Year-end rush to the doctor for Missouri patients

(Missourinet) – It’s that time of year again – people rushing to the doctor’s office before January First. 

Doctor Laura Morris is a family practice physician in Fulton and a top medical officer with MU Healthcare. 

She explains the year-end patient surge:

“We definitely do see a surge in those requests. I think people may have met their deductible for their health insurance. Also there are sometimes incentives from employers to complete an annual wellness visit by the end of the year.”

Morris says the year-end surge is not just for checkups, but for elective procedures such as colonoscopies. 

Those who have not scheduled an appointment with their regular healthcare provider will likely have to wait till the new year, though Morris suggests if you’re willing to see different doctors you might be able to find an opening somewhere.