In the last year, I've noticed that I'm unable to get a doctor's appointment, or sometimes even an appointment at a clinic, when I'm sick. The wait time is often up to a week. For example, this year at Christmas I contracted some kind of infection that resulted in an ear infection and bronchitis. I tried to reach my normal provider, but there were no appointments available for at least a week, not even virtual ones. Similarly, I couldn't get an appointment at a walk-up clinic. I medicated myself but had many sleepless nights. By the time I am able to get an appointment, I probably won't need it, luckily for me.
Earlier this year I had a recurrent rash. By the time I was able to get an appointment with my dermatologist, the rash had mostly cleared up and she was unable to diagnose the problem. She recommended that I make an appointment when the rash flares up, but that's impossible because there are no immediate appointments. Therefore, I continue to have sporadic rashes.
I realize that, if my condition becomes life-threatening, I can go to the emergency room, but I'd prefer to get treatment before that happens. What's the solution?