My GP says he’ll retire in the next year and he’s only in his mid-50’s. As far as doctor crunch...already here in our area due to much older population (I’m assuming.) Takes me 6 weeks to get an appt. with my GP. If it’s something that is urgent, you either take an appt. with the Nurse Practitioner or go to the walk-in.
Took me 6 months to get an appt. with a neurologist who specializes in my disease (he was specialist who was based at the University.) Now he headed for the hills, resigned and took a job with a big name pharmaceutical.
And the most recent doctor shortage (in neurologists and other health care providers) in our area comes from a large health care conglomerate that can’t come to an agreement with our insurance company (United). This health care conglomerate has several hospitals and a large portion of doctors in their organization (about 70% of neurologists in our area, it is estimated they include 34% of all health care facilities and providers.) So if they (the insurance and the health care conglomerate don’t come to an agreement within a couple weeks...it’s going to be bad news for lots of patients.) Crunch time at other hospitals and providers that will accept the plan.
I know a cardiac surgeon who is giving up on heart issues and taking up leg veins.