Doctors, lack of in Grand Junction (Denver, Fort Collins: dermatologist, health insurance, university)

[tkjkstl]

Have lived in GJ for 5 months,wife is working at VA hospital. She is a RN/working outpatient clinic,she recieves all her Healthcare through the VA. Which she is satisfied with. I worked for 35 yrs. and have severe Degenerative Disc Disease. After multiple fusions I no longer work. I have been trying to get appointments with Family practitioner,and a Neurologist. I have referrals from my Doctors. Now approaching 6-7 months and I'm getting my first appointments after 4 Family Practitioners turned me away, 2 Neurologist never responded the 3 rd just was not confident in handling my condition. His Nurse practitioner finally after many conversations told me how the Doctor felt and He and here both referred me to the St. Mary's Neurological ward and offices. This referral took me 3 months just to get appointment. In the mean time every 2-3 months I travel 1400 miles to see my Family Practitioner,and Neurologist. Who knowing and respecting me have given me plenty of lead way on visits and medication if needed. So this what A N.P. Told me and my wife this weekend that if you have chronic medical conditions. GJ is not a easy place to establish new Doctors when suffering from chronic health issues and it's just as hard to establish without chronic conditions.
My wife working at the VA has seen a couple doctors finish their internship and within weeks leave GJ for larger cities,and talking to other RN's who have been onsite for years, the doctors moving on is very common and something that's hard to get used to. Basically doctors here are patient shopping. Beware if you have complicated medical issues.

[Colorado Rambler]

I have been referred to St Mary's Neurological clinic for care and was less than impressed. Since I live in the Four Corners - a considerable distance from Junction - I can't comment on the availability of primary practice doctors there. I imagine that in part, it depends on your health insurance plan. My doctor here in Cortez has now referred me to the neuro-psych department at University Hospital in Denver where I have received excellent treatment in the past. Denver is roughly 400 miles from Junction - beats the 1,400 miles you have been traveling now. Meanwhile, I must come up with the money for a round trip to Denver, plus a place to stay while I am under-going evaluation there. I have no idea how I'm going to manage this. Sometimes you can't win for losing.

[DOUBLE H]

I've lived in Mesa County full time for over two decades, having lived on the Front Range for double that amount.

Yes, health care is indeed an issue in my area. I'm somewhat lucky though, I've had my own family doctor for seventeen years. My own podiatrist for twelve years. My own eye doctor for sixteen years. My own chiropractor for seventeen years. Beyond that yes, there are issues with specialized care, shortage of specialists. I lost my dermatologist to early retirement. And yes, the newer family practices are getting choosy regarding taking in new patients. Sad but true.

I've been in and out of St. Mary's Hospital several times for different surgeries, mostly day surgery situations. Been lucky there. But with my doctors if I have to make an appointment it is generally a two week wait, not counting the family doctor. Even seven, maybe eight years or so ago if you just had Medicare with no secondary provider you were shown the door.

A shortage for sure, the specialists are going to Denver, Salt Lake, or wherever. There are still a few good ones, but just a few. In the meanwhile this area keeps on growing. The people who move here assume everything is just fine. It isn't.

[jwiley]

I am currently in Fort Collins right now so that my daughter can see her doctor, we moved to Grand Junction in November and still cannot find a doctor for my wife or daughter who both have medical problems. We are in fact looking at moving back to the front range partially due to the lack of medical care available.

[Texas Ag 93]

This is a problem all over the country in rural and small metro areas. It is hard to get physicians to practice in these locations. Part of it is desirability of the community, and part of it is the fact that in order to establish and run a successful practice, you have to have an adequate patient population in a large enough catchment area.

And, some of this is a VA issue as well. My husband is an Orthopedic sub specialist and would see patients at the Denver VA twice a month (one of the few practitioners in town who would). The wait time to get an appointment with him was 9 months.

These problems will get worse before they get better until the number of practitioners (Physician, PA and NP) increases and/or programs arise to draw people to practice in these communities long term.