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Pinwurm t1_iu2uubs wrote

By definition, we are still in a pandemic.

Those that did not get severe COVID symptoms in the last two years have delayed seeking basic medical care until they felt safe enough to do so.

Because preventative care was avoided, patient numbers are way up now. It will take a few years for things to even out a little more and meet staffing demand.

If you try to get a specialist of similar quality in any major city, scheduling is a mess. Bay area included. I know folks in other parts of the country that've run into the same issues as you.

What makes Boston unique is that is has the best Hospitals in country, so there is additional demand and strain on the system.

Still, you don't have a PCP. I know, I know - you just moved here. And the timing is unfortunate. But once you're all set with a PCP, scheduling should be easy.

For example, I saw a specialist recently.
I messaged my PCP through a healthcare app asking for a referral, they sent it the next day (it didn't require a checkin), and I was scheduled for the same week. Bip, bam, boom.

If you can establish yourself at Brigham & Women's or Beth Israel, it's worth the wait. If you really cannot wait, Boston Medical Center is perfectly fine, though many folks are biased because it is a Safety-Net Hospital.

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Full_Alarm1 t1_iu3l8tl wrote

I honestly disagree with the brigham and womens recommendation. My pcp of many years is B&W affiliated, and anytime i have had to see a specialist, it takes months, whether i am seen in Boston or their Foxboro location. Currently waiting for a rheumatology appointment in February— i booked it two months ago.

I would switch providers, except as OP detailed, finding new ones in this region is incredibly difficult. My delayed care is better than no care, which is what i have sadly come to accept.

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UltimateZo OP t1_iu4j5dx wrote

Thanks for commenting and good to hear differing perspectives. Seems like this is a larger issue than people want to admit.

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UltimateZo OP t1_iu2x728 wrote

Appreciate the response and 100% I agree the affects of COVID are as prevalent as ever with the healthcare system.

The timing is definitely unfortunate. Hindsight is 20/20, but I would have got on PCP the waitlist as soon as we locked down our apartment had I known!

I think I'll probably get on the waitlist for a PCP at one of the bigger hospitals and for now just work with the remote PCP I have in Amherst, MA for prescription refills, bloodwork, referrals if necessary, etc.

Seems like from what you said, once you are in the system things start to smooth out, but getting in is the battle.

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Full_Alarm1 t1_iu3lffz wrote

OP, not to frighten you, but i dont think “once you’re in, you’re in.” I am in, and it still takes months to see specialists.

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Pinwurm t1_iu2ynzj wrote

Yeah, once you're in - you're okay. Getting in is hard. Especially for psych right now.

I have an established relationship with my doc, so I have no issues getting urgent sessions or off-cycle prescriptions. But I know folks that struggled finding local therapists for months. COVID put a lot of pressure on that field.

I mean, there's plenty of licensed online therapy companies these days allowing you to Zoom with someone out of town. Insurance can be tricky then. And medication management is trickier.

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