What are tips for scheduling a last-minute doctor's appointment?
Watch family medicine specialist Jennifer Caudle, DO, share some tips for getting a doctor's appointment quickly.
Transcript
So there are a few ways to get into your doctor last minute.
All hope is not lost, let me tell you. We do know it usually takes a number of weeks actually to get into the doctor on a routine basis,
but a couple of things here can help you. First of all, remember that a lot of doctors have a certain number of open slots
available for last-minute appointments. Meaning we actually can't schedule these for routine appointments, we have to keep them open for people
who call at the last minute. So sometimes calling within 24 hours of your scheduled office visit, calling late, can actually sometimes get you
an office visit that way. And I think the other thing that's really most important is when you're calling to schedule your appointment,
tell us exactly why you want to come in. Rather than saying that you're just feeling unwell or you're just sick, be specific.
Say that you're short of breath or that you're having chest pains or you're dizzy or light-headed or whatever it may be going on. Because that's going to help us figure out
exactly how soon you need to be seen and by who, whether we need to see you or the ER, or someone else.
So be specific. So those two things can definitely help. So a couple of other ways that you can make sure that you're being seen is, look, a lot of us
have our favorite doctor or our favorite health care provider. But if your doctor or health care provider is not available,
keep your mind open. Call and ask to see who else is available. Maybe another physician in the practice is available, or maybe a nurse practitioner or a PA
might be available as well to see you. These are some ways to help you get in and be seen the way you need to.
And the last thing is sometimes it's very difficult to be seen by your doctor in the middle of the day in the middle of the week, especially if you have a job,
you're busy with family and home life. So keep in mind a lot of doctors offices have extended hours. For example, I see patients one night a week,
and I also do one Saturday per month. And a lot of offices have extended hours like this as well. So call and find out what exactly the availability is
and what the office hours are. You just might be surprised.
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