Had to cancel an MD appointment today. After 15 minutes on hold, was told next available reschedule date would be 17 weeks from now.

[4Runner]

Weeks. Not days. Woman who picked up had an unpronounceable first name. It went downhill from there. Am I the only white American experiencing this kind of dissonance, with gargantuan demand and scarce supply? How many of your MD's patients are now illegal aliens and their extended families, armed with free govt health care benefits which the good docs just can't seem to get enough of?

[metmom]

Trying to get an appointment with the doctor is ridiculous.

It’s usually weeks out, even when it’s something relatively serious.

Welcome to obama care.

[surroundedbyblue]

I work in healthcare. That sounds about right. I continue to be stunned at the collapse happening around me.

[rktman]

Typical these days.

[Yo-Yo]

Don’t worry, single payer will fix all that.

You’ll just be denied an appointment...

[EBH]

I had no problem rescheduling my appointment a few weeks ago.

I used the online system, not the customer service line. Do not call, use your online chart to schedule appointments. Don’t have one yet? Sign up for it with your provider through their website.

[SlipperySlope99]

This is typical now especially when you need to see a specialist for anything. The wait time for an appointment is a few months now instead of weeks.

[toddausauras]

Too many immigrants.

[EBH]

And that is why people end up just going to the ER.

[FlyingEagle]

Its the rule, not the exception. If I can, I go in person.

[BipolarBob]

Customer service is a memory. I have an unresolved internet service complaint that has gone on for weeks. Everyone is a foreign national with ESL. You can't reach anybody that has any authority. This is all across the spectrum.

Healthcare used to be a priority. The doctors don't work for you. They work for Medicare and the insurance companies. You're just the middleman. Almost an afterthought. Good luck.

[1Old Pro]

Yep, not uncommon at all. Which is why we need a legal immigration policy so that people willing to work and have abilities in medicine and nursing etc should be allowed in with priority. I’d rather have another million nurses and doctors than these losers entering illegally at the Southern border.

If they are unskilled we can train them for other needed jobs, but they need to enter legally.

[Sarah Barracuda]

Sounds about right..or they tell you to go to urgent care

[AppyPappy]

The government doesn’t pay like insurance.

[keving]

Reminds me of the decline of the Postal Office

[EEGator]

Mine was 47 weeks out.

[rktman]

I seem to have fairly good luck with my VA facility. Had a carotid check last week and consult with the PA. The numbers on the right side have gone up (as expected) and we talk to the surgeon on 2/9. Left side was done about 18-20 months ago. We’ll see how quick they schedule the op. It took Mrs rktman about 3 and a half months of hoop jumping to get her gall bladder out with purchased insurance. Crazy out here! 🙄

[heavy metal]

“safe and effective”...

[Maudeen]

Schedule a Divine Appointment with Jesus . . .for healing and also for any health care person you need an appointment with.

[House Atreides]

“… Am I the only white American experiencing this kind of dissonance, with gargantuan demand and scarce supply…”
****************************************************

I think your experience is common nowadays… regardless of a patient’s race. Advice upthread about asking for appointment online is good advice. Good luck.