ‎03-09-2010

@MyShadowLove wrote:
@chickenbutt wrote:
I don't see doctors at all, but I've been hearing this from all over the country for a while now. I belong to a couple of boards (totally unrelated to this one), with people from all over and have seen stories about this so many times.

@chickenbutt ...Don't you have a PCP and go for annual physicals?...It is so important to be in the care of a Physician who knows you and your wellness history...I am just curious and understand that this is personal in nature, so if you don't answer, I will understand.

Hi @MyShadowLove , no I do not have a doctor. Except for when I broke my arm (and had no choice), about 5 yrs ago, I haven't been to a doctor for nearly 20 years now.

I don't have a choice, as I cannot afford medical care anymore. I diagnose and treat what I can on my own (or sometimes with the help of Dr Google ) and anything else will just run its course.

Unfortunately my husband, who is the breadwinner, has gone off the rails and isn't even helping me pay the bills for the last two months. You might imagine, especially since I am a very responsible person who pays bills before anything else, this is really driving me over the edge. I don't have the means to pay the bills, as I cannot work anymore due to numerous physical challenges. It's just one big hot mess at this point. No power. No choices.

If I were to tell younger people one thing it's to start saving young and make sure that you can support yourself. I was easily able to support myself until I was in my 50s, but that's not enough. Sometimes when you think you are safe you are not.

MyShadowLove · ‎01-05-2015

@chickenbutt ,,,Oh my goodness, I am so very sorry for the situation that you are in and my heart goes out to you...Your husband's behavior sounds abusive and neglectful and it sounds like he doesn't have you covered under his medical insurance policy....There are resources and services available that you can reach out to...I'm hoping that you have a family member or a friend whom you can trust to help you in your situation so that you can move forward for a more positive and healthy life which you so deserve.

Sending (((((Hugs)))))

~~Formerly known as "WildFlowers"~~