Neurologist appointment at Shands in Gainesville!

[billethkid]

After primary care referral review (2 weeks) I was advised the first available appointment with a neurologist would be 5/21/2024!!!

I worked very hard to control whether to gasp or laugh out loud. I asked what one could do to appeal for an earlier consideration...adding my name to their cancellation list was offered.

When pursuing a need to see a medical provider one does not expect to be offered something over 6 months away.

It is somewhat a concern that a medical provider would not think twice about offering such a lengthy wait.

I was just not prepared for such long lead times.

Makes the 2.5 hour ride to Mayo in Jacksonville look more and more acceptable.

________________________________________________

:censored:

[Stu from NYC]

Wow.

[mrf0151]

Sounds like you must be on one of those Medicare Dis-Advantage plans. Sorry to hear it is taking so long. Almost like living in Canada it would seem.

[billethkid]

Sounds like you must be on one of those Medicare Dis-Advantage plans. Sorry to hear it is taking so long. Almost like living in Canada it would seem.

Nope. Conventional medicare + supplement.

I asked if I were paying (not ins)......no change!

__________________________________________________
:censored:

[Pugchief]

Almost like living in Canada it would seem.

There are stories of folks in Canada having to wait 3 YEARS to see an oncologist.

Assume there are some Canadians on this board; I would be interested in your take.

[asianthree]

Well if you were in the VA system that wait could be 8 months or longer in some states. Consider 7 months a bonus.

Private practice oncologist 3 month first available initial appointment, that was because we worked at the facility, and received perks with office. If just off the street, 6 month first available appointment.

[retiredguy123]

I'm just asking, but isn't Shands a teaching hospital and part of the University of Florida, which is a public university? Aren't appointments based on the priorities of the medical school mission to teach medical students?

[Smalley]

Yes, you are correct that Shands is part of U of F and is a teaching hospital. However, I'm unaware of the priorities for getting appointments and there isn't one system for all teaching hospitals. Unfortunately, it's going to take some work and phone calls to find a timely appointment with a neurologist and maybe a drive as well. Your health is worth it!!!!

[asianthree]

I'm just asking, but isn't Shands a teaching hospital and part of the University of Florida, which is a public university? Aren't appointments based on the priorities of the medical school mission to teach medical students?

No, teaching hospitals (attached to Medical school or not)has private, and owned physicians.
The medical students, residents or fellows, have nothing to do with priority of appointments. They get experience when you enter the picture, right behind the attending.

The only time students have some control of appointments is at cadaver lab, and none of the cadavers have an issue with long waits

[Robnlaura]

I am an established patient of them I have had three brain surgeries through that dept I could not get in to see anyone until end of march next year for a issue but that’s not happening. It has nothing to do with your insurance at all. They busy, so do what everyone else is doing and wait if it is deemed an urgent need they will get you in.. they did for me.

[RRGuyNJ]

Well if you were in the VA system that wait could be 8 months or longer in some states. Consider 7 months a bonus.

Private practice oncologist 3 month first available initial appointment, that was because we worked at the facility, and received perks with office. If just off the street, 6 month first available appointment.

Wow! My wife was diagnosed with cancer by a gynecologist. That office called an oncologist's office and we got a call back for an appointment before we even got home! The appointment with the oncologist was less than a week later. This all happened in NC. Veterans deserve much better service than that!

[Robnlaura]

After primary care referral review (2 weeks) I was advised the first available appointment with a neurologist would be 5/21/2024!!!

I worked very hard to control whether to gasp or laugh out loud. I asked what one could do to appeal for an earlier consideration...adding my name to their cancellation list was offered.

When pursuing a need to see a medical provider one does not expect to be offered something over 6 months away.

It is somewhat a concern that a medical provider would not think twice about offering such a lengthy wait.

I was just not prepared for such long lead times.

Makes the 2.5 hour ride to Mayo in Jacksonville look more and more acceptable.

________________________________________________

:censored:

Surprise surprise we all waiting, make that trip to mayo if you can get in.

[Hankisourdog]

I am from Canada and when I had cancer 7 years ago, I went from diagnosis to full and successful treatment in 7 months. Yes, our health care system has issues (much like the US is facing), but everyone has health care here. I left the hospital with a 0 bill like everyone else in my situation would. Sure higher taxes and longer wait times for some things.

