I have lots of medical issues, so I have lots of doctors. In general, if you have a future appointment things go smoothly. However, there are many cases like this:
I had a cardiologist who was in charge of a major practice. It was hard to get even annual visits with him, so I was switched to an underling cardiologist who did not bother to read my history or even what medications I was taking - almost killed me with a drug mistake and put me in the hospital for four nights. So, I bit the bullet and insisted that I switch back. This time I complained to the doctor, and he told the staff to give me appointments when I needed them. Then, later, he retired and chose a new cardiologist in his practice to take me, ordered some tests I must have annually, and told me to see the new guy once those tests were done. I scheduled the tests and follow-up with the new doctor that day. Then, after having all the tests, I got a call, the doctor would not be available when scheduled, so I needed to
reschedule - the earliest was about 3 months away. OK, scheduled that, then a month later, the same thing. So, about 6 months after the tests I was finally able to see the doctor and get the test results.
Fast forward a month and I'm having a concerning cardiac issue so I called to get an appointment. Had to leave a voice mail. I called three more times, and each time had to leave a voice mail - no call backs. They push to use their portal to make appointments. Well, my new cardiologist has no available appointments at any time in the future according to the portal, and none of the other cardiologists in that location have any either!
The issue I'm having (heart rate as low as 30) is coming and going. If I go to the ER and it happens to be low, I will be admitted to the hospital. I suppose that would at least get a random cardiologist to have a look but otherwise I would just lay there. If it is normal like it is most of the time, I will just waste 3-10 hours while all the illegal
aliens get free medical care!
In general, it is the staff that is bad at most medical practices here.
Some are great. For instance, I can call/text my podiatrist or his office manager at ANY time and get help/advice. I often need the wound care center but can never get an appointment unless I get a doctor in my podiatrist's office who also works one day a week at the wound care center to order them to make me an appointment when he's there!
On the other hand, most doctor's staffs are terrible. I need a knee replacement but first have to consult with a group that does knee gel injections. I have tried six times to get an appointment, and each time have had to leave a voice mail and have received no call backs!
In general, I think the staff people are good, but the doctors simply do not want to pay for proper staffing. In both the huge INOVA Hospital System and most local doctors' offices, at least the nurses are part time. In my cardiologist's office, there are one or two people
at the front desk checking patients in and out but that's apparently not enough to answer the phones and definitely not enough to return calls!