Why It Takes Forever to Get a Doctor's Appointment (2023)

The difficulty in securing timely doctor's appointments in the U.S. stems from a combination of factors, primarily the overwhelming workload placed on physicians. Dr. Ilana Yurkiewicz, a primary care physician, highlights that doctors often manage extensive patient loads—up to 1,300 patients—while also handling significant clerical tasks, largely due to the inefficiencies of electronic medical records. These systems, intended to streamline patient data management, have instead increased the administrative burden, with doctors spending two hours on computer tasks for every hour spent with patients.

The fee-for-service payment model exacerbates the issue, incentivizing quick patient visits over comprehensive care, leading to a typical primary care doctor managing over 2,000 patients. This model does not compensate for essential tasks such as follow-ups or patient communication outside of appointments, resulting in compressed visit times and increased pressure on doctors.

As a result, many physicians experience burnout, with bureaucratic demands cited as the primary cause. Patients, unable to secure appointments, often resort to urgent care or self-management, further complicating their health care experience. Solutions to this crisis require a reevaluation of resource allocation, improved team support, and changes to payment structures to prioritize patient care over volume. Without addressing these systemic issues, the wait times for appointments are likely to continue increasing, impacting both patient care and physician well-being.