Another thing I hate about moving...

I spent the better part of my day yesterday trying to procure doctors for myself and my children. I did so after doing a lot of research - both in asking EVERYBODY I know and meet about their doctors. Not just who their doctors are but what they are like specifically. I looked for trends in referrals and specifics as well. Then I went online and found out all I could about every doctor my insurance company had put on "the list". I put an x beside any doctor I felt would absolutely NOT be a good fit and a star beside the best. The rest, I figured, were as good as doctors come and would be the next options should the starred not be available. I wasn't so interested in "promptness" - I mean there are two waiting rooms for a reason - and even "bedside manner" wasn't as important to me as "proper diagnosis". And years of experience was important too - I don't want a newbie (sorry new docs) and I don't want someone who is going to retire next year and force me into this same predicament. I also looked into their education and residency experience. I know... this is a lot. (I am especially interested in having a good pediatrician for my one son's health issues.) So then I got on the phone and listened to all sorts of music and medical tidbits while waiting and waiting and waiting to try to set up appointments with my starred doctors. Contrary to my insurance company's list and to my great disappointment, starred doctor after starred doctor was not accepting new patients. The offices were pleasant enough, and offered some of my doctors with an x beside them as alternatives. I denied them that pleasure and told them I would try again for a better different doctor. The story goes that these doctors only accept so many new patients, plus I have to set my kids up for an initial "meet the doctor" appointment (see dollar signs) so that if they were to get sick they could make an immediate appointment versus now we have to wait over a month to get in as a new patient. I have one child in with one doctor and I'm calling back today to try to get three more. For a doctor for myself, I may be on a wait list for an eternity. I don't know how many doctors are no longer accepting new patients (some don't even have wait lists). I am no longer even trying for star doctors. I have one who may be willing to take me on, but will have to call me back... when, I don't know. One secretary, after giving me the whole "we're not really accepting new patients" speech, sent me over the edge. I countered with "Well no doctor in this whole town is accepting new patients, so what exactly do you suggest I do?" She calmly replied that this was obviously a sign that this town needs more doctors. My call to action. I guess my next step is to simply get a medical degree and become my own doctor. Sheesh.