Published on
A recent survey reveals that scheduling a physician appointment now takes an average of 31 days—a 19% increase from 2022 and a 48% rise since 2004. Conducted in early 2025 by AMN Healthcare, the survey included 1,391 physician offices across 15 major U.S. metropolitan cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, focusing on 6 medical specialties. The findings highlight community challenges for patients looking to access timely care. Wait times vary by specialty. For example, the average wait for a family medicine appointment is 23.5 days with a 14% increase from 2022 and a 16% rise since 2009, when the specialty was first included in the survey. Despite a relatively high number of physicians per capita, urban healthcare systems are witnessing significant demand outpacing availability, according to study authors.
Stepping back to look: It’s worth noting that average appointment wait times across all the specialties that have been studied over multiple years by the organization show a variable trend: 2004 (21 day average wait time); 2009 (20.5); 2013 (18.5); 2017 (24); 2022 (26); and 2025 (31).
Read Archive Articles on This Topic
- Just How Convenient is Urgent Care For Older Americans?
- Shorter Visits Drive Greater Patient Satisfaction in Urgent Care
- Rural Urgent Care Growth Continues, But Challenges Remain
- Primed for Growth: Why It’s Time to Consider Adding Primary Care Services to Your Urgent Care Center