State regulators want to hear from Vermonters about how long they have to wait to see a medical specialist.
The Agency of Human Services launched the inquiry last month after a Seven Days investigation revealed that some University of Vermont Medical Center patients have been waiting for weeks or months to get outpatient specialist appointments. The agency and its partners will compile their findings in a report that may shape legislation on the issue, Secretary Mike Smith said.
Investigators plan to hold two virtual public sessions over the next few weeks: Wednesday, Oct. 27, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and on Thursday, Nov. 4, from noon to 2 p.m. For details, signups and links to the meetings, visit the wait times webpage.
Residents can also tell their stories in writing, according to information on the Department of Financial Regulation’s website, which is also participating in the inquiry. Other partners include the Green Mountain Care Board and the Office of the Health Care Advocate.
Consumers who need help with medical appointment wait times can contact the Office of the Health Care Advocate helpline via phone, 800-917-7787, or online. The Department of Financial Regulation can also help Vermonters by phone, 800-964-1784, or email, dfr.insuranceinfo@vermont.gov. Additional resources are available on the wait times webpage.
— Liora Engel-Smith
VTDigger - Oct 21, 2021