Since 2022, The Average Wait Time For Physician Appointments In Five Specialties Increased By 19%, To 31 Days

The average consumer wait time to schedule a new physician appointment in five specialties increased by 19% between 2022 and early 2025, from 26 days to 31 days, according to a secret shopper survey that spanned 15 major metropolitan areas. The survey tracked wait times for six specialties: obstetrics/gynecology, cardiology, orthopedic surgery, dermatology, gastroenterology, and family medicine; five of the specialties had been tracked over several surveys. Gastroenterology was newly added to the survey in 2025. The researchers said the increase in wait times indicated a “growing shortage of physicians.” In 2004, the average wait time was 21 days . . .