Doctor shortage in Charlotte --- Wish someone had told me before I moved here (Matthews: dermatologist, insurance)

[Damemeow]

There is a doctor shortage in the Charlotte/ Matthews area. I wish I had known to ask about this before I moved here. I wish someone had warned me. Since being here the last 6 months every time I or my husband has needed medical care we have been told there is a 2 month wait or worse we are told the doctors aren't taking new patients. The experience I have had trying to get medical care has been the worst in any of the 5 states I have lived in (NY, FL, PA, NJ & NC).

When I needed a dermatologist I was told there was a 2-3 month wait for new patients. I was offered a one month wait if I wanted a see a nurse practitioner.

When my husband needed a GP we were told there was a 2 month wait or he could see a nurse practitioner. We eventually searched around and found an Internal Medicine MD who would see him in 3 weeks.

My husband then needed a specialist and when I called the specialist to schedule they too could not make a "new patient" appointment any sooner than 7 weeks.

Recently I have been ill and since my DH doesn't care for his new doctor I figured I would just go to the Presbyterian Urgent care. They told me I needed to see a Gastroenterologist (sp) and would be in touch with the referral appointment. Four days later they called and told me they had scheduled me with a Physician's Assistant. I called and asked for an appointment with the doctor and could not get one any sooner than 8 weeks later.

While I totally respect nurse practitioners, and physician's assistants they are NOT equipped with the same education and experience as a specialist. And in the case of specialists, my insurance company is going to charge me specialist copays whether I am actually seen by one or not

I am not implying in anyway that the doctors provide inadequate care... just that we can't ever see any of them.

For those of you coming from New York and Florida you will be in for a shock. And I am posting this, because I really wish someone had while I was researching my move.

I would love to hear if anyone else is experiencing this, and any locals input on how to handle this.

[bandibadji]

I have not had any problems getting assistance, registered, or anything related. I am sure that most people are aware that you will likely see a P.A. or a practitioner for an appointment for the preliminary interview and possibly problem resolution. Relax and accept that these days that it is the norm. However, in my case, I saw the doctor for a routine exam. If your problem is serious enough and requires an actual doctor, you will be provided one. I just moved here from Florida. No problems here. Sorry that the subscribers didn't tell you that there aren't enough doctors. Bad, bad, subscribers. LOL.
Did you upset someone or start the geographical comparisons? That will do it sometimes. It is the equivalent of someone spitting into your food at a fast food place after being rude. Anyway, good luck in finding an acceptable individual to tend to your needs.

[Damemeow]

I realize that may be the case here...now. But that has never been my experience in either Florida New York or New Jersey. I personally do not agree that an NP or PA is necessarily the right person to make that evaluation. And even if that's how it is...it is not that way anywhere else I have lived. I am sure I am not the first nor will I be the last to be utterly dismayed by this. But no, I have lived here long enough not to get into the geographical differences over the phone...

[anifani821]

This is nothing new. It was like this back in the 80s. At least, it was for me, LOL. Maybe it has more to do w/ the type of insurance I had and the types of docs I was using.

[Damemeow]

Ani,

I have had the same insurance for eight years... so I don't think that's it. I wish it were that simple...

[DawnW]

Really? Wow. I haven't had a problem with any of this.

Dawn

[Goodbye Bawlmer]

Maybe it has something to do with the rapid influx of people moving into the Charlotte area. The population here increased faster than the health care system could keep up. We are the cause.
I would suggest using Minute Clinic if you are sick and just be patient when making appointments for check ups and annual exams.

[Petro2008]

I haven't had this problem at all...and w/ 3 children I always feel like we are at some type of Dr./Dentist visit. However, the wait was always the case when we where in Boston. We have an absolutely FABULOUS family Dr. located in South CLT...PM if you would like a referral!

[mullman]

Nothing new IMHO.
I am relatively young (40ish) and do not go to the Dr frequently although I have an established history at a practice. I recently needed to see a Dr and was told if I was not very ill that it would be a 3 week wait. I just went to an Urgent Care facility instead ($50 on my insurance, which was comparable to the Dr visit anyway).

The good news is that our pediatrician is same day service nearly every time.

[anifani821]

My dad has a chronic condition so has to see his orthopod regularly - and sometimes, he is in excruciating pain . . . and even w/ that - he can't get in to see his doc. He just keeps appointments for every six weeks or so . . . and otherwise, has to head to the ER.

I was not going to get into this conversation more deeply - but DH and I are in healthcare management and we do NOT have a shortage of docs here. This region is saturated w/ healthcare facilities and every type of physician one could possibly need. Healthcare access and use is very high here . . . not low . . . and there definitely is not a shortage of docs.