The Issue of Access: Celebrated at All Care
I recently completed my annual well-check (not a bad thing to check off early in the year). During my appointment, I asked my provider if it would be beneficial to see a thyroid specialist—an endocrinologist. He agreed and sent in the referral.
Today, January 30, I received a call from the endocrinologist’s office to schedule my appointment. The first available slot? Monday, August 4.
I burst out laughing. Uncontrollably. And I kept laughing. I know that’s probably not a normal reaction, but for someone who works with a team daily to expand healthcare access—and is so proud of what we’ve built at All Care—I lost my composure. I laughed throughout the phone call, accepted the appointment, and will look for other options.
No, All Care does not have an endocrinologist on staff. But what we do have is access to healthcare, and we’re proud to offer that to our patients—new and returning. We have same-day appointments available every day. And if you need to book in advance, chances are you’ll be seen within a week or so. Challenges still exist in dental, but access is improving little by little, and the work continues.
Expanding access has been central to our work. We’ve added more providers, more appointment slots, Saturday services, and new services. We provide mobile healthcare and behavioral healthcare at local schools. We’ve increased transportation options, delivering prescriptions to patient doors, and we are speaking or accessing more languages. And, as always, we continue to see every patient—regardless of their ability to pay.
Our work is not done. We know that access is an issue in our community, and we are doing our best to create access for all – absolutely everyone – through our commitment to breaking down barriers.
Because no one should have to wait six months to see a doctor.
At All Care, access remains our highest priority.