John van Dijk vividly recalls the chest pain he experienced that led him to the emergency room. He hadn’t been feeling well and wasn’t taking his medication, resulting in a concerning situation with his high blood pressure. Unfortunately, at that time, he didn’t have a primary care doctor to turn to for help. John explained that due to losing his insurance and job during the pandemic, he struggled to establish himself again, making it difficult to secure an appointment.
Ines Cariel shared a similar experience, unable to schedule a colonoscopy until January 2025 after months of searching. She expressed the frustration of waiting several months just to see a doctor. Kraven Rowry from Hutto faced challenges in getting a follow-up appointment with her OB-GYN, as the doctor was booked two to three years in advance.
Many Central Texans have voiced their concerns about the extended wait times to see both primary care doctors and specialists. A study by Tebra indicated that a significant percentage of U.S. patients have faced difficulties securing timely appointments with healthcare providers.
Dr. Clay Johnston, the Chief Medical Officer of Harbor Health, emphasized the importance of a team-based approach to healthcare. By customizing health teams to address individual needs, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, specialists, and health coaches, patients can have quicker access to comprehensive care. This approach allows healthcare providers to focus on spending time with patients rather than administrative tasks.
State lawmakers are actively seeking solutions to improve access to primary care in response to the physician shortages across Texas. The Texas Medical Association has been advocating for increased state support for physician training programs, telemedicine services, and reducing administrative burdens on doctors to enhance patient care.
It is crucial for individuals to be their own advocates when seeking medical care. Ensuring you have a primary care doctor and making the most of your appointments by asking questions to the healthcare team can lead to better outcomes. By prioritizing access to care and addressing both wait times and costs, patients can receive the necessary medical attention promptly.
John van Dijk’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of timely healthcare access. Thanks to the support of his team at Harbor Health, he now receives regular check-ups and care to manage his health effectively. As the demand for primary care continues to rise, it is essential for policymakers, healthcare providers, and individuals to work together to address these challenges and ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare services.
