In Central Oregon it seems as if there is a real lack of Gastroenterology Doctors.  They take months to initially get into if they are taking new patients.  Once in, the return appointments are sometimes as far as six to eight months out.  How can a doctor properly follow and treat a patient if it takes that long to initially see someone and the return care is so far out in the future.  As a patient you feel as if you are begging to be able to be seen.  It really is a disgrace and a problem if you are one of the few unfortunate ones that are sick.  There are a few large clinics/hospitals in the area, you would think they would be able to attract a few more specialist seeing that they are so busy.  Just doesn't seem to be so.  It is one thing to be sick, but another to live somewhere that being able to get treated is a long shot.