[Sabella]

There are about 5 million new citizens in the United States and most of them have not had any medical care their whole life so they are in need of medical care.

[Sandy and Ed]

I share your pain - I’m looking for one now. Might need to be less picky of your choice of neurologists. Just pick one of the ones that have Healthgrade reviews of 2 stars and received their medical training from some third world country. Find plenty of them. Has the OP checked some of the better 3 star non-teaching hospitals across the state? Or check the hospital ratings and settle for one that has a 2 star rating like The Villages or Leesburg. (Maybe our local and state government might put more emphasis on how to make it attractive to bring quality healthcare to Florida?)

[Sandy and Ed]

There are about 5 million new citizens in the United States and most of them have not had any medical care their whole life so they are in need of medical care.
Sorry - not sure if this includes our newest “immigrants” from warmer climes that are predominantly settling in our Southern states who may receive “free” access our healthcare facilities. Please elucidate.

[Berwin]

Please remember to schedule your medical emergencies for when the snowbirds are leaving instead of when they are flowing in. But seriously, North Florida Regional is just a few miles down the road from Shands and has been good for us.

[FosterMomma]

There are stories of folks in Canada having to wait 3 YEARS to see an oncologist.

Assume there are some Canadians on this board; I would be interested in your take.

You only wait in Canada for elective surgeries (as you do here). To say otherwise is simply untrue.

[Oneiric]

After primary care referral review (2 weeks) I was advised the first available appointment with a neurologist would be 5/21/2024!!!

I worked very hard to control whether to gasp or laugh out loud. I asked what one could do to appeal for an earlier consideration...adding my name to their cancellation list was offered.

When pursuing a need to see a medical provider one does not expect to be offered something over 6 months away.

It is somewhat a concern that a medical provider would not think twice about offering such a lengthy wait.

I was just not prepared for such long lead times.

Makes the 2.5 hour ride to Mayo in Jacksonville look more and more acceptable.

________________________________________________

:censored:
Sorry Billethekid, this is quite normal when you are in an HMO or health plan requiring a referral.

[collegeref]

Try Dr Geliga in Leesburg

[vonbork]

Believe it or not, you are lucky. I had to wait for 2 years! Just got seen this past August. Frankly I was surprised that they still had me down for an appointment. I was on the cancellation list too, never received a call.

[Indydealmaker]

There are about 5 million new citizens in the United States and most of them have not had any medical care their whole life so they are in need of medical care.

Not citizens.

[Dusty_Star]

Not citizens.

I was wondering where these 5 million citizens came from. Maybe there was there a huge birth boom that I missed hearing about. I thought there might have been a birth boom in 21, since people were forced to stay home in 20, but it seems like it was more of a baby blimp than a boom.

[KSSunshine]

Sorry this is happening. I waited 5 months for my Neurologist appointment in Gainsville. I asked to be placed on the waiting list and stayed there until my appointment this past August. I would guess that if this was life threatening, I would've been seen earlier, but don't know that for sure. It was 5 months waiting time for a Villages Neurologist as well. So two different practices had the same wait time.

[La lamy]

There are stories of folks in Canada having to wait 3 YEARS to see an oncologist.

Assume there are some Canadians on this board; I would be interested in your take.

I think that's exaggerated, but Covid made a huge damper on healthcare wait times. A lot of doctors and nurses have burned out. Hopefully the next generation comes up with innocent and zealous ideals as to what the profession can offer them.

[DonnaMBryant]

It took me 6 months to get appts with a neurologist and rheumatologist in Ft Lauderdale a couple of years ago, with primary care referrals. I had blood clots and weird issues with my legs. It took only days to get an appt with an orthopedic guy. It seems part of the problem with the neuro/rheum guys is that they treat people for life, so they have very few appts available for new patients. Once you get that first appt, you are able to get treatment as needed. In my case, after 6 months, nobody could figure out the issues and they finally luckily resolved themselves.

[billethkid]

Sorry Billethekid, this is quite normal when you are in an HMO or health plan requiring a referral.



The referral is/was the requirement of Shands....my insurance does not require one!

__________________________________________________

:censored:

[Lovey2]

Kinda judgy..."Medicare dis-advantage plans". Those plans work well for a good number of people. I don't have it because of a prior illness, but with Medicare and a supplement, I had to wait 3 1/2 months for a Cardial MRI. Both Shands and Orlando Health were booked out till then.

