appointment with neurologist
 

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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?

Mayo
 

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.

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

Villages neighbor.
 

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.

Good point
 

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.

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!

Yes, Congress is the answer.

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

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.

Ortho Surgeon almost one year wait
 

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.

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

New “ cirizens”. Are you sure? Seems high.

Check out Dr Michael Hill, Neurologist. Nice reviews.

Shands
 

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

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

Well that just burst a few bubbles around town.

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

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 ……….

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: