Difficulty scheduling tests, finding/seeing specialist in your state?

Out of state that’s just ridiculous. I mean really out of state we live in America and you’re telling me that I have to go out of state to see a doctor like if that was me I would take to the doctor are you listening to what you just told me. I’m sorry to hear that. I actually saw three of my doctors today on one shot but it was a little bit of an ambush but whatever I was able to control the situation and and articulate what I was going through just they’re not able to do the same thing I can, for some reason these very well educated people. But hang in there there’s hope.

I live in NM too and it took months for me to get a cancer diagnosis. Most of tests/consults were at least 75 miles away from where I live. My suggestions:
get on waiting lists for cancellations
try Los Alamos (good level of care) and Espanola (availability through Presbyterian)
***And yes, do go out of state. NM is very poor and very underserved. I'd go to Colorado or Arizona (Mayo has a branch there). I know it might sound ridiculous in a densely populated place that has resources, but not for us. I've always been careful to have insurance that covers out of state. See if you can get a tele-medicine consult too. Many of my friends and family immediately leave the state for anything complicated--in particular go to Denver or to Scottsdale. I wish you the best.
I'm so lucky to live in our gorgeous culturally rich state, but have always known this was a drawback. Other people come here for vacation--we have to go elsewhere for medical needs.

Hi…my husband is currently a patient at Mayo-Phoenix. This is the best hospital with the best staff and doctors we have ever encountered. We are from North Carolina (but we do have an old family home about 3 hours away or we could not have come this far) and had to come here for doctors we trusted and who would agree to try to treat my husband’s very difficult medical issues. We have met two patients here from New Mexico, one from Nevada, two from California, a only one from Arizona. Most we have met are here for transplants. We all agree it was worth it to come here. If there is any way you can come to Mayo, we highly recommend it. Now is a good time to check on whether they are taking new patients (they sometimes get overwhelmed with requests). Best of luck.

Same in Wisconsin. I had to wait 4 months to get into pain management with lumbar issues to get injections. No opioids in the meantime for relief. I don't really like them but they do work. The Drs will have you suffer instead. I don't know how I managed on two to three hours of sleep a night.

I am afraid it is getting that way in many places, including Mayo in MN. I have been patient at Mayo my entire life and for first time I am having to wait months for appointments. The worse is imaging tests. I had wait over 2 months for an ultrasound of neck. I have friends who have had similar experience. But, at least I can get an appointment, even if have to wait.

As population increases and ages, there are not enough providers and medical technicians to handle everyone. Many people retired during COVID and medical institutions are having hard time finding qualified people to replace them.

Not sure what solution is.
Laurie

That appears to be all over the USA and that is not good. Wait months to get an appointment just to see a doctor then months to get it done. That should not be

We’re having the same problem with Mayo. My husband had Covid in 2020 and we’ve had every kind of test imaginable in the NW part of Florida. He has never been the same…it’s like he had a stroke. The doctors say they have never seen Long Haul last this long but MRI’s and scans show no signs of a stroke. What is going on?

Same in my TX town. I recovered before I was able to get into see my specialist; didn’t really need to but thought I should take advantage of the opportunity. It’s not only specialists but also general practitioners here. Can’t figure out what the problem is

Depending on which community like the different hospitals go thru their own community/network. Indiana seems to be not too bad on a waiting list, problem is if you don't have a pcp here already, the new patient waiting list is usually the longest wait once you've established a pcp then depending on what you need to be seen for, and severity of the case usually gets ya in pretty quick. Ezkenazi hospital is good, and IU medical team is really good. Community hospital has always treated me good. Good luck

I suffer from long term covid affects from 2 almost 3 years ago. My memory was terrible before covid and now it's completely insane not able to remember the smallest thing, I loose track easy when having a conversation with someone I all of a sudden go completely blank and forgot what I was saying it's so bad I had my family dr run a full brain scan to see if anything like early signs or dementia was setting in, my dad past and the last thing that took him out was alziemers but luckily nothing came back showing no signs of that thank heavens, just had fluid in the back of my mastoid cells?? And didn't even know how that got there. I have also never got my full taste back 100% or smell, and some things still taste awful or no taste at all. I don't know and haven't been told as to how long it last but heard some things never come back or are the same ever again. It sux totally. I'm in my mid 40s and can't barely remember things I'm supposed to I have to mark all appts down and even make a list of things I need at the store now.