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!
Are annual welness exams common in the us? I’ve only ever gone to the doctor when somethings wrong. Presumably urgent cases can still be booked within a few days?
As you get older, yes. And I’m older. Also, my insurance covers wellnrss exams 100%, so they promote them.
I don’t know how common they actually are, but they should be fairly accessible. Most insurance plans provide them free or at a heavy discount.
As kids, yes. And women are told to have a yearly pelvic exam. My insurance covers well exams 100% but I have been unable to schedule one since 2021. Also if I ask any questions outside of what is deemed wellness (I asked about having skin tags removed and was charged for the visit, they did not remove any, I only asked about it happening).
I live in a small town so health care is very limited unless I drive to the city.
Apparently they’ve decided once every 5 years is enough for women. Now I wonder if that’s because of the doctor shortage…