How to get a doctor's appointment this week
March 10, 2024 9:54 AM Subscribe
Papa penguin has been having some concerning health symptoms since early January. His doctor prescribed some medication and gave instruction to return in a couple weeks for further testing if not resolved. We're at that point. However, the earliest appointment he can get is six weeks out. He would like something sooner. How should he ask for it?
In a February telephone consult, Doc prescribed two medications and said to see him in a couple of weeks if that didn't resolve things. It's now mid-March with no improvement.
Papa called the doctor's office to schedule another appointment, and the first available appointment is six weeks from now.
I'm thinking a six-week wait is excessive for a follow-up on a potentially serious condition he's already being treated for. Particularly since he's not sleeping and not eating because of the discomfort. I've also got to believe if he had a heart attack over the weekend, or even a bad case of the flu, he would not have to wait six weeks to be seen. There must be more immediate appointments available under the right set of conditions.
Papa is planning on calling back tomorrow to request an earlier appointment. What are the right words or right people to speak to to get an appointment this week or next?
In a February telephone consult, Doc prescribed two medications and said to see him in a couple of weeks if that didn't resolve things. It's now mid-March with no improvement.
Papa called the doctor's office to schedule another appointment, and the first available appointment is six weeks from now.
I'm thinking a six-week wait is excessive for a follow-up on a potentially serious condition he's already being treated for. Particularly since he's not sleeping and not eating because of the discomfort. I've also got to believe if he had a heart attack over the weekend, or even a bad case of the flu, he would not have to wait six weeks to be seen. There must be more immediate appointments available under the right set of conditions.
Papa is planning on calling back tomorrow to request an earlier appointment. What are the right words or right people to speak to to get an appointment this week or next?
What medical system in this? US? Canada/UK ? It might help to refine answers.
posted by From Bklyn at 10:03 AM on March 10 [1 favorite]
posted by From Bklyn at 10:03 AM on March 10 [1 favorite]
Also, as a slight aside, if they won't budge on the scheduling (which would suck) - definitely ask to be added to the cancellation list. At least here in the States that's definitely a thing.
Also, with my health care system I can now use their app to schedule appointments. Sometimes if I foresee the potential need, like, try this medication and come back in three weeks if it doesn't help, I'll immediately go into the app when I leave the initial appointment and book that next appointment three weeks out so at least it's being held for me. As we get closer if my symptoms have resolved I'll simply cancel the appointment. Maybe that's dickish behavior, but I want to avoid the kind of situation you mention.
posted by kbanas at 10:22 AM on March 10 [3 favorites]
Also, with my health care system I can now use their app to schedule appointments. Sometimes if I foresee the potential need, like, try this medication and come back in three weeks if it doesn't help, I'll immediately go into the app when I leave the initial appointment and book that next appointment three weeks out so at least it's being held for me. As we get closer if my symptoms have resolved I'll simply cancel the appointment. Maybe that's dickish behavior, but I want to avoid the kind of situation you mention.
posted by kbanas at 10:22 AM on March 10 [3 favorites]
When he called the doctor’s office to schedule the appointment, did he specifically say that the doctor had given him medication two weeks ago and requested a review appointment in two weeks’ time, ie. now? Or did he just phone and ask for an appointment?
Answers will probably differ depending on the answer to that. Obviously, if he didn’t say to the receptionist/appointment maker that the doc had specifically requested to see him this week, that’s the first thing he should do, while also emphasising the continuing severity of his symptoms.
If he already did that, and they didn’t budge, it’s time to escalate to: “He’s unable to eat because of this, what is your procedure for emergency appointments, because we need to use it?”
As you say, they must have one for people that need it, though in the UK it can vary between practices, so you need to ask and find out what it is.
If they still don’t budge after that, ask them what their policy is for patients who need urgent medical care because they’re unable to eat, but can’t get an appointment - is it urgent care, ER, etc. If nothing else, that proves that you’re really serious about this being urgent, and puts the onus on them to define the correct pathway.
He could also enquire about alternatives like phone appointments or ways to submit queries to doctors online - while these might not be the ultimate solution in themselves, they’d get his concerns in front of a doctor who would then be able to prioritise making an in-person appointment.
posted by penguin pie at 10:24 AM on March 10 [4 favorites]
Answers will probably differ depending on the answer to that. Obviously, if he didn’t say to the receptionist/appointment maker that the doc had specifically requested to see him this week, that’s the first thing he should do, while also emphasising the continuing severity of his symptoms.
If he already did that, and they didn’t budge, it’s time to escalate to: “He’s unable to eat because of this, what is your procedure for emergency appointments, because we need to use it?”
As you say, they must have one for people that need it, though in the UK it can vary between practices, so you need to ask and find out what it is.
If they still don’t budge after that, ask them what their policy is for patients who need urgent medical care because they’re unable to eat, but can’t get an appointment - is it urgent care, ER, etc. If nothing else, that proves that you’re really serious about this being urgent, and puts the onus on them to define the correct pathway.
