Doctor Wait Times Average One Month In U.S.

The latest report from AMN Healthcare reveals that patients in 15 major U.S. cities are facing an average wait time of 31 days to schedule an appointment with a doctor. This marks a 19% increase from 2022 when the average wait time was 26 days. The study focused on six commonly used specialty physicians including obstetrics/gynecology, cardiology, orthopedic surgery, dermatology, gastroenterology, and family medicine.

The report sheds light on the ongoing physician shortage in the country, even in urban areas where one would expect better access to healthcare services. A recent study by Avalere found that the number of independent physicians in rural areas has decreased significantly over the past few years, contributing to the overall shortage. Additionally, the Association of American Medical Colleges predicts a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036.

Leah Grant, president of AMN Healthcare’s Physician Solutions division, expressed concern over the growing wait times, attributing them to the increased demand for healthcare services following the Covid-19 pandemic. The survey highlighted the following average wait times for the specialty physicians analyzed:

– Obstetrics/Gynecology: 42 days
– Gastroenterology: 40 days
– Dermatology: 36.5 days
– Cardiology: 33 days
– Family Medicine: 23.5 days
– Orthopedic Surgery: 12 days

These wait times indicate a growing physician shortage and the challenges patients face in accessing timely healthcare services. The survey included data from 1,391 physician offices across major metropolitan areas such as New York City, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C.

As the nation grapples with a looming physician shortage, it is crucial to address the underlying factors contributing to long wait times and limited access to healthcare. Collaborative efforts between healthcare organizations, policymakers, and medical professionals are essential to ensure that patients receive timely and quality care.