@terry1976 general physicians are in short supply where I live in Canada and specialists here are even less available. My husband and I are two of the lucky few who were fortunate to find a family doctor a year after moving to another city and there are hundreds of residents who have been living here longer than we, still looking for a family doctor. My doctor has sent out several referrals to gynecologists in the city as well as outside our city area, but every one has been rejected as none of the gynecologists are taking new patients. She did refer me to physiotherapy but our government plan only pays for six half hour sessions. I was referred to physio for neck pain and knee pain and during the six session I only managed to get some exercises for my neck.

My family doctor told me my pelvic ultrasound showed fluid in my uterus and there was an area she saw that concerned her but we haven’t been able to find a gynecologist for me. The one gynecologist she personally discussed the ultrasound with just told her fluid in the uterus is nothing to worry about and if anything it gives a clearer picture of the uterus. She is not worried about the results at all (yet another she discussed her concern with told her an endometrial biopsy would be the only way to know for sure). If specialists dismiss a concern, a family physician just has to take their word for it because they know the health plan will not pay for any “unnecessary” tests or procedures.