New Survey Shows Physician Appointment Wait Times Surge: 19% Since 2022, 48% Since 2004
MWN-AI** Summary
A newly released survey by AMN Healthcare reveals a notable surge in physician appointment wait times across 15 major metropolitan areas in the United States. Based on data from 1,391 physician offices, the research indicates that the average wait time for an appointment has climbed by 19% since 2022, reaching 31 days, and has skyrocketed by 48% since 2004.
Leah Grant, president of AMN Healthcare's Physician Solutions division, emphasized that this trend represents the longest wait times recorded since the survey began. The rising wait times serve as a strong indicator of a growing physician shortage in the country, particularly concerning in populous urban areas known for their relatively high physician-to-population ratios.
The survey assessed appointment wait times in six medical specialties: obstetrics/gynecology (42 days), cardiology (33 days), orthopedic surgery (12 days), dermatology (36.5 days), gastroenterology (40 days), and family medicine (23.5 days). Notably, obstetrics/gynecology and cardiology saw significant increases, with wait times up 33% and 23%, respectively, since the previous survey.
Regional differences are pronounced, with Boston having the longest average wait time at 65 days, while Atlanta reported the shortest at 12 days. The disparities raise concerns about access to care, as patients in less populated regions may encounter even greater difficulties in scheduling appointments.
Additionally, the report highlights disparities in insurance acceptance: while 82% of physicians accept Medicare, only 53% accept Medicaid, impacting access for patients with varying insurance types. This situation underscores a crucial healthcare challenge in ensuring timely access to medical services for all Americans.
MWN-AI** Analysis
The recent AMN Healthcare survey revealing a significant surge in physician appointment wait times highlights a critical challenge within the healthcare system, posing both investment risks and opportunities. With wait times increasing by 19% since 2022 and a staggering 48% since 2004—now averaging 31 days—the healthcare workforce shortage appears to be a pressing concern that investors should consider.
From an investment perspective, companies involved in telehealth services or alternative healthcare delivery models may present growth opportunities. With traditional in-person appointments becoming increasingly delayed, patients may turn to virtual visits, propelling demand for innovative healthcare solutions. Firms in telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, or electronic health records may experience increased adoption rates, and investors should look to capitalize on these trends.
Moreover, healthcare staffing agencies might be poised for growth as the need for physicians escalates. The data indicates that while certain specialties like orthopedic surgery are experiencing shorter wait times, most others, particularly obstetrics/gynecology and cardiology, are not. This discrepancy suggests potential market openings for firms focused on recruiting healthcare professionals.
Additionally, geographic disparities highlight potential for localized healthcare businesses in areas like Boston, where wait times are notably high. Health systems or practices that can enhance accessibility and efficiency in these regions might attract both patients and potential investors.
Conversely, investors should also be cautious. Increased wait times may lead to patient dissatisfaction and potential impacts on health outcomes, which could affect the reputations and financial stability of healthcare providers. Companies that fail to adapt or innovate in response to these systemic issues may face challenges.
In summary, while the surge in appointment wait times is concerning, it also opens strategic avenues for investment in healthcare innovation, staffing solutions, and improved service delivery models. Investors should maintain a vigilant eye on emerging trends and market dynamics in this evolving landscape.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
DALLAS, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The time required to schedule a physician appointment in 15 major metropolitan areas has increased by 19% since 2022 and by 48% since 2004, according to a new survey conducted by AMN Healthcare, the nation's leading healthcare workforce solutions company.
The 2025 Survey of Physician Appointment Wait Times reveals that it now takes an average of 31 days to schedule a physician appointment in 15 of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States. This is an increase from 26 days in 2022, the last year the survey was conducted, and from 21 days in 2004, the first year the survey was conducted.
"Average physician appointment wait times are the longest they have been since we began conducting the survey in 2004," said Leah Grant, president of AMN Healthcare's Physician Solutions division (formerly known as Merritt Hawkins). "Longer physician appointment wait times are a significant indicator that the nation is experiencing a growing shortage of physicians."