[RockyGeans]

You might try asking specifically for Dr. Solomon, excellent Neurologist. Also, I spent 2 years trying to find out what was causing my challenges of feeling unsteady, my body and sight uncoordinated, sitting at a light in my car and feeling light headed. Anyway, after 2 years I found the problem and the therapy solved it. If you have these kind of symptoms and would like to discuss, let me know.

[PVR]

Sounds like you must be on one of those Medicare Dis-Advantage plans. Sorry to hear it is taking so long. Almost like living in Canada it would seem.
You have no idea how Advantage Plans work. My husband and myself have been seen immediately when it was needed.
Have had several illnesses and have had top of the Line doctors too. Cancer, radiation, back surgery and now shoulder replacement. Choose to go to doctors outside of the Villages most of the time. Includes Dental, eye glasses, hearing aides,
meds, OTC meds and vitamins, transportation and more. No copay for primary or Specialists.
So before you bash something you know nothing about, do some research.

[ahlecat]

My appt. With gastro Dr 11/18. Received call they need to reschedule April 30… shands is a joke !!

[75090BAR]

Mayo in Jacksonville is not taking ANY new patients or even put them on a waiting list for all departments. I have been trying for a year to get in to see a neurologist.

[Jazzman]

Sounds like you must be on one of those Medicare Dis-Advantage plans. Sorry to hear it is taking so long. Almost like living in Canada it would seem.

Has nothing to do with the type of plan you’re on.

[Robnlaura]

My appt. With gastro Dr 11/18. Received call they need to reschedule April 30… shands is a joke !!

Shands is a joke?? Really ?? Because you fill your diapers and need a consult ?? I have only thanks for shands they saved my life. I was flown in spent 4 hours getting resuscitated by the neurologists so no they not a “joke” never mind the 2 months in a coma at shands. So your comment that they are a “joke” is the real joke..

[G.R.I.T.S.]

We waited more than 6 months many years ago. Not unusual. Once you're in, it's much easier to make regular appointments. The UF neurologist also recommended we keep our local doctor. Make the appointment. You won't regret it.

[Justputt]

I've been working in a hospital oncology department for most of the past 40 plus years. Things are far worse post-COVID than they have ever been before. Many people got COVID burnout and left the profession. Long appointment times are the result of insufficient staff, and I don't see that changing for a while. We (hospital) gross more than ever before but lose $2M/month largely because of the cost of travelers (contract nurse, etc.). It's not just physician availability, but the staff needed to support them that limits access. Ever walk into a restaurant, wait for a table, and when being seated see lots of empty tables? Same thing, too little staff to handle table vacancies. Rest assured that we ALWAYS take emergent cases as a priority, but non-emergent cases can take a while. No one is trying to do anything other than the best they can do under the circumstances. Be kind. Feel free to look towards other areas, states, etc. to get care if the worry you feel is too much.

[Marine1974]

Well if you were in the VA system that wait could be 8 months or longer in some states. Consider 7 months a bonus.

Private practice oncologist 3 month first available initial appointment, that was because we worked at the facility, and received perks with office. If just off the street, 6 month first available appointment.

If the VA can’t see you for over 30 days , my VA , James Lovell federal hospital, , will provide community care , you can see a private doctor or hospital of your choosing, in your community. and the VA will pay .

[FredJacobs]

The very best way to get an appointment at Shands is to have your doctor send a referral to a doctor at Shands. Almost instant reply.

[Joe C.]

United Healthcare in the Villages, for me, is the best. I never have had a problem seeing my doctor or his PA. When I needed a Urologist, one was booked for me within a week or two. When I needed a prostate biopsy, one was scheduled within a week. Same for a bladder biopsy. Finding a Radiologist or Oncologist? Done within days. Radiation therapy? Scheduled in less than a month. Getting a total knee replacement? Mine was done within 6 weeks. My routine appointments with any of the doctors never was more than a ten minute wait. I can't say enough good things about the healthcare either in Santa Barbara, Sharon Morse, or Brownwood Advanced Care. If anyone is having problems with their medical care, then maybe they should consider changing doctors or changing medical coverage.

