Longer wait times to see docs now?

[KayLR]

This was how my last physicals went - nurses collected data, the doctor piece was short and pretty pointless and could have also been done by the nurse. The only useful thing was getting lab work done, and I'm sure I looked at the same results online as the doctor did, again no value added.

This is how my last "physical/well woman exam" went too. I left so perplexed and wondered why I bothered. For a well woman exam, there was no pelvic exam, no breast exam, nothing but a short chat. Maybe that's what to expect post-menopause, I don't know.

At least we're not growing a beard waiting at the VA. I told my DH next time he has a problem, I don't care if I have to knock him out and drag him to an ER, we are not going through the VA again.

Others in my family only go to the "zoom care" clinics for outpatient stuff.

[sweetana3]

Our annual physical is at least a half an hour with the Dr. for each of us after the nurse has taken our vitals. Not that we really need it. The visit to ortho doctor for hubby when he tore up his knee was fast and complete. Got an Xray and a cortisone shot. Made an immediate appointment (due to nature of problem) and got in without waiting at the office.

Note in our huge city, we have no appointment necessary ortho clinics also. Guess there are enough sports injuries or other issues to keep them busy. We chose to go to a recommended doctor rather than the clinic.

If i have something simple but a health problem, I am fine with a physician's assistant or nurse practitioner. But I have only had respiratory issues and arthritis type issues.

[ToomuchStuff]

Former nurse I am connected with, was taken to the hospital. After checking out and being given medication, the doctor was legally required to see this person within x number of days. Physically impossible for the doctor to do so, and the patient was scheduled outside of that timeframe by two days.
A specialist has been scheduled for an employer of mine, and he called him to reschedule, twice I believe now. That is putting off a procedure of the other owner, as they both may have to take time off.
I am sure it is a mix of several things......
Legal requirements
paperwork
insurance and the bureaucracy there. (approving a procedure in a time frame that works with the doctor as well)
the number(s) of both doctors in general, as well as more people who avoided them, pre ACA, that would have caused a backlog of passed due needed procedures. Or as that is simply known, math.

[Yppej]

I have not had to wait for appointments, but when my son was little there were waits of many months to see certain specialists because most would not take pediatric patients. As to being rushed, I changed doctors numerous times until I found one I liked who takes her time and listens to me.