What’s going on:
Patients across the United States are facing increasingly long wait times for medical appointments, as demand for healthcare services spikes in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a recent Axios-Ipsos survey, nearly one in five respondents reported waiting over two months to see a primary care physician (PCP) or specialist. In some cases, patients have seen their visit times reduced, with NYC Health + Hospitals cutting primary care appointments from 40 minutes to just 20 to accommodate more patients.
Access to primary care is becoming a significant issue, with an estimated 100 million Americans struggling to secure a PCP due to physical or financial barriers. Even for those who manage to see a doctor, a negative experience, particularly among people of color, can deter future visits. Studies suggest that the fear of discrimination contributes to this reluctance.
What it means:
Despite being one of the highest healthcare spenders globally, the U.S. is grappling with a growing healthcare crisis that threatens the well-being of millions. A stable relationship with a primary care physician is proven to improve health outcomes and longevity, yet for many Americans, medical services are increasingly inaccessible. Contributing to the issue is a decline in the number of medical students pursuing primary care, opting instead for more lucrative specialties. The Association of American Medical Colleges predicts a shortfall of up to 55,200 primary care doctors by 2032, exacerbating the strain on an already burdened system.