[IndianaJones]

I worked in healthcare for over 40 years, including in Gainesville at UF. Neurology, in particular, is a specialty with severe physician shortages.
Plus, consider where you live. There are nearly (according to the last figures in 2022) 80,000+ people in TV. Considering that current Alzheimer's Foundation data says 10.9% of people over 65 have some degree of dementia (thus are probably seeing/going to see a neurologist), that means 8,720 people (just in this area, not including the surrounding areas served by Shands/UF) need appointments. Consider a solid exam takes an hour (initial visit, at the least) plus testing, etc. as a Neurologist you will most likely see 8-10 patients per day. Let's set it at the max - 10. That means to serve 8,720 people (with a 210-day working year - 4.5 days per week, 48 weeks - that's a "high figure" but we'll use it), you would need (8720/2100) 4 to 5 neurologists just to see these patients - that doesn't take into account tumor/cancer patients, Parkinson's, head injuries, nerve/spinal issues, headaches/migraines - and on and on.
It's a supply/demand situation, frankly, a 6-month wait in this area is not uncommon. Put yourself on the "call if someone cancels" list and keep the appointment. Good luck and I hope they give you a call, but understand UF Health Neurology is top shelf.

[Albany]

Well this might make people laugh or cry. Albany Medical Center, yes a big teaching hospital like Shands, called me in March of 2018 to offer my husband an appointment. He had been referred to neurology at Albany Med in December of 2017 by St. Peter's Hospital in Albany. I informed the neurology department at Albany Med that he had been dead for 3 months at that point. The very nice woman on the phone was very very sorry. Well, me too. I think there just aren't enough neurologists out there.

[Robnlaura]

The self entitled crying is the real joke every Nuero is booked these days.. and it’s going to get worse with open borders

[LG999]

6 months is a very long time and if you are in need of a neurologist its just too long. I hope you can get a sooner appointment at shands.
I moved to TV a month ago & wanted to get set up with a PCP. Every one that I inquired about was either several months out or not accepting new patients. My appointment is mid January — but I don’t have an urgent issue.

[Brynnie]

Mayo in Jacksonville is not taking ANY new patients or even put them on a waiting list for all departments. I have been trying for a year to get in to see a neurologist.

Same here. I had been trying for two years at Mayo. I finally gave up and flew to my native Ohio to the Cleveland Clinic. I had to wait a few months for an appointment, but I ended up with a great neurologist, who was recommended by my previous Cleveland Clinic neurologist, now retired.

[asianthree]

If the VA can’t see you for over 30 days , my VA , James Lovell federal hospital, , will provide community care , you can see a private doctor or hospital of your choosing, in your community. and the VA will pay .

Community care is hit or miss as far as treatment. Not all facilities or private physicians will do community care, so not really your choosing.

Our personal physicians, or both of our hospitals that we both worked at, didn’t accept VA community care.
Both of us have over 45 years in OR, we can spot a community care office that is just out for the money.

Multiple time’s private office CC booked billed, Medicare instead of VA community care. When Medicare bounces back you get a $2,000 bill. Then Community care offices have to make multiple calls and letters to that office to tell them they can’t double dip Medicare instead of VA…Most importantly they can bill the patient.

[Stu from NYC]

The very best way to get an appointment at Shands is to have your doctor send a referral to a doctor at Shands. Almost instant reply.

I would think that would be the best way to handle this

[Drrichross]

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.floridahealth.gov/provider-and-partner-resources/community-health-workers/HealthResourcesandAccess/physician-workforce-development-and-recruitment/2021DOHPhysicianWorkforceAnnualReport-FINALREPORT-10-25-2021.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwiL8_-28oCCAxWjj4kEHV1PBEIQFnoECCUQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0Wmcr2tmW3KECzOxCmfFSQ

This lists the total number of physicians by practice in Florida in 2021. 1300 neurologists for a large population. Many physicians are licensed in more than one state, or are traveling docs who cover short term for hospitals who have vacancies, vacations. Or illnesses. As someone mentioned the post COVID burn out is a real thing. Looking at the age demographic over 30% were 60 and over in 2021. I'm sure there are less now. Add in that it is a specialty that takes 4 years of residency where you earn $65k while accruing interest on the sometimes up to $500k student debt from the previous 8 years. There are also very limited training programs and more close every year because of less federal funding to training. We are definitely in for a major shift in Healthcare. Expect to be seen by a very inexperienced NP/PA for most appointments.

[Wilharm]

In Russia you need to reserve maternity beds 20 months in advance.

