Lainey

Doctors are busy people. Most of our health care is provided by a primary care doc, generally we see his nurse prac and are comfortable with that. If you want to see the doc you're going to wait a while. If you need a specialist, you are talking at least a three- four week wait.

Depending on your health issue, three weeks can be a long time. My doc has arranged an appointment with an ortho for me....three weeks from now, and that's with them making the appointment, not me. Thankfully, my arm is better than last week, and I'm hoping the PT I'm receiving does the trick, before the appointment.

What is the wait in your area to see a specialist?

JonasM

I've never waited longer than necessary for MY schedule. This was for a ortho specialist for my 2 bad knees and my back. Same for PT after surgery - the wait is generally a couple of days.

I voted 1 week, though it's often less.

JonasM

Lainey

Not bad at all , Jonas.

Traveler

My first appointment with my ortho was for about 1 week after I called to make the appointment. When I wanted a follow up visit it was less than 24 hours.

A medical group I used to go to was much worse. Seeing my GP required an appointment 3 weeks in advance. The wait for a neurologist was 2 months. The way to get a quick appointment was to have the right symptoms. I had spent too much time walking through airports with a laptop bag on my left shoulder, and had irritated or pinched a nerve. When I asked to see the doctor because I was experiencing numbness and tingling down my left arm I went right to the front of the line.

zzziippyyy

Wheres the bonus answer for those that dont need a specialist?

Lainey

Wait until you hit 50 and come talk to me again.

zzziippyyy

^^^ Not to fah away!!!!

mns2k

Kyras

I usually wait about a week but that's because there are a few Kaiser facilities around here and when I try to get an appointment I will drive how ever far it is, to get the earliest available. If I want to wait for a closer location, I can wait weeks.

Lainey

Well the pt has not done a whole lot so far. I've had some very uncomfortable days and I feel pretty useless as I continue to baby the arm. I'm tired of popping pills and cuddling up with a cold pack. This AM I called the doc that I have an appt with on 1/12 to see if they can see me sooner. Nope. He's only in the office two days per week, other days are surgery days. OK then how about scheduling an MRI so that we know what we are/aren't dealing with when I have a visit with him, rather than wait for him to tell me I need an MRI then wait a week to see him again. Nope call your primary.

I did and they will get back to me.

Most annoyed this AM with the "take a number and we'll get back to you" system of health care.