It is very easy to get an appointment without waiting, and he refers me to a specialist when needed. Someone with a complex situation might be more comfortable with a physician, but for run-of-the-mill illness it really isn't necessary.

I don't know about Ms. Papa's situation, but if she mainly needs a referral she could probably get one from a FNP without the hassle she is going through trying to get an appointment with a physician.

an urgent care clinic, that also sees regular patients, which is what I am now. I'm extremely happy with my doctor and the practice as a whole.

One of the things that was brought up at the time the ACA was passed, was that if millions more suddenly had health insurance, there probably wouldn't be enough doctors to see them all. Back in something like the 1970's the AMA made a deliberate choice to limit the number of doctors by limiting medical school enrollment. Even back then, some people could foresee that this would be a problem.

The number of doctors needs to be increased, as well as the nurse practitioners. We have always had rationing of medical care in this country, just haven't completely recognized how it's been done.

limit the number of doctors. Medical schools are increasing enrollment, but residency slots are the cause of the shortage. Indian doctors are well trained and arrive here without debt, so they can more easily afford to do primary care. What most folks don't realize is that the salaries for residents are paid by medicare. To get more primary care docs including pediatrics specialists, there will need to be an increase in medicare.

while residency slots aren't increasing, where do the excess MDs go?

And in the long run, heck even in the short run, whatever it would cost to pay for more internships would be well worth it. But I can just see our lovely Republican Congress considering THAT.