The Growing Challenges With Physician Appointment Wait Times
Securing a timely physician appointment in 2025 has become an increasingly daunting challenge for patients across the country. Whether for a routine check-up or specialized care, wait times have reached record highs, creating a bottleneck in healthcare delivery. This growing issue is more than just an inconvenience; it directly impacts patient health outcomes and overall satisfaction with the healthcare system.
This blog explores the key findings from AMN Healthcare's latest 2025 Survey on Physician Appointment Wait Times, the factors driving these delays, and potential solutions to break through the barriers of access.
Alarming Statistics on Wait Times
AMN Healthcare’s 2025 survey sheds light on the current state of physician appointment wait times across 15 major metro areas in six medical specialties, revealing significant increases. Among the key findings are:
- The average wait time for a new patient appointment is 31 days, a 19% increase since 2022 and a 48% jump since 2004.
- For obstetrics-gynecology, the average wait time is now 41.8 days, marking a staggering 79% rise since 2004.
- Gastroenterology, surveyed for the first time, averages 40 days, the longest wait time of any specialty in focus.
- Dermatology, cardiology, and family medicine also showed notable increases, with dermatology appointments now averaging 36.5 days.
Regional disparities are evident, with Boston experiencing the longest average wait time of 65 days, while Atlanta recorded the shortest at 12 days.
These numbers underscore a pressing healthcare access issue that requires immediate attention.
Why Are Wait Times Getting Longer?
Several intertwined factors are driving the increase in physician appointment wait times, including system-level challenges and demographic trends.
1. Physician Shortages
The United States faces a looming physician shortage, with the Association of American Medical Colleges projecting a deficit of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036. Limited physician training programs, burnout, and maldistribution of doctors across urban and rural areas exacerbate the issue.
2. Rising Demand for Care
An aging population and increasing chronic disease prevalence are placing immense pressure on healthcare providers. Specialties like cardiology and gastroenterology are particularly impacted, as older patients require more frequent and intensive care.
3. Administrative Burdens
Physicians are spending more time on documentation and administrative tasks, leaving less room in their schedules for direct patient care.
4. Disparities in Insurance Acceptance
Medicaid acceptance rates remain low among many physicians due to low reimbursement rates and administrative complexities, further limiting access for patients from underserved communities.
The Impact on Patients
The consequences of prolonged wait times extend far beyond inconvenience.
- Health Outcomes: Delayed care can exacerbate medical conditions, leading to worse health outcomes and higher costs of treatment. For example, early detection of diseases such as cancer heavily depends on timely appointments.
- Patient Satisfaction: Long waits undermine trust in the healthcare system, leaving patients frustrated and dissatisfied with their experience.
- Economic Burden: Missed workdays or prolonged illnesses due to delayed appointments can lead to financial strain on households, adding stress to already challenging situations.
Solutions to Combat Long Wait Times
While the challenges are significant, there are solutions to improve access and reduce wait times.
1. Leverage Telehealth Services
Telehealth can bridge the gap in care by offering convenient virtual consultations for non-emergent issues. This approach frees up in-office appointments for more urgent cases.
2. Expand the Role of Advanced Practice Professionals
Allowing nurse practitioners and physician assistants to take on more responsibilities, especially in routine care settings, can alleviate some of the demand on physicians.
3. Optimize Scheduling Systems
Investments in advanced scheduling platforms that use AI to predict no-show risks and optimize appointment slots can enhance efficiency.
4. Rely on Workforce Solutions Providers
Organizations like AMN Healthcare are crucial in addressing physician shortages by recruiting healthcare professionals, offering telehealth support, and streamlining workforce management. These solutions are tailored to lessen the impact of shortages and improve access to care.
5. Increase Medicaid and Medicare Reimbursement Rates
Advocating for better policies that offer fair compensation for doctors accepting government-subsidized insurance programs will encourage more providers to open their doors to underserved patients.
AMN Healthcare Pioneering Workforce Solutions
AMN Healthcare plays a vital role in addressing the complexities of healthcare workforce management. By recruiting top-tier physicians and advanced practice providers, integrating telehealth services, and delivering innovative staffing solutions, we help organizations overcome workforce shortages and ensures better patient access. Our work signifies meaningful progress in conquering the challenges of physician appointment access.
The Road Ahead for Better Healthcare Access
The increasing wait times to see a physician highlight the fragility of our healthcare system. However, with proactive solutions, collaboration, and innovation, these issues can be addressed.
By prioritizing the patient experience, leveraging new technology, and expanding healthcare workforce capacity, we can create a system that meets the demands of today and the opportunities of tomorrow.
Are you ready to take action to reshape healthcare delivery? Download Your Free Copy of the 2025 Survey Report and gain further insights into how we can tackle these challenges together.
