Navigating a doctor shortage
Being without a regular primary care provider can be perilous to your health. Here are some creative workarounds.
- Reviewed by Daniel Sands, MD, MPH, Contributor
When Leo's primary care doctor - who had overseen his health for 30 years - retired, Leo figured he'd simply switch to a provider his friend recommended. But the 60-year-old was in for a rude awakening: after many phone calls, Leo learned the practice wasn't accepting new patients - and neither were several others in his area.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Source matters. Subscribe to HarvardHealthOnline+ FREE for 30 days for unlimited access to the site – where all content is reviewed by an HMS physician or faculty expert.
With HHO+ you get these exclusive benefits:
- Unlimited access to all Harvard Health Online content
- 4 expertly curated newsletters delivered monthly
- Customized website experience aligned to your health goals
- In-depth health guides on topics like sleep, exercise, and more
- Interactive features like videos and quizzes
- Members-only access to exclusive articles and resources
SPECIAL OFFER! UNLOCK EXPERT ACCESS for 30 days FREE!
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
About the Author
Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch
About the Reviewer
Daniel Sands, MD, MPH, Contributor
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
