EYE-OPENING EXPERIENCES

Ralph Campbell

Editor’s Note: The Journal reached out to readers asking them to share their experiences and frustrations in trying to see a doctor, ranging from primary care to specialists. Here are some of their stories.

Sharon Gross

My PCP and seven specialists are in the UNMH system. My insurance is Medicare with AARP United Health Care supplement. I experience the shortage of providers with almost all my doctors. My cardiology appointment for February 2019 was rescheduled to July, and then to August. My gastroenterology appointment was rescheduled from summer 2018 to December 2018. In January of this year I had a hand condition for which rheumatology said I should be seen, but I could not get an appointment until March.

I have used ABQ Health Partners, now DaVita Medical Group, for the past 16-plus years. I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, weight problems, high blood pressure, etc. The last time I went to see my sleep doctor (he had only been with DaVita for a short while) he told me he was retiring and that there was no one to take his place. I also went to see an endocrinologist and was referred to a nutrition specialist. When I called for an appointment, they told me the doctor was only accepting patients who have diabetes. So in order to see a nutritionist, I need to become diabetic. How ridiculous is that?