Whatever happened to doctor and dentist offices holding a few appointments open each day for the odd emergency call? Is it just me, or is it almost impossible to get in to see any type of medical professional within a day of making a call? Maybe it was COVID. Maybe it’s the insurance companies. Maybe it’s due to so many leaving the field. I don’t know what it is…But it’s a pain in the ass.

I first experienced this last year when I found out I was pregnant, and I called the local Mayo Clinic to make an appointment to confirm my pregnancy. “We can get you in to see the midwife in 6 weeks, but the O.B.s are booked solid for the next three months,” I was told. Sure, I got in for an ultrasound and bloodwork…but I took the midwife appointment, and was glad I did, because she was AWESOME. But I also booked out six months worth of appointments at that time, so I would not be scrambling to get in as my pregnancy progressed.

When I had Bug, I had two folks I wanted to get him in to see for his follow-ups: my midwife, and the OB who delivered him (they both do family med as well). I couldn’t get him in to see either one until he was 6 months old (just last month!), and we saw the OB. For his 9 month, and Little Man’s 5 year old check-up, they’re both seeing the midwife. I even made an appointment for July with the OB, because I know how far out in advance she books up.

Last week, I broke a molar taking my second bite of steak Wednesday night during dinner. Of course, it was after all offices closed, but I found the number for a dentist I’ve planned on calling to get in to for a cleaning. I left a message and followed up with an email. At 0803 Thursday morning, they called me back. “Unfortunately, we’re not taking new patients right now, and we don’t have any openings for emergencies for the next 4 weeks.” I just stared at my phone, shocked. “You can try this other dental office; between the two of us, we can usually get new folks and emergencies in.” So, I called the place they recommended, and was lucky that they are taking new patients AND they could get me in at 1045 that morning. I got to the office and was talking with the receptionist; she informed me that they are a “fee for service” practice, not affiliated with any insurance companies, but will still send claims to the insurance for patients to get reimbursed. That’s why they have openings and are taking new patients – they are not beholden to the insurance companies and their insane standards of how many patients need to be seen each day.

As I drove home, I started to think…When did this really happen? Like I said earlier, is this a result of COVID? Is it the insurance companies and their requirements? Is this due to the mass exodus of medical professionals? I don’t know, but I have come to the conclusion that it is a result of all three problems.

That being said…Squatch has an appointment with a chiropractor today – his first chiropractor ever. He reached out Thursday, and was able to get in today (he was already planning on taking a half day due to Little Man having a dental cleaning this afternoon). He was surprised he was able to get in so quickly. As we talked about this doctor last night, and I told him what to expect while he was there, I realized that the reason he was able to get in so quickly (they offered him a Thursday afternoon appointment first!) is because they, as well, are not affiliated with any insurance company. They are completely out of network, but will help you file your claims to get reimbursed. Nicole Sauce had an interview on Living Free in Tennessee last week with a Direct Care doctor, and I have to say – this truly is the future of all medical care. Folks don’t want to have to pay for their medical care themselves, so they stick with “mainstream” medical practices.

I FIRMLY believe this is why you cannot get into any standard medical professional in a timely manner anymore. The “fee for service” and “direct care” offices are not only cheaper (they don’t have to deal with the insurance or hospital middlemen), but they also are more likely to be taking new patients and have emergency openings available. Yes, you have to pay up front, but you are not paying the inflated prices you would at a regular medical practice, and you can still submit a claim to your insurance for reimbursement.

Last week, I paid $400 for the exam, xray, and temporary crown ($111 was the exam and xray, the rest was for the crown). I’m expecting to get a check back from my dental insurance. My crown will be approximately $1100, and my insurance will cover between 70-90%, so I’ll get another nice check back a few weeks after the crown is done. Yes, a lot of people would bitch and moan about having to plop down that $400 or $1100. But, those are the same people who don’t have any form of savings. They can’t imagine NOT living paycheck to paycheck. They also buy into the fallacy that health insurance is the end-all be-all and is what “keeps medical costs down.” Yeah…that’s completely wrong. Medical costs are kept down by going around the insurance system. And you know what, avoiding those insurance pit-falls will keep you more free and outside of the system!