What to Do When Every Provider Has a Waitlist

Unless your insurance or a program tells you otherwise, families can often contact multiple providers.

Ask each provider:

• Can you add my child to the cancellation list?
• How often should I call to check availability?
• Is the wait different for morning appointments?
• Is the wait different for telehealth?
• Do you have another location with earlier availability?
• Do you know another provider currently accepting clients?

Tell the provider: “We can come with short notice if you have a cancellation.”

Only say this if it is realistic for your family.

Say: “I have contacted multiple in-network providers and cannot find an available appointment.”

Ask:

• Can you help locate an available provider?
• Are there additional providers not appearing in the online directory?
• Are telehealth providers available?
• What happens if there is no available in-network provider within a reasonable distance or time?

Document:

• Date
• Representative’s name
• Reference number
• Providers they give you

Your child’s pediatrician may know local programs or specialists and may be able to provide referrals when required.

Calling PerformCare does not guarantee a specific service or provider. Services depend on the child’s needs, eligibility, clinical criteria, and available programs.

Track the same details for every provider you contact:

If the provider permits follow-up, create a reminder. For example:

“Hi, my child was added to your speech therapy waitlist on May 10. I’m checking whether there have been any changes in availability. We are still interested in services.”