He could also enquire about alternatives like phone appointments or ways to submit queries to doctors online - while these might not be the ultimate solution in themselves, they’d get his concerns in front of a doctor who would then be able to prioritise making an in-person appointment.
posted by penguin pie at 10:24 AM on March 10 [4 favorites]
Is there a nurse's line or messaging system? If so, I'd reach out to via those, using the language from above re the doctor asked for follow up, this is now needed and urgently but per staff, next appt is 3 wks out, so how to work around until the next available appt. Front line staff may not have the authority to give out emergency slots or break-time/lunch time appts.
posted by beaning at 10:49 AM on March 10
posted by beaning at 10:49 AM on March 10
Best answer: Does he actually need to be seen or can the tests just be ordered now? The appointment taker is not giving medical advice here, just working a schedule, but there should be a way to talk to the doctor or at least send a note. My doctor uses MyChart and you can send messages there. Her support staff will respond sometimes if it is something they can handle, or pass it on to her if not.
posted by soelo at 10:50 AM on March 10 [2 favorites]
posted by soelo at 10:50 AM on March 10 [2 favorites]
If he is willing to see another doctor in the practice that may have an earlier appointment, say so. If it has to be HIS doctor, ask to be added to a waitlist for cancellation.
I'm sorry you're dealing with this. The system (at least in the US) is overstretched right now. The primary care practices at my health system have been closed to new patients for over a year, and my own follow-up wait times, as a subspecialist with a limited patient panel, are over six months. It really sucks to be a patient right now.
posted by basalganglia at 11:00 AM on March 10 [1 favorite]
I'm sorry you're dealing with this. The system (at least in the US) is overstretched right now. The primary care practices at my health system have been closed to new patients for over a year, and my own follow-up wait times, as a subspecialist with a limited patient panel, are over six months. It really sucks to be a patient right now.
posted by basalganglia at 11:00 AM on March 10 [1 favorite]
Ask to speak to the triage nurse. A quick conversation should be able to determine if they need to get you in on an urgent care basis. Mention the doctor’s instructions to follow up in a couple of weeks if not resolved.
posted by jimfl at 11:05 AM on March 10
posted by jimfl at 11:05 AM on March 10
Ask to speak to or leave a message with the doctor's PA. And if he hasn't specifically mentioned both the immediate follow up thing and the "can't sleep or eat" thing, he should.
(Also seconding to send a message through the patient portal if he has or can get assess to one, and to get on a cancellation/waitlist if needed and possible.)
posted by wintersweet at 11:26 AM on March 10
(Also seconding to send a message through the patient portal if he has or can get assess to one, and to get on a cancellation/waitlist if needed and possible.)
posted by wintersweet at 11:26 AM on March 10
Best answer: "Oh, I don't think that will work. Dr. Jackson said I should be seen by March 15. Could you check with him?"
"I'm having trouble eating and it's affecting my ability to work. This seems rather urgent to me, what do you think?"
"It's my understanding that this could lead to a heart attack within a couple of weeks. Could you please check with the doctor?"
posted by amtho at 11:40 AM on March 10 [4 favorites]
"I'm having trouble eating and it's affecting my ability to work. This seems rather urgent to me, what do you think?"
"It's my understanding that this could lead to a heart attack within a couple of weeks. Could you please check with the doctor?"
posted by amtho at 11:40 AM on March 10 [4 favorites]
Response by poster: Good point, location matters. We are in the US.
posted by mama penguin at 12:04 PM on March 10
posted by mama penguin at 12:04 PM on March 10
Yep, if your providers have MyChart or some online portal, send messages now.
Call them when they open on monday, explain, and escalate if you don't get an adequate response. Certainly mention that this was the follow-up the doc ordered. Certainly mention the not able to eat part. Don't accept "nothing we can do" as an answer.
And start looking for different doctors. Would never tolerate anything like this.
posted by Windopaene at 2:39 PM on March 10
Call them when they open on monday, explain, and escalate if you don't get an adequate response. Certainly mention that this was the follow-up the doc ordered. Certainly mention the not able to eat part. Don't accept "nothing we can do" as an answer.
And start looking for different doctors. Would never tolerate anything like this.
posted by Windopaene at 2:39 PM on March 10
US MD here. If the front desk won't budge based on "The doctor said I needed to be seen back in *x* weeks," then you will want to be transferred to speak to a nurse or leave a message for the doctor. The front desk won't have the medical expertise or latitude to overbook based on medical urgency, but a nurse will (or will be able to discuss with the doctor). I very frequently field messages like this from the nurses I work with ("so-and-so says they are still having symptoms and want to come in, but you have no availability until [much later]"—almost always resulting in either overbooking myself or calling the patient directly so I can triage their concerns).
posted by telegraph at 3:19 PM on March 10 [4 favorites]
posted by telegraph at 3:19 PM on March 10 [4 favorites]
Is it possible that you are anxious about this medical situation and you are applying your anxiety to the scheduling of the appointment?
I really don't think it will be a big deal if he calls and say, "Hi ,, I had an appointment in February. The doctor said to try a couple of medications and if they don't work, come back in two weeks. I have tried to make that follow up appointment but it is six weeks out. Could you please check with the doctor whether I can be seen more urgently? Thank you!"
posted by kinddieserzeit at 5:06 PM on March 10 [1 favorite]
I really don't think it will be a big deal if he calls and say, "Hi ,
posted by kinddieserzeit at 5:06 PM on March 10 [1 favorite]
If there are other providers at that location, he can also ask about getting scheduled with one of them sooner. Usually one's own doctor still manages to swing by for at least the end of such appointments, or at least they'll be able to instruct the other provider (doesn't even necessarily have to be a doctor) on what to check and then have access to the data to make decisions from.
posted by teremala at 5:39 PM on March 10
posted by teremala at 5:39 PM on March 10
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posted by seanmpuckett at 9:58 AM on March 10 [4 favorites]