In the news for a few years, there have been reports of long waits for appointments.
It doesn't appear to be getting better.
In the beginning of 2022, a referral for a dermatology appointment was submitted. Today I have that appointment...for mid November 2022! That is almost a year after I requested the appointment.
I am Very thankful to have the appointment. I understand there are not enough dermatologists in Vermont to handle the patient load.
I am more shocked than expected by the long wait. It scares me. A person could die waiting to be seen by a dermatologist in Vermont.
I think photographs of suspicious skin issues could be screened to help reduce wait time, and maybe save lives.
Are their long waits for specialist appointments where you live?
18 comments:
Waits here are becoming longer and longer, all while the medical field is quick to blame covid for the delays. I suppose it has had some bearing on the delays but I wonder how long it will be 'THE' reason. And one wonders when hearing the latest numbers of deaths attributed to covid just how many more have happened because people haven't been able to get timely medical care and why those numbers aren't being reported. Covid is equally responsible for those who have died because of not getting treatment for so many other things.
It’s two years for a dermatologist here. Two years for cataract surgery unless it is an emergency!
Marie,
Wow! Sorry the wait is so long.
I think suspicious skin issue can be photographed at the doctor's office, and reviewed by a dermatologist. Probably happens at some places already or should be.
Whoa! I had to cancel a dermatology appointment as it was the day after my surgery. I don't think it will take a year for me to get in, but you remind me to get that rescheduled. I had a spot in 2020 and I think with my doctor's referral I got in within a month. But I do think for my new derm (had to change doctors because of I'm now on Obamacare insurance), I had a 6-month wait to get my appointment with her for a body scan. That's the appointment I need to get on the stick to reschedule. I'm thinking things aren't so bad here as they may be where you are, but we live near a large city and our doctors are located there. I wonder if that is a big factor.
Yes, specialist appointments have very long waits here - several months, at least.
Becki,
A larger city with more doctors sounds reasonable appointments don't take months to schedule.
Lorrie,
Knowing the issue is a problem in other places, is making me feel fortunate to have an appointment.
It does seem to take a very long time for a specialist appointment.
It’s good you finally have one though.
Dixie,
Why specialist appointments take so long has been going on so long is puzzling to me. I hope things will change.
I do think Covid and the chemicals in our bodies have wreaked havoc with the brain and central nervous system ~ so many things are out of stock, behind in deliveries, appointments are hard to get and overall state of the world is in a mess ~ sigh ~ still hoping for the best ~ Xo
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
I'm with you, Carol, hoping for the best.
Shortages of medics in all spheres of the medical profession would seem to be common in many parts of the world. Covid hasn't helped.
Graham,
Covid's impact is horrific. It reaches into everything.
I admit, I don't know.
William
I hope you can get appointments in a reasonable time when need be.
It depends on the specialist. and I hope if it was more of an emergency a family doc could facilitate a faster appointment.
Jeanie,
I've heard of primary doctors that do that. But, not all folks are so lucky. Reading online, I see dermatology is one of the long wait appointments.
Appointments here are not that long to wait for (sometimes a couple months if it's busy, but they usually get you in quick if they can). I'm so sorry you have to wait that long.
~Sheri
Sheri,
I am very grateful to have an appointment. If anything gets weird or something alarms me, then I will email the dermatologist, with photos.
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