It’s getting harder and harder to secure an appointment with your physician because there are simply not enough doctors to fill patients’ needs. According to new data, the average wait for an appointment is 38 days, with even longer waiting times for specialists.
According to TIME, these long waits add emotional distress to the already heightened stress you feel when ill. Plus, early symptoms may be missed that won’t be treated in a timely manner.
Here are some ways to secure an earlier appointment.
• Be flexible with your schedule. Try to offer a range of dates and times that you are available. Consider early mornings or late afternoons, as these slots might be less busy. See if the office has multiple locations and be willing to travel if there is an earlier appointment elsewhere.
• Ask your primary care doctor for help. Your own doctor may be willing to make a call on your behalf to see a specialist, says TIME. He or she may be able to secure an appointment with a specialist sooner.
• Check for cancellations. Many offices have waiting lists for cancellations. Call and ask if they can notify you if an earlier slot becomes available, advises the American Medical Association.
• Utilize telehealth. Many physicians offer virtual appointments. These can often be scheduled more quickly than in-person visits, says The Washington Post.
• Contact other providers. If your regular physician is unavailable, consider seeing a physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner in the same office. Visit urgent care for non-emergency issues. Urgent care centers can often provide quicker access to care than a traditional physician’s office.
• Explain your situation. If your condition is urgent, clearly explain your symptoms to the scheduler. They may be able to prioritize your appointment. Be clear about your needs. If you are looking for a new diagnosis this can take more office time than seeking treatment for an existing condition.
• Ask the receptionist for assistance. If the wait seems unbearably long, ask the receptionist for assistance in obtaining an earlier appointment. Be polite and see if they have any suggestions for better availability.
• Call your health plan. If you’re having a hard time getting in to see a specialist (or any provider), contact your health plan’s member services department, says Dr. Michael Hochman, an internist in Los Angeles. “Health insurance companies have service-level standards, which includes the expectation that you can get in to see a specialist within 30 days if you need to,” he says. They may be able to help you find a different specialist your primary care physician is comfortable with who can see you sooner, adds the Post.
Remember that physicians are doing their best to see as many patients as possible, but some specialists are in such high demand that you may have to pack your patience and persevere.