[Gray Rider]

I have noticed it is almost impossible to schedule an appt with a MD in my area and surrounding cities. (with insurance and sufficient funds)

I have even called neighboring cities. It is hard to even reach an administrative assistant, get on a waiting list, or schedule with a NP.

Anyone running into this problem? Solutions?

[RedDawn]

Originally Posted by Gray Rider

I have noticed it is almost impossible to schedule an appt with a MD in my area and surrounding cities. (with insurance and sufficient funds)

I have even called neighboring cities. It is hard to even reach an administrative assistant, get on a waiting list, or schedule with a NP.

Anyone running into this problem? Solutions?

Psychiatry is one of the lowest paid least respected specialties. There is a legit shortage.

There are oodles of pdocs in my area, but only a handful that take my insurance, even though my insurance is rather common (Aetna). You end up on a long waiting list for good ones. Others have low patient ratings. Many people in my area go to out of network pdocs, including me. My pdoc is great and worth the extra expense. Luckily I did eventually find a good in network tdoc, but it took a while. She even saw me pretty quickly in the beginning. I've been seeing tdoc for 4 years now. Pdoc for almost 12.

What do you mean by "MD"? A psychiatrist or a GP?

If you're saying you can't get in with a psychiatrist, try a GP instead and explain the situation. They'll be able to prescribe meds and maybe help you get an appointment with a pdoc or pnurse. Sometimes it's just easier to go through a GP if you're looking for a psychiatrist.

[HALLIEBETH87]

Mostly see no around here unless you go to a private practice but there are nps there to

[~Christina]

Its often really hard to find one because as mentioned the pay for Pdocs is lower than for other specilists which makes no real sense

I would personally go to your GP explain your situation they "might" start you on Psych meds, some just flat out wont because most honestly just dont know enough about pysch meds.

Often a refferal from a GP to a Pdoc gets you in sooner at least.

Good luck

[Nammu]

Pdocs are aging out and no one is rushing to fill the empty spots. There's one pdoc for three counties here so my GP is following me. I lived in Austin, TX before and even they a large metro area had trouble retaining Pdocs. Many rural areas in USA have no access to Pdocs or even good Ts. For years mental health wasn't covered and then ACA forced it to be treated equal with medical coverage but now the GOP's want to take that away so why would a med student with all their loans want to go specialize in a field that might not be covered?

[eye2797]

I see a GP right now and have for years. When my insurance changed I had the choice of two PDoc and both were not a good fit for me and so I went back to my Gp. I think he has been more supportive and understanding. He also keeps up on the the field of the meds and such for mental health. The wait time here to see a pdoc is months, when in crisis that is not good. I can see him or talk to him within a day.

[RedDawn]

I'm with my GP too.

She basically prescribes what I tell her to prescribe. I have to remind her that I need the occasional labs because I'm on lithium.

It works for now.

[Aliceiw]

I’ve encountered a similar problem in the past. I was put on a waiting list but when I had some bad symptoms they moved me up the list. When I was waiting though a representative said there is a really big shortage of doctors. They leave or are retired. I also think the fact that everyone has been required to have insurance means a wave of people who couldn’t get the help they need are flooding the system. It’s good that people are reaching out but it also means that those that are in dire need may have to wait. I lucked out because I’ve been at that office for a long time and they know my history. Finding someone new through a new office could be a seriously hard time. I’m sorry you are going through this. In the meantime a gp may help get you through just know that they have very little experience. If I were you I might see if I could make it work with one of those two doctors until you can find someone else. I’ve had bad experiences, stuck it out and found that once the doctor got to know me they actually changed how they treated me and I got better treatment. This isn’t to say that this will happen but just another perspective because I’ve seen it happen twice for me. Really they just give you meds so they don’t need to be someone you like just someone that helps, the relationship may get better over time.

[bioChE]

There’s certainly a shortage in the area where I️ live. At times I’ve shopped for a different doc and called up to 30 other offices. Vast majority of those weren’t taking new patients, and the rest never got back to me. I️ feel kind of fortunate to have my present doc, though I’m not overly enamored with him.

[Gray Rider]

Originally Posted by bluebicycle

What do you mean by "MD"? A psychiatrist or a GP?

If you're saying you can't get in with a psychiatrist, try a GP instead and explain the situation. They'll be able to prescribe meds and maybe help you get an appointment with a pdoc or pnurse. Sometimes it's just easier to go through a GP if you're looking for a psychiatrist.

A medical doctor of psychiatry, instead of a nurse practitioner.

Thanks for the advice, but will the average GP write much more than just antidepressants? I figure most will shy away.

[RedDawn]

Originally Posted by Gray Rider

A medical doctor of psychiatry, instead of a nurse practitioner.

Thanks for the advice, but will the average GP write much more than just antidepressants? I figure most will shy away.

I'm currently on one AD, two mood stabilizers and an AP.

All prescribed by a GP.

If you know your meds, go to a GP.

If you don't know what you need, don't go to a GP.

[Sunflower123]

It is hard to find a good pdoc. I had bad luck with pdocs until I picked my current one randomly through my insurance. He quit taking my insurance and it’s worth my while to pay cash although it can make things tight when he sees me once a month. He meets with me for 45-60 minutes, is very thorough and is on top of new treatments. I’m grateful.

[eye2797]

Originally Posted by Gray Rider

A medical doctor of psychiatry, instead of a nurse practitioner.

Thanks for the advice, but will the average GP write much more than just antidepressants? I figure most will shy away.

I take two mood stabilizers, prescribed by GP.