Parent Question

What if the specialist my child needs to see has a long wait list?

Published: Aug. 2, 2023

What if you’ve found the perfect specialist, but they’re not available? If the specialist you want has a long waiting list, Undivided's Director of Health Plan Advocacy Leslie Lobel recommends getting on the waiting list, filling out all the necessary paperwork they require, and staying in touch. This way, if the provider has a cancellation or a sudden opening, “if you have shown your readiness to jump into whatever spot may become available, then having all your paperwork completed, filling every sort of bureaucratic task that that office requires, and having all your ducks in a row will make it easier for them to choose you to slot into an opening.” You can also call the office once a month and ask if there have been any changes to the schedule or waitlist, mentioning that you live close by (if you do) and can be there in 10 minutes if a slot opens.

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