[Garywt]

Luckily you didn’t ask to see someone with a Medical Degree, that is an 18 month wait…

[NotGolfer]

I don't know if this was mentioned, on last nights news a piece was done on the shortage of doctors. They said that in the coming years, the shortages will become even worse. They talked about primary doctors but my thought is that specialists too, will be a factor. I needed an app't here with a gastroenterologist and the wait was 6 months. My primary told me it's becoming difficult to find specialists. NOT sure if Covid was a factor, but before the plague---app'ts were easier to get. I guess primaries (depending on the issues at hand) will have to put in a "stat" with getting their patients in with specialists. Snow-birds here, often wait until they here to make app'ts too, I've heard, so they can recouperate when it's warm.

[MandoMan]

After primary care referral review (2 weeks) I was advised the first available appointment with a neurologist would be 5/21/2024!!!

I worked very hard to control whether to gasp or laugh out loud. I asked what one could do to appeal for an earlier consideration...adding my name to their cancellation list was offered.

When pursuing a need to see a medical provider one does not expect to be offered something over 6 months away.

It is somewhat a concern that a medical provider would not think twice about offering such a lengthy wait.

I was just not prepared for such long lead times.

Makes the 2.5 hour ride to Mayo in Jacksonville look more and more acceptable.

________________________________________________

:censored:

You are supposed to have your primary care physician make a referral. Quite often, your physician’s appointments manager can get you the appointment in a few days or weeks instead of months. That’s how it is supposed to work. Ideally, you look for a primary care physician who is affiliated with the hospital you want to use. I deliberately chose a primary care doctor affiliated with AdventHealth/Waterman because that’s the only A rated hospital between here and Orlando, but I’ve just found out that the cardiologist across the hall from his office to which he’d referred me has switched to UF Leesburg. I may need to switch cardiologists.

[asianthree]

I don't know if this was mentioned, on last nights news a piece was done on the shortage of doctors. They said that in the coming years, the shortages will become even worse. They talked about primary doctors but my thought is that specialists too, will be a factor. I needed an app't here with a gastroenterologist and the wait was 6 months. My primary told me it's becoming difficult to find specialists. NOT sure if Covid was a factor, but before the plague---app'ts were easier to get. I guess primaries (depending on the issues at hand) will have to put in a "stat" with getting their patients in with specialists. Snow-birds here, often wait until they here to make app'ts too, I've heard, so they can recouperate when it's warm.

Not so much shortage of Doctors, but the ability to get into Med school, not because they don’t have the Mcats numbers, or ability, but influx of students that, May or may not stay in this country after fellowship. Same with trying to get into Veterinary School.

[billethkid]

You are supposed to have your primary care physician make a referral. Quite often, your physician’s appointments manager can get you the appointment in a few days or weeks instead of months. That’s how it is supposed to work. Ideally, you look for a primary care physician who is affiliated with the hospital you want to use. I deliberately chose a primary care doctor affiliated with AdventHealth/Waterman because that’s the only A rated hospital between here and Orlando, but I’ve just found out that the cardiologist across the hall from his office to which he’d referred me has switched to UF Leesburg. I may need to switch cardiologists.

The point perhaps missed by some is my opening sentence "...after physicians referral...".

Referral made by my primary care doc....one week in review by Shands...then onto scheduling.

I asked if it made a difference if the primary care doc would request an appointment...."no". I also asked if I was paying cash not using insurance...."no".

The above offered for clarification.

[Keefelane66]

The point perhaps missed by some is my opening sentence "...after physicians referral...".

Referral made by my primary care doc....one week in review by Shands...then onto scheduling.

I asked if it made a difference if the primary care doc would request an appointment...."no". I also asked if I was paying cash not using insurance...."no".

The above offered for clarification.
August post “ Pulmonologist ?” did you find one?

[Larchap49]

After primary care referral review (2 weeks) I was advised the first available appointment with a neurologist would be 5/21/2024!!!

I worked very hard to control whether to gasp or laugh out loud. I asked what one could do to appeal for an earlier consideration...adding my name to their cancellation list was offered.

When pursuing a need to see a medical provider one does not expect to be offered something over 6 months away.

It is somewhat a concern that a medical provider would not think twice about offering such a lengthy wait.

I was just not prepared for such long lead times.

Makes the 2.5 hour ride to Mayo in Jacksonville look more and more acceptable.

________________________________________________

:censored:

Mayo is where my wife went. Appt was much faster, all appointments and testing done in a timely manner with most results ready in a matter of an hour or less. To be more accurate the ride is more like 3 hours from the Villages.

