Who can I See When My Doctor is Booked?

With a growing, aging population, the demand for physicians has intensified, and communities around the country are currently experiencing doctor shortages. A 2016 study conducted for the AAMC by IHS Inc., predicts that by the year 2025 the United States will face a shortage of between 61,700-94,700 physicians. This can make it challenging to schedule an appointment with your physician in a timely manner. Fortunately, there are other excellent options available to you.

If you have a non-emergency (yet painful/uncomfortable!) health issue, such as an earache, sore throat, or pink eye, you probably want to see your doctor soon. But who can you see when your doctor doesn’t have an opening for the next couple weeks?

Option #1 – Schedule an Appointment with a Primary Care Provider (i.e., a Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, or Advanced Practice Nurse) – These healthcare professionals can provide care for most of your acute care needs, such as strains, aches, and even follow-up visits. Most primary care providers are assigned a doctor to work with directly, allowing them to learn the way of that physician’s practice.  The nice thing about this approach is that it typically improves consistency throughout the practice.  Another benefit is that patients often find that primary care providers are able to spend more time with them during their appointments than their doctors.

If you have not already gone in to see a primary care provider, when you do, you’ll likely find it’s a great alternative to seeing your doctor if they are booked. They can even write prescriptions and provide care at a lower cost.

Looking for a new primary care physician and/or a primary care provider in Northern Nevada? Visit here.

Option #2 – Access a Clinic – Under many circumstances, you may be able to get the basic care you need by going to a health clinic. Many clinics, such as Carson Tahoe Health, have clinics conveniently located inside retail stores like Walmart, providing individuals easy access to treatment for basic health issues, such as:
• Common Cold
• Sore Throat/Strep
• Acute Bronchitis
• Upper Respiratory Infection
• Ear Ache
• Upset Stomach
• Sinus Infection
• Seasonal Allergies
• Flu
• Minor Skin Irritation/Rash
• Pink Eye/Stye
• Urinary Tract/Bladder Infection
• Cold Sore

Additionally, many retail clinics also provide the following services:
• Basic Check-ups
• School/Sports Physicals
• DMV Physical
• Diagnostic Testing
• Rapid Strep Test
• Urinalysis
• Pregnancy Test
• Vaccinations
• Flu Vaccine
• PPD (Tuberculosis Test)
• TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)

For more information or to find a Clinic at Walmart in Northern Nevada, visit here.