Waiting list to see a specialist

[Tiffany]

waiting list to see a specialist

I live in Canada and it takes FOREVER to get into a specialist...well at least it does in Calgary. Just curious. How long did it take you to get into a specialist and where are you from? The first time I had to wait a year and a half eeek! If only they knew how many hours I have waisted sitting on the toilet...I swear I have butt grooves from the toilet seat lol

 

[Carrie]

I had to wait a bit over a year here, but that is only because I am a foreigner. Once my year was up, it only took about a month for them to get me booked in, and I think I would have gotten in sooner had it not been over the winter holidays. Of course, should there have been an emergency, I could have gotten to a specialist through the A&E much sooner.

When I was in the US (California), I was able to get to a specialist within a month, with a referral or self-referred.

 

[lookame]

It took a good couple of months for me. I made an appointment with a primary so he could send me to a specialist(I have to get approval from my primary for an specialists...and it took about 4-6 months to get in with my primary) unfortunatly the hospital took me before my primary got to me then I spent another few months waiting for a followup with my specialist(a good 4months) I live in Ohio, USA

 

[littlemissh]

I'm from the UK, took about 2 weeks for me, so was quite fortunate.

 

[ThanksP]

It took me one day. I cannot fathom waiting over a year to have the opportunity to see a specialist.

 

[troydanielbecker]

When we moved to Houston, we had no idea that we were going to get cozy with colitis. It's really great to live in a city of health care. We also saw a specialist right away (next day).

On the other hand, I have my gripes, because it feels more like pharmaceutical and insurance industry than a center of research for health care (ideally balancing drugs with holistic and integrated care). This is one general shortcoming of specialist care, at least in the US. But then again, I'm fairly new to the health care scene, and my perspective is definitely limited!

 

[DustyKat]

Australia.

When Matt's ultrasound showed his terminal ileum was thickened, it was a Friday, he had an appointment to see the GI the following Tuesday, a colonoscopy/gastroscopy booked for Wednesday, a CT Enterogram Thursday and an appointment to see the GI again on Friday.

Dusty.

 

[outlier]

GI a week later (I got the associate of the guy recommend, which is what I always get)
Rhemy a month, but that was after a dozen phone calls. the orthopedist to confirm my dx (long story) 14 phone calls later 2 months.
for a dentist to deal with TMJ i've called dozens still haven't found someone who accepts my insurance near me.

 

[Tiffany]

My issues have gotten worse so this time I will be getting in pretty quick, September 12th. I'm guessing they take the most serious medical problems first. They no longer think it's ibs and are now looking into ibd. I'm kinda glad to know I'm not the only one waiting forever, I though they were blowing me off.

 

[ekay03]

I live in Dallas and I lived in Los Angeles and I assume it is the same for any big city in America. If you show up sick to a hospital they will treat you. If you go to a county run hospital they will treat you and if you require follow-up care w/ a specialist that will be made available to you in a timely manner. I don't know about small towns with small hospitals, but I think social svcs. would help to find follow-up specialized care.
Funny thing is this is how it works for uninsured and unemployed. If you have health ins. it actually takes much longer. But really at the end of the day I think the sicker you are the quicker your care will be. This sickest people get treated first. Its really not doled out on a first come first serve basis.

 

[happy]

Hello Tiffany,
It took me 13 months from the start of my symptoms to see a GI, 3 months after first seeing my GP about my symptoms for a colonoscopy to be done by a GP with extra training ( I live in rural Northern Alberta), and with positive signs of inflammation on a 'scope and a small bowel barium follow-through, still a seven month wait after that to see a GI.

May your tests go well for you Tiffany and may you soon be feeling well.

 

[Sailorluna]

Hi,
I am in Minnesota. I actually go ticked off at my GP because she couldn't figure out what was going on and made the GI appt myself. I only waited a few days which is great. However I only spent about 5 minutes with the GI, was told I had IBS (I dont) and sent away with a perscription.

For those of you that have to wait so long to get in, do you feel like your care is better?
Maybe they take more time with you?

 

[lola99]

I live in the states and i went to my regular doctor for a full physcial check up and the appointment was also made because i was having symptoms of a bowel obstruction but i didn't know it at the time. I went for that appointment and he referred me to the gi and i had an appointment made that day for a few days later to see the specialist. Everytime I've ever gone to my primary care physcian with bowel issues they always refer me to a specialist and i get in whenever they have an opening which is usually a few days or so. I guess with not having govement healthcare it doesn't take as long. Also i've had a few doctors who have actually wanted to treat me and others that just wanted to label me with no tests and give me drugs for my "illness". I think it just depends on the doctor.

 

[Tiffany]

Thanks for the posts everyone. This site is amazing! I don't post a lot, but i'm on here everyday. This info helps a lot. I am a little upset having to wait to see my specialist, but he is such a good doctor and I trust him to find whats wrong.

 

[crazycanuck]

Live in Vancouver and wow half a year!

I have to call my doctor tomorrow and I'll be in next week. When I have troubles I can call her at anytime and she will see me anyday on a moments notice if needed. I like my doctor

 

[xoxava]

oh my gosh i cant imagine waiting that long!!! i only had to wait a week. that is just insane. its so sad people have to wait so long to get some relief!