The survey tracked average new patient physician appointment wait times in six specialties: obstetrics/gynecology, cardiology, orthopedic surgery, dermatology, gastroenterology, and family medicine. Average physician appointment wait times in the six specialties include:
- Obstetrics/Gynecology - 42 days, up 33% since 2022 and up 79% since 2004.
- Gastroenterology - 40 days (gastroenterology was added to the survey in 2025).
- Dermatology - 36.5 days, up 6% since 2022 and up 50% since 2004.
- Cardiology - 33 days, up 23% from 2022 and up 74% since 2004.
- Family Medicine - 23.5 days, up 14% since 2022 and up 16% since 2009, the first year family medicine was included in the survey.
- Orthopedic Surgery - 12 days, down 29% since 2022 and down 29% since 2004.
Average physician appointment wait times for all specialties vary by metropolitan area. Boston has the longest average physician appointment wait time at 65 days, while Atlanta has the shortest at 12 days.
The metropolitan areas included in the survey have some of the highest physician-to-population ratios in the country. According to Grant, if patients are having difficulty scheduling appointments in these highly populated areas, it can be assumed that access to physicians may be even more problematic in areas with fewer physicians.
“It’s a sobering sign for the rest of the country when even patients in large cities must wait weeks to see a physician,” Grant said.
Physician appointment wait times can vary widely depending on the specialty and metropolitan area. Wait times can range from as short as one day to as long as 291 days for a dermatology appointment in Portland, Oregon, as long as 231 days for an obstetrics/gynecology appointment in Boston, as long as 208 days for a gastroenterology appointment in Detroit, and as long as 175 days for a cardiology appointment in Washington, D.C.
Physician Medicare and Medicaid Acceptance Rates
The survey also indicates that 82% of physicians in the 15 major metropolitan markets accept Medicare as a form of payment. Boston has the highest number of physicians accepting Medicare at 94%, while Atlanta has the lowest at 68%.
By contrast, only 53% of physicians in the 15 metropolitan areas accept Medicaid as a form of payment. Detroit has the highest number of physicians accepting Medicaid at 85%, while New York has the lowest at 28%.
“The type of health insurance patients have may impact their access to physicians,” said Leah Grant. “While Medicare is widely accepted by physicians, Medicaid is less so.”
The survey includes data from 1,391 physician offices located in 15 metropolitan areas, including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minnesota, New York City, Philadelphia, Portland, San Diego, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. To view AMN Healthcare’s 2025 Survey of Physician Appointment Wait Times visit https://online.flippingbook.com/view/83050962/ .
About AMN Healthcare
AMN Healthcare is the leader and innovator in total talent solutions for healthcare organizations across the United States. Through a steadfast partnership approach, we solve the most pressing workforce challenges to enable better clinical outcomes and access to care. We provide a comprehensive network of quality healthcare professionals and deliver a fully integrated and customizable suite of workforce technologies.
| Media Contact Corporate Communications AMN Healthcare AMN-PR@amnhealthcare.com | Investor Contact Randle Reece Senior Director, Investor Relations & Strategy AMN Healthcare (866) 861-3229 ir@amnhealthcare.com |
FAQ**
Given the reported 19% increase in physician appointment wait times since 2022, how does AMN Healthcare Services Inc AMN plan to address the growing shortage of physicians in major metropolitan areas?
What strategies is AMN Healthcare Services Inc AMN implementing to improve appointment access for patients in cities like Boston, which shows the longest wait times?
Considering only 5of physicians accept Medicaid, what initiatives does AMN Healthcare Services Inc AMN have in place to enhance Medicaid acceptance among healthcare providers?
How does AMN Healthcare Services Inc AMN intend to leverage the data from the 2025 Survey of Physician Appointment Wait Times to inform healthcare policies or workforce solutions?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about AMN Healthcare Services Inc (NYSE: AMN).
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