@tatiana987 I really appreciate you sharing your experience. You’re right — when someone says “see your doctor,” it assumes a level of access that a lot of people in the U.S. simply don’t have. Many folks deal with long wait times, high costs, rotating providers, and rushed visits, and it can feel nothing like the “old-fashioned” relationship people imagine when they picture having a personal doctor who knows them well.

My intention in saying “see your doctor” is never to gloss over how tough the system can be — it’s simply because certain symptoms or situations really do need hands-on evaluation that online advice can’t safely replace.

That said, the challenges you describe are very real. A few things that sometimes help people get closer to the kind of access you’re talking about:

• Smaller primary-care practices or community health centers
These often have better continuity of care, shorter wait times, and more personal interaction than big hospital networks.

• Direct primary care (membership-based clinics)
Not available everywhere, but many people find the monthly fee is much lower than expected, and the trade-off is same-day access and a doctor who actually knows them.

• Nurse practitioners and physician assistants
Some patients get more responsive care from an NP/PA-led practice than from traditional doctor offices.

• Telemedicine for non-urgent issues
It doesn’t solve everything, but it can fill the gap when it’s hard to get into a crowded clinic.

None of these options fix the whole system, and they may not be perfect fits for everyone. But many people don’t even know they exist.

I truly hear your frustration, and you’re not alone. The U.S. healthcare system makes even basic access feel like a privilege at times, and pointing people “to a doctor” doesn’t magically make that easier. Your perspective is important, and I’m glad you brought it up.