Doctors see so many patients every day of their careers, and they may find it challenging to tell whether you need to be seen right away or if you can wait for a bit. Still, when you need to be seen by a doctor, you have a few options to speed up the journey to getting evaluated.
1. Call Ahead
Some doctor’s offices may take call-ahead appointments. This feature is convenient when you need an opinion on something but are afraid of the wait times. Still, they may have you make an appointment, especially if they are busy or are observing more rigorous COVID-19 safety guidelines. With any luck, they’ll have one available for you the same day you call.
It couldn’t hurt to call ahead and ask about the waiting time. You want to prioritize your health, too, so staying out of a sick waiting room can keep you from catching a cold or virus. Even just giving your primary care facility a heads up that you’ll be coming in can help them prepare accordingly for an extra patient.
2. Utilize Telehealth
Many people couldn’t leave their homes without the risk of getting sick at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Doctors began to use electronic devices to communicate with their patients and continue their routine visits. More appointments became virtual even after the initial surge waned. Now, many people have checkups with their primary care physician, sessions with their therapist and more, all over video chat.
Telehealth visits offer convenience for the health care professional and their patient, as both can feel relaxed in an area of their choice while communicating via a device. About 90% of physicians enjoy meeting via video chat with their patients.
Your primary care doctor may offer telehealth visits. If you have a quick question, you may be able to schedule an appointment with them when times are slow, as they won’t have to prep a room or any devices for you.
3. Know Your Caregivers
Once you start going to a certain place, you begin to know people. You learn the names of the nurses, doctors, receptionists and anyone else you may come into contact with. If someone you don’t know answers the phone when you call, ask for one of your trusted caregivers by name. They may be more willing to squeeze you in for a last-minute appointment if they know you well.
If you don’t have the opportunity to talk to someone you know, be personable to the receptionist or other person who does answer your call. Get their name and begin a short conversation with them. Explain your concerns and why you need to be seen. They may be willing to squeeze in an appointment for you, but don’t be surprised if you have to wait a while like everyone else.
4. Set up a Concierge Medicine Appointment
If you enjoy privacy and comfort in a medical setting, concierge medicine is probably for you. Memberships can give you unlimited access to 24/7 telehealth appointments and in-person visits without waiting times or extra costs. You might have to pay a hefty premium for concierge care, but you’re getting quality service that you have complete access to, no matter the time of day.
This subscription service can be handy for people who have to make trips to a doctor frequently or want a personal relationship with their health care provider. Your physician will be able to devote more time to you since they don’t have as many patients to care for. The quality of service will be better, and you’ll feel listened to. For example, mobile doctors in San Diego are part of this concierge medicine model, bringing personalized healthcare directly to your home or office. This ensures even greater flexibility and accessibility, making it an excellent option for those seeking comprehensive, on-demand medical attention.
5. Go to Urgent Care
Urgent care facilities near you are committed to bringing patients in, getting them diagnosed, preparing their treatment and sending them on their way, all in a timely manner. These clinics are typically open 24/7, so you can rely on them even when your primary care doctor isn’t taking appointments. They cater to people who might not have insurance or are underinsured, so everyone gets the appropriate medical care they need.
Your area should have a couple of urgent care facilities nearby. Some may require you to have appointments. Luckily, you may be able to call ahead or go to their website to book one without waiting.
6. Find a 24/7 Service
Many services offer access to a doctor via video chat at any hour of the day. These doctors may not be in the same area as you, but as long as you have stable internet access, they’ll be able to see and talk to you. You may have to pay a subscription fee, but it may be worth it, considering you can find a doctor any time you want.
The only downside with this option may be that you don’t always get to choose which doctor you will see. Even if you like the physician you receive, there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to speak with them again when you have another question. Still, at a less than 20-minute wait for telehealth appointments, you can be sure a doctor will have your attention. You also get to skip the waiting times for in-person visits.
7. Head to the Emergency Room
If your situation really can’t wait, it’s best to head to the emergency room. Doing so might leave you with a few scary-looking bills, but your health and safety come above all else. A trip to the ER might benefit you, especially if you won’t be able to be seen by a doctor for a long time.
You should always go to the emergency room first if you think something is life-threatening, and anyone you call will likely tell you the same thing. However, if you have a concern that is not affecting your breathing or daily activities, stay on hold for a doctor rather than going to the emergency room. That allows them to save beds for people in more critical conditions than you.
Use your best judgment when determining whether you should head to the emergency room or wait for a doctor to see you at your primary care facility. Someone who lives with you should have an opinion, too. You know your body best, but if you’re downplaying or ignoring something, your loved one can inform you that you need to head to the ER. Much of it depends on knowing your body and understanding just how long you can wait to see a doctor.
