By Diana Macian, M.D. – WellcomeMD – Naples
Going to the doctor can be a hassle, depending… You may wait to get an appointment, to be seen, to get tests, and then you can wait – often anxiously – for the results. You may even be waiting to find any family doctor at all. Nationally, and here in Southwest Florida, this often results from a growing shortage of doctors and nurses.
The national health care staffing crisis is well known. Within the next two years, a gap of 200,000 to 450,000 registered nurses and 50,000 to 80,000 doctors is projected, and family practices are hit the hardest.
“If you live in Southwest Florida, you are likely already aware that we have a physician shortage,” Dr. Rebekah Bernard a Fort Myers family practitioner, has written, and I concur. New residents seeking a primary care doctor are often out of luck here. Many practices — even membership or “concierge” practices like mine, are full — though some availability remains at my Naples office, because I’m a more recent arrival.
In 2019, Florida was short nearly 4,000 physicians. By 2035, the physician shortage is expected to reach 18,000 because of our growing and aging population and retiring physicians. Florida is also suffering from a significant nursing shortage. Job placement data show that as of last April 30, there were more than 20,000 vacant nurse positions, and the trend continues. The Florida Hospital Association says the turnover rate for nurses in Florida has been 25% over the last year and we will need 4,000 more nurses each year for the next decade to reach the required demand.
Perhaps you’re making plans for family care for yourself and your family. Know that we in Naples are not exempt from the larger picture: by 2035 there will be more seniors 65 and older than children younger than 18 across the U.S.
Our older patients see physicians at 3-4 times the rate of younger people, and need more tests, procedures, and surgeries. Many actively licensed physicians are over 60. And nationally, more than a third of physicians told survey researchers that they would like to retire in the next year.
Sadly, COVID and the overall staffing shortage are also causing a spike in burnout rates of physicians and nurses, who may leave the profession or cut back their hours. Nearly half of U.S. nurses and physicians report that they plan to leave their positions within two to three years.
But there’s hope, even in the short term, in the kind and quality of medical attention you’re getting. In a world of hard-to-get health care, shifting the focus to preventative care is key. Right now, it is important to secure a doctor who has the time and tools to provide personalized care to help you achieve optimal health.
Looking for Guidance on Making Healthy Choices?
The journey to optimal health looks different for everyone, and WellcomeMD can help! We restrict memberships so that I have more time with each of my patients, and they have far more access to time with me, at any hour needed. They have my cellphone number for emergencies, as well as email and telehealth options. And our certified health coaches help our members reach their goals and find their happiest, healthiest version of themselves.
WELLCOMEMD Naples
Membership medicine (sometimes called “concierge medicine”) re-establishes the kind of personal relationship with your physician that was once commonplace. We take advantage of the many advances in treatment and technology – treatment is more personal, pro-active, and effective.
• Consider the cost of avoiding a preventable disease, the value of early detection of serious health problems, and ready access to a doctor who knows you well.
• Unhurried, 30-minute consultations or video conference appointments — or just a quick call or text – you choose.
If you are ready to optimize your health and have options and programs custom-tailored to your specific needs, contact WellcomeMD today at (239) 451-5105 or
wellcomemd.com/naples-florida.
We’d love the chance to meet with you for a free consultation and a tour of our clinic.
WellcomeMD
11181 Health Park Blvd Ste 2260
Naples, FL 34110
(239) 451-5105