I requested to schedule an annual wellness exam with my doctor, they said “She’s booking out into 2026, would you still like to schedule?”
They’re scheduling out a YEAR in advance!
I realize this is likely a regional issue to some degree, but I have a hunch that in the US (the country I’m in) it’s very difficult to get a appointments for non-urgent issues. It’s also incredibly difficult in my area to be able to find a doctor that’s accepting new patients!
Why can’t medical facilities afford to expand to support the demand? This isn’t meant to open a discussion about healthcare - it’s just a rant. Grrr!
Last year I hadn’t see my doctor for more than three years so when i made the wellness exam appointment they told me that normally i would no longer be considered their patient but the doctor remembered me and grandfathered me in. I had to fill out new patient paperwork again but my entire record still existed and i could continue seeing the same doctor.
That is unfortunately common. You’re considered a new patient if you haven’t seen the doctor within three years at a bunch of places, especially ones that are busy.