[billethkid]

August post “ Pulmonologist ?” did you find one?

Dr. Jose Luis Diaz, Pulmonary Group of Central FL...in Leesburg

[kknussman]

Sounds like you must be on one of those Medicare Dis-Advantage plans. Sorry to hear it is taking so long. Almost like living in Canada it would seem.

I too have had the same issue and I am not old enough to be on Medicare if any kind. I have a great private pay insurance.

My understanding is that the only system in Florida that sees Medicaid patients is UF, as mandated by the State of Florida. In addition, they have woefully fewer doctors because they are so overwhelmed by the patient load. Many are leaving the UF system because of this. In addition, patients are flocking to this system because of their maladies as a result of COVID, which has put an even greater strain on the providers. I am now transitioning out to doctors in Ocala by my UF primary care doctor. I wish you well.

[justjim]

There are about 5 million new citizens in the United States and most of them have not had any medical care their whole life so they are in need of medical care.

It’s about time that Congress looked into the “the state of our medical care in the U.S.”. There are many very qualified American students trying to get into a medical school but find the very few opportunities are taken by foreigners (who pay more) or that medical schools just don’t have any room for more students. It’s a crisis that is real and only getting worse everyday. Florida is a prime example of a State with an acute shortage of doctors and nurses because of the average age of the population but the problem is nationwide not just Florida. I wonder why we don’t use some of that so called surplus money in Tallahassee to expand medical school opportunities in our State? There is no question it’s desperately needed. Waiting six months to see a doctor is unacceptable.

[Stu from NYC]

It’s about time that Congress looked into the “the state of our medical care in the U.S.”. There are many very qualified American students trying to get into a medical school but find the very few opportunities are taken by foreigners (who pay more) or that medical schools just don’t have any room for more students. It’s a crisis that is real and only getting worse everyday. Florida is a prime example of a State with an acute shortage of doctors and nurses because of the average age of the population but the problem is nationwide not just Florida. I wonder why we don’t use some of that so called surplus money in Tallahassee to expand medical school opportunities in our State? There is no question it’s desperately needed. Waiting six months to see a doctor is unacceptable.

This is certainly a problem that needs to be solved sooner rather than later.

[Barborv]

Where are you from before TV. I actually still go back to NY to see some of my doctors for my bi yearly and yearly checkups. If I had a problem, I want to see a doctor immediately. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to function. Tell them you are having terrible anxiety from worry, and you can't eat or sleep. Maybe that might move things up. Maybe!

[retiredguy123]

It’s about time that Congress looked into the “the state of our medical care in the U.S.”. There are many very qualified American students trying to get into a medical school but find the very few opportunities are taken by foreigners (who pay more) or that medical schools just don’t have any room for more students. It’s a crisis that is real and only getting worse everyday. Florida is a prime example of a State with an acute shortage of doctors and nurses because of the average age of the population but the problem is nationwide not just Florida. I wonder why we don’t use some of that so called surplus money in Tallahassee to expand medical school opportunities in our State? There is no question it’s desperately needed. Waiting six months to see a doctor is unacceptable.
Yes, Congress is the answer.

[thelegges]

Where are you from before TV. I actually still go back to NY to see some of my doctors for my bi yearly and yearly checkups. If I had a problem, I want to see a doctor immediately. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to function. Tell them you are having terrible anxiety from worry, and you can't eat or sleep. Maybe that might move things up. Maybe!

That’s not going to move you up, that would be a Red flag, patient may be unstable, and in need of evaluation.

One too many doctors offices with active shooter, for the patient you are describing

[nn0wheremann]

After primary care referral review (2 weeks) I was advised the first available appointment with a neurologist would be 5/21/2024!!!

I worked very hard to control whether to gasp or laugh out loud. I asked what one could do to appeal for an earlier consideration...adding my name to their cancellation list was offered.

When pursuing a need to see a medical provider one does not expect to be offered something over 6 months away.

It is somewhat a concern that a medical provider would not think twice about offering such a lengthy wait.

I was just not prepared for such long lead times.

Makes the 2.5 hour ride to Mayo in Jacksonville look more and more acceptable.

________________________________________________

:censored:
Shands is very disorganized and downright patient un-friendly. My wife had an orthopedic appointment scheduled many months in advance, drove the hour and a half up to Shands, and waited four or five hours only to be told that the doctor was called to treat some football players, and would not see her.

