I requested to schedule an annual wellness exam with my doctor, they said “She’s booking out into 2026, would you still like to schedule?”
They’re scheduling out a YEAR in advance!
I realize this is likely a regional issue to some degree, but I have a hunch that in the US (the country I’m in) it’s very difficult to get a appointments for non-urgent issues. It’s also incredibly difficult in my area to be able to find a doctor that’s accepting new patients!
Why can’t medical facilities afford to expand to support the demand? This isn’t meant to open a discussion about healthcare - it’s just a rant. Grrr!
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I do schedule my wellness visits when leaving my wellness visits so yes, a year in advance. Just in case, and so that I will do it. But can get in for urgent care if needed, same or next day. And stuff like prescriptions they can often do online without an appointment if it’s an ongoing one. About a month wait for non urgent specialist care, sometimes two-three (that is often because I refuse to travel to outlying areas though, so wait for a local appointment)
And I do NOT live in any sort of medical desert. Lots of doctors offices here, probably more than most similar size cities. Several hospitals, a medical college, so many doctors.
It’s not worse than I remember it being in the 90s, I remember 6 months wait for dermatologist, months for pediatric orthopedic (there is an orthopedic urgent care though, which has saved us from going to emergency at least ten times) . I remember thinking back then that people who said “but in Canada they have to wait for care” were idiots, we wait here too!
This is a result of a very real doctors shortage that has been getting worse for years. There’s perverse incentives for doctors to also not choose to be a general practitioner. It’s lower paying and exposure to the same level of malpractice risk.
But but but if we have single payer, there’ll be a wait for basic care…
Don’t worry, there’s a concept of a plan.
I live pretty close to a bigish city in a state that is kind of known for good healthcare, my primary schedules about a month out but if I just see whoever is available I get same day sometimes.
Are annual welness exams common in the us? I’ve only ever gone to the doctor when somethings wrong. Presumably urgent cases can still be booked within a few days?
I don’t know how common they actually are, but they should be fairly accessible. Most insurance plans provide them free or at a heavy discount.
As you get older, yes. And I’m older. Also, my insurance covers wellnrss exams 100%, so they promote them.
As kids, yes. And women are told to have a yearly pelvic exam. My insurance covers well exams 100% but I have been unable to schedule one since 2021. Also if I ask any questions outside of what is deemed wellness (I asked about having skin tags removed and was charged for the visit, they did not remove any, I only asked about it happening).
I live in a small town so health care is very limited unless I drive to the city.
Apparently they’ve decided once every 5 years is enough for women. Now I wonder if that’s because of the doctor shortage…
Wow, where I’m at you can book them 3-5 days in advance, no stress.
all rheumatologists in my area have straight up refused my referrals, stating they don’t treat fibromyalgia or connective tissue disorders anymore. it’s crazy
Have you had any luck with treatment? My gf has fibro / undifferentiated connective tissue disease, but so far nothing really helps except a hot bath provides temporary relief.
the only treatment i have gotten is gabapentin and another med that have helped a little with some of the pain, but I’m still in constant pain and have not been able to find anyone who can diagnose or treat joint disorders (I’m suspecting EDS).
smoking a j helps for a couple hours but that gets expensive quick lol. my partner has learned how to massage my ribs back into place but can’t help with my hips so they’re fucked. lol
sorry i can’t be more help, but I’m in the same boat 😭 good luck to you guys
My doctor’s office tells me it has been too long since I visited last and need to go to the ER… for a wellness check up.
Wtf
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Last year I hadn’t see my doctor for more than three years so when i made the wellness exam appointment they told me that normally i would no longer be considered their patient but the doctor remembered me and grandfathered me in. I had to fill out new patient paperwork again but my entire record still existed and i could continue seeing the same doctor.
That is unfortunately common. You’re considered a new patient if you haven’t seen the doctor within three years at a bunch of places, especially ones that are busy.
Yeah definitely seeing it and im in an urban area. Its not as bad as your situation but its definitely increased.
