[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

[Drrichross]

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...W3KECzOxCmfFSQ

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

________________________________________________

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by MandoMan

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]

Originally Posted by billethkid

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

________________________________________________

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]

Originally Posted by Keefelane66

August post “ Pulmonologist ?” did you find one?

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

[kknussman]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by justjim

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!