For most of us, sitting in the waiting room, twiddling our thumbs, is as much a part of the doctor’s visit as stepping on a scale and getting our temperature read. But, according to data released Tuesday by doctor review site Vitals, where you live can make a difference.
Nationwide, the overall average doctor wait time actually decreased slightly, from 21 minutes last year to 20 minutes and 15 seconds. But the company said the shortest average wait time increased. Last year, Wisconsin led with an average wait time of 15 minutes and 26 seconds. This year, the state with the shortest wait time is Alaska, at 16 minutes. Denver topped the list of cities with the shortest times, with a wait of 15 minutes and 25 seconds.
Even though the national average dropped, Vitals said the general trend was toward longer wait times. Under the Affordable Care Act, more people are accessing health care, which could be a factor behind rising wait times. The company, which maintains reviews, ratings and other information for 870,000 doctors and dentists in the country, said most of its reviews are for primary care doctors and internists who may be trying to squeeze in more patients as expenses get tight, which could also be contributing to the increasing wait times.
As more people enter the health system, exacerbating the country’s doctor shortage, several companies are trying to use technology to take some of the pressure off. One Medical Group and Sherpaa offer concierge-style services, which charge individuals or employers an annual fee for the opportunity to get more in-person or virtual time with doctors. To make consultations cheaper and more convenient, insurers, like Aetna and Cigna, and employers, including GE and Delta, are also supporting telehealth services, which could help alleviate the doctor shortage.
- Alaska – 16 minutes, 28 seconds
- Wisconsin – 16 minutes, 29 seconds
- Minnesota – 17 minutes, 8 seconds
- New Hampshire – 17 minutes, 10 seconds
- North Dakota – 17 minutes, 43 seconds
- Mississippi – 24 minutes, 25 seconds
- Alabama – 24 minutes, 3 seconds
- Arkansas – 23 minutes, 40 seconds
- Louisiana – 23 minutes, 3 seconds
- Nevada – 23 minutes, 2 seconds
- Denver – 15 minutes, 15 seconds
- Minneapolis – 15 minutes, 44 seconds
- Milwaukee – 16 minutes, 2 seconds
- Seattle – 16 minutes, 25 seconds
- Portland – 16 minutes, 28 seconds
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