More and more frequently it seems the answer to this question is no. I work for a large employer in Albuquerque, NM. and I have excellent health insurance. All of my co workers have the same health coverage as myself. You would think that having excellent health insurance would insure that one could find a primary care doctor. That no longer seems to be the case. Several of my co-workers and friends at work have been unable to find primary care physicians that are accepting new patients in their practices. One friend of mine, in particular, has not be able to find a primary care provider in Albuquerque that is accepting new patients for over two years. Every time he gets on our health plan’s website, none of their primary care doctors are accepting new patients. If my friend that has good health insurance coverage is unable to find a doctor, how difficult must it be for people who don’t have good health insurance coverage to find a physician accepting new patients?
I really cannot say how much of a challenge that would be since I have not been in that position myself. I have to assume that it would be more of a challenge, as well as much more expensive. This is a problem that is becoming more common all over the country, not just here in Albuquerque. More and more people are gaining access to the healthcare system but the number of doctors is not growing fast enough to keep pace with all of these additional patients. For those looking to find a primary care doctor this problem is even more acute. Less and less people are entering medical school intending to become primary care physicians.
I wish I had a solution to offer for the growing problem of a shortage of doctors and patients looking for care, but sadly I don’t have the answer. The only advice I can offer is if you are looking for a doctor and cannot find one that is accepting new patients is keep looking. A medical practice that is not accepting new patients today may very well be accepting new patients next week.
If you are looking for a doctor, do not give up. Finding a practice that can provide you with quality medical care is worth the time and energy!
Good luck!
