Cape May County is the place everyone wants to be. Our year-round population has increased tremendously, the influx of money pouring into these towns is unfathomable to people who live and work here. Real estate is untouchable to the common person. As a local working person who deals with the public on a daily basis I have been repeatedly told that, with the influx of people, “Cape May is the new Hamptons.” Yes, I do get a laugh out of that.
With all that being said, why is it that our health care options so pathetic? We barely have REAL DOCTORS anymore. I know that there never was a large pool of choices, but it was manageable based on the population. Since we have became “the place to be,” the ratio of doctors to people is beyond unacceptable.
When I heard Cooper was taking over I thought there was hope. After all, they are used to a year-round population and have a large network of doctors to choose from. Many locals go “up to Cooper” for something serious. Since Cooper has taken over it has gotten increasingly worse. Why is the large network of doctors not available here in Cape May County?
The only option is nurse practitioners. For the amount of money health care costs, why are we denied doctors? With a doctor you build trust, a relationship and respect. You know your health is their priority. When I walk out of a visit with a nurse practitioner, I feel the exact opposite. I feel I’ve wasted my time and very frustrated.
I’ve learned from experience not to follow a nurse practitioner’s advice blindly, instead I found I need to use good judgment and common sense to make decisions for myself. Not only is that scary to me, but completely wrong. I pay dearly for my health care every month, and that is what I get in return for my money?
I don’t know what the solution is. The health care system is a train wreck in and of itself. But you can be darn sure the so-called doctors offices are billing the health care system top dollar for nurse practitioners. For what? A patient being dissatisfied and angry. Does anyone care at all? Sure doesn’t seem so.
Cape May County loves every minute of the publicity garnered for these small towns, and the money rolling in. But what about even trying to have mediocre health options? That would certainly exceed the current sad state of affairs when it comes to health care.
Cape May County has reaped many benefits for being “the new Hamptons,” but our health care options put us right back to the stone age.
Jennifer Wertz
Cape May
