Trying to book a doctor’s appointment when you’re feeling unwell, managing a chronic condition, or simply due for a checkup can feel like a test of patience. Across the country, finding timely care is becoming a major hurdle for millions of people.

According to a study by AMN Healthcare cited by Forbes, patients wait an average of 31 days to see a doctor across common specialties in 15 major U.S. cities. That is a 19% increase from 2022, when the average wait time was 26 days.

When getting an appointment can take a month or more, the delay isn’t just frustrating. It can also make it harder to address health concerns promptly. Fortunately, traditional appointment queues aren’t your only option for getting timely care. 

Understanding how to navigate the healthcare system, exploring alternative care options, and using smart scheduling strategies can help you find the right care when you need it.

Why Appointments Are So Hard to Get

Getting a timely doctor’s appointment can be difficult for several reasons, but a growing shortage of physicians is a major factor. According to projections from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the U.S. could face a shortfall of up to 140,000 physicians by 2036. 

Data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) further confirms substantial looming deficits across both primary care and specialty medicine.  

Demand for care is also growing as the U.S. population gets larger and older. Since 2000, the U.S. population has grown by roughly 20%, adding nearly 58 million people. With more than 11,200 Americans turning 65 every day, the demand for medical services continues to accelerate. 

Michael Dill, director of workforce studies at the AAMC, highlights the scale of this growth, noting that the U.S. population is projected to double in his lifetime. As the population grows, so does the need for physicians.   

Administrative work, insurance requirements, physician retirements, and burnout can add to the pressure on healthcare practices. With more patients competing for a limited number of appointment slots, understanding your options can help you find appropriate care sooner.

Faster Alternatives Worth Trying

When a traditional doctor’s office can’t see you soon, you may have other options. Urgent care centers can handle many non-life-threatening concerns, such as minor injuries, infections, fevers, and cuts, and often offer walk-in visits and extended hours. 

Retail clinics in pharmacies or supermarkets can also treat common conditions and provide vaccinations. For medication questions or minor health concerns, a pharmacist may be able to offer guidance without an appointment.

Telehealth is another option worth considering. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), physician use of telehealth in 2024 remained nearly three times higher than before the COVID-19 public health emergency. 

However, use varies by specialty. For example, 85.9% of psychiatrists reported conducting a video visit in the previous week. Among physicians overall, 68.2% said they used video or audio-only telehealth for more than 20% of their weekly visits. 

You can also ask your doctor’s office about cancellation lists or earlier openings with another clinician.

Understand Your Care Team

Modern healthcare is delivered by teams, not just physicians. Nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners (NPs) can all play important roles in diagnosing, treating, and managing common health concerns. Choosing the right provider may help you get care sooner without compromising the quality of care.

There are several types of nurse practitioners, including family, adult-gerontology, pediatric, women’s health, psychiatric-mental health, acute care, and neonatal NPs. Each focuses on the needs of a specific patient population. 

Felician University notes that specialization allows NPs to develop advanced skills and expertise for the populations they serve, with each specialty requiring additional education and clinical training. This specialized training allows patients to choose an NP whose expertise matches their needs, whether that means childhood vaccinations or ongoing diabetes management.

Being open to different qualified providers can give you more options when appointments are limited and help you find appropriate care sooner.

Match Your Problem to the Right Setting

Choosing the right care setting can save time, reduce out-of-pocket costs, and help prevent unnecessary strain on emergency departments. 

Immediate medical action is essential for critical issues like chest pain, severe bleeding, breathing trouble, or stroke symptoms. Go to an emergency room or contact emergency services immediately rather than waiting for an open appointment slot. 

For urgent but non-life-threatening concerns, such as sprains, minor fractures, deep cuts, or high fever, an urgent care center may be a more appropriate option. Routine needs, including medication refills, mild infections, and ongoing condition management, can often be addressed through telehealth or with a nurse practitioner. 

Pharmacies and community clinics may also provide vaccinations, screenings, and other preventive services.

Emergency response times can vary, too. A Nature study examining Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responses in New York City found significant differences in response times and failures to meet industry standards in some higher-risk areas. If you’re unsure where to seek care, a nurse advice line offered through your health plan can help you choose the appropriate setting.

Tips to Make Every Appointment Count

Once you secure an appointment, a little preparation can help you make the most of your time with the provider. Keep these tips in mind:

• Document your symptoms in advance: the start date, frequency, and any triggers or relief factors. This can help your provider understand the pattern more quickly.
• Bring your medication list: Include all prescription and over-the-counter medications you take, along with any supplements and known allergies. Bring relevant test results or medical records if available.
• Prioritize your concerns: Appointments can be short, so identify your two or three most important questions or concerns before you arrive.
• Be open and specific: Share all relevant details, even if they feel embarrassing or unimportant. Accurate information can help your provider make informed decisions.
• Clarify the plan: Ask questions if something is unclear, and request written instructions or a visit summary if helpful.
• Confirm next steps: Before leaving, make sure you understand any follow-up tests, prescriptions, referrals, or warning signs that require attention.
• Follow up online: Check your patient portal for test results and use it to send questions when appropriate, which may save you another visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a nurse practitioner treat me instead of a doctor?

Nurse practitioners can diagnose, treat, and manage many health concerns, although their scope of practice varies by state. Different NP specialties focus on different patient populations and health needs, so choosing one whose expertise matches your concern may provide another option when physician appointments are limited. 

Is telehealth safe for diagnosis and treatment?

Telehealth can be safe and effective for many routine concerns, follow-up visits, medication management, and conditions that do not require a physical examination. However, telehealth is not suitable for every situation. If symptoms are severe, sudden, or require a physical examination, seek in-person medical care or emergency attention. 

When should I go to urgent care instead of waiting for a doctor’s appointment?

Urgent care may be a suitable option for non-life-threatening conditions that require timely attention, such as sprains, minor fractures, deep cuts, infections, or a high fever. For severe symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, or signs of a stroke, seek emergency care immediately. 

How can I get on a doctor’s cancellation list?

Ask the doctor’s office whether they maintain a cancellation list and whether they can contact you if an earlier appointment becomes available. You can also ask about openings with another qualified provider in the same practice.

What should I bring to a doctor’s appointment?

Bring a list of your current medications, supplements, and allergies, along with any relevant medical records or test results. Writing down your symptoms, when they began, and your key questions beforehand can also help you make the most of your appointment. 

Key Statistics at a Glance 

31 days	Average wait for a doctor’s appointment across commonly used specialties in 15 major U.S. cities
19% increase	Increase in the average physician appointment wait time from 2022, when it was 26 days
Up to 140,000 physicians	Potential U.S. physician shortage projected by the AAMC by 2036
Nearly 20%	Growth in the U.