[*Beth*]

How difficult is it to get an appointment with your primary care doctor? What about an appointment with your urgent care clinic? Are the receptionists you speak with usually friendly and helpful, or not?

[Nammu]

I don’t know how hard it is to get an appointment with my general doc. Last time I tried was before covid. Because I was having abdominal pain they said I had to go to ER. Fortunately ER wasn’t busy and it turned out I had some rare but self limiting intestinal thing. They did make a follow up appointment with my dr for two days later. He was great and printed out info that was very reassuring.

Mum’s experience was that they mostly referred her to the same day clinic. Right after covid locked everything down she had something respiratory and we had to take her to a different part of the hospital. I had to stay in the car. Everyone was wrapped up. Turned out she had an ordinary respiratory illness.

That’s been it except for our check ups. My feeling is that it takes days to get in with your regular primary doctor and they refer you to someday clinic or ER.

[lizardlady]

Beth, there is a long lag time in getting an appointment with ANY doc in my area.

I called my pdoc last week to reschedule my appt. Next opening was the end of January. The lady on the phone was polite and professional. Wait time to see my small animal vet (been doing this a lot lately) is 2 to 3 weeks. Her staff is great. They are always helpful. Last couple of calls they apologized for how long it would be before the appt.

If someone was rude to you on the phone I would address it with the doc when you see them.

[MuseumGhost]

I believe it's that way, everywhere. I believe it's on account of the 'triple pandemic': The combination of Covid, the flu season getting started up, and RSV infections in children and older adults. I couldn't even get an after-hours clinic appointment with our practice. The receptionist sounded like she was going to break down in tears, right on the phone.

It's a worrisome time to be alive.

[Mountaindewed]

I normally just see specialists who I only see every 3-6 months. So those appointments are booked when I'm checking out after my last visit. When I went to immediate care a couple weeks ago it took almost 2 hours just to get into a room. I used to be in and out in 30 minutes. Once I did get a room they were very nice and did all the necessary tests and Xrays despite being so busy.

I have a doctors appointment on Wednesday that was supposed to be last month but they bumped it to Wednesday. Which isn't a big deal really.

[MuddyBoots]

I haven't seen my primary in a year, and then the appointment was booked by the ER so it was two days after I went there. Receptionists are helpful but the phone line is seriously f**ked and you will literally be on hold infinitely (not kidding) trying to refill meds. Don't know about urgent care. Last time I went it was more expensive than the ER so I didn't go again and that was when I was a minor

[Fuzzybear]

I haven't seen my primary in more than a couple of years. They do refills etc by email mostly. The phone line is pretty much ****... The receptionists are mostly friendly when you do get through...

[Crazy Hitch]

My gp just left the practice so I don’t know who I’m going to see

[Travelinglady]

I called my primary-care doc's office this morning and got an appointment this afternoon, since a patient had canceled. My doc works in a clinic, so if I can't see her I see some other doc there. It works out well.

[eskielover]

Small town of 8000, no problem. I ended up with bronchitis/pneumonia last month. Phones were really busy when they first opened Monday morning but when I finally got through they had me come in a couple of hours later. Vets are usually good if it is critical but sometimes the wait is a couple of days if not urgent. Love living in a small town.. a lot more personal care though I have never had to go to the ER

[Discombobulated]

I’ve got to admit there are things I should see the doctor about but I know it’s going to be difficult getting a face to face appointment so I put it off. Like Fuzzy I get repeat prescription by website and usually phone consultation with GP.

I don’t find phones easy and I bet lots of people are like me. I don’t like this became normal because of covid.

[eskielover]

I am kinda lucky cause my friend is a retired Physicians Assistant. If I really think I may have a problem I call her. She came over & listened to my lungs to let me know if going to the MD was going to be necessary. First time I ever took her up on doing it though. Most times I can fight off bugs without AB's. There are so many meds I have bad reactions to I figure I am better off not going to an MD

[*Beth*]

This thread is enlightening. Thanks to each of you for your replies!

Aside from med dude, the PA who prescribes my psych meds, I very seldom go to the doctor. I'm careful about timely mammograms because of family history. Besides that I seldom see a doctor.

But last week I developed a skin infection that was only getting worse, I was using home care and getting nowhere fast. Almost whenever I have made an attempt to see a medical practitioner I pretty much have to draw my silver sword and do battle to get an appointment to be seen. It's a fight to the death - as it nearly was yesterday.

I needed to be seen in urgent care because skin infections can become dangerous. They can turn into MRSA which can become sepsis which can mean fast dead. I fought. Fought. Finally achieved an appointment, got an antibiotic. Turned out I not only had an infection but also an allergy to Band-Aids and to Neosporin. The entire situation was a large area of my shoulder/back that is...not well and was definitely in need of medical care.

***People: in countries where our governmental leaders have access to medical care the very same day they need it every single living being in that country should also have access to medical care the very same day it is needed!!! Anything else is unethical AND immoral!***

I suppose uncaring receptionists must think me a real bit*h because I WILL dig in my heels until I receive the care I know I need, the care my nation owes to me because I vote. Please: Let's ALL take care of ourselves, let's ALL insist we get what we deserve. Don't back down!

As for veterinary medicine, I won't even go there because my fear and disgust is so strong. I just....NO.