A combination of all things mentioned:

-A lot of docs died or retired during Covid pandemic
-Insurance is a gatekeeper that many docs are fed up with, so they are retiring or going concierge
-So many specialists, that a primary doc/gp will refer you out for lots of things. Partly because that's how they CYA because we are such a litigious society and partly that's how docs can recoup costs - insurance encourages more testing/ruling things out
-med school is expensive and with insurance companies, aka the middle-men, taking their cut, this is the only way docs can make a living (plus pharmacy benefits managers and more - all getting their cut)

It’s more important for all of the medical bureaucrats in DC to keep the profession small, prestigious and high paying. That is why they won’t increase medical school seats when there is a shortage of doctors and 60% of applicants are rejected every year. It is absurd.

I hear you OP. My diagnostic mammogram booked mid April was scheduled as early as September! And our pediatric ENT and eye dr books out 3-6 months in advance!

Anonymous wrote:Lots of 50+ doctors and dentists retired during Covid peaks rather than be exposed to illness every day. It's going to take a while to replace them.

IT's this. I talked with a doc about this today. Two doctors took early retirement from their practice during covid. She and one other are the only remaining. She can't keep up plus she has serious support staff issues (can't find good help; good help doesn't show up; ghosting, etc.)