You make valid points, but in a system where pt's are told to followup and either don't because they fail to do it or some offices in many towns will tell an established pt. that they can't see pt. for 2 weeks for acute problems like sinusitis - this creates a problem. I would love to send pt. to PCP's office, but even in small towns I run into the above - even when we try to leave open slots for acute issues these are rapidly filled.
We spend a lot of time trying to screen people back to the office and many of them just learn to say the things that they think will get the right attention - chest pain, SOB, etc.
The other main issue for me is pediatrics - I really don't want any child to delay treatment once I see them - unfortunately children can't choose their parents and many of them don't have a real good chance anyway......