Go to Mayo. It is much better.

[CTKID]

Several months ago I was given a date for an Ortho Surgeon that was almost one year away. Reason was four surgeons left practice. Doctor I wanted is highly rated so I signed up for the appointment.

I had and have a choice. Go to another doctor / hospital or wait. There are others available much sooner if you want to go to them.

I wish you the best with your process.

After primary care referral review (2 weeks) I was advised the first available appointment with a neurologist would be 5/21/2024!!!

I worked very hard to control whether to gasp or laugh out loud. I asked what one could do to appeal for an earlier consideration...adding my name to their cancellation list was offered.

When pursuing a need to see a medical provider one does not expect to be offered something over 6 months away.

It is somewhat a concern that a medical provider would not think twice about offering such a lengthy wait.

I was just not prepared for such long lead times.

Makes the 2.5 hour ride to Mayo in Jacksonville look more and more acceptable.

________________________________________________

:censored:

[MillerD]

My neurologist works remotely for Premiere Medical in Lady Lake. Dr. Lobar 352 259 2159
He has the nurse take any vitals and assists. He can order any tests or prescribe. He lived here but moved. However, still part of the practice. I think you could get.in promptly.

Deb

[Sandy and Ed]

There are about 5 million new citizens in the United States and most of them have not had any medical care their whole life so they are in need of medical care.
New “ cirizens”. Are you sure? Seems high.

[Sandy and Ed]

Check out Dr Michael Hill, Neurologist. Nice reviews.

[Buckeye Bob]

After primary care referral review (2 weeks) I was advised the first available appointment with a neurologist would be 5/21/2024!!!

I worked very hard to control whether to gasp or laugh out loud. I asked what one could do to appeal for an earlier consideration...adding my name to their cancellation list was offered.

When pursuing a need to see a medical provider one does not expect to be offered something over 6 months away.

It is somewhat a concern that a medical provider would not think twice about offering such a lengthy wait.

I was just not prepared for such long lead times.

Makes the 2.5 hour ride to Mayo in Jacksonville look more and more acceptable.

________________________________________________

:censored:

It is worth the wait to get into Shands; they are the best.

[Debfrommaine]

Has nothing to do with the type of plan you’re on.

That is very true. Some people like stirring a the pot on things they know nothing about.

[rustyp]

Sounds like you must be on one of those Medicare Dis-Advantage plans. Sorry to hear it is taking so long. Almost like living in Canada it would seem.

Nope. Conventional medicare + supplement.

I asked if I were paying (not ins)......no change!

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:censored:

Well that just burst a few bubbles around town.

[Heartnsoul]

After primary care referral review (2 weeks) I was advised the first available appointment with a neurologist would be 5/21/2024!!!

I worked very hard to control whether to gasp or laugh out loud. I asked what one could do to appeal for an earlier consideration...adding my name to their cancellation list was offered.

When pursuing a need to see a medical provider one does not expect to be offered something over 6 months away.

It is somewhat a concern that a medical provider would not think twice about offering such a lengthy wait.

I was just not prepared for such long lead times.

Makes the 2.5 hour ride to Mayo in Jacksonville look more and more acceptable.

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:censored:

Do you expect health care to improve in this country or worsen?

[Eg_cruz]

After primary care referral review (2 weeks) I was advised the first available appointment with a neurologist would be 5/21/2024!!!

I worked very hard to control whether to gasp or laugh out loud. I asked what one could do to appeal for an earlier consideration...adding my name to their cancellation list was offered.

When pursuing a need to see a medical provider one does not expect to be offered something over 6 months away.

It is somewhat a concern that a medical provider would not think twice about offering such a lengthy wait.

I was just not prepared for such long lead times.

Makes the 2.5 hour ride to Mayo in Jacksonville look more and more acceptable.

________________________________________________

:censored:
My grandson has all his specialist at Shands except for one in Orlando if it is not an emergency yes you have a six month wait, it is beyond ridiculous. We have waited for one of his neurologist appointment for 10 months, mind you this is pediatric specialist.
I hope everything is okay with you. The good news is once you are a patient you don’t have those wait times anymore ……….

[Two Bills]

In UK average wait for NHS (National Health Service) patients for neurologist is 64 weeks.

Private medical insurance, or self pay, in some areas (London Harley Street area) days, or in some cases, same day!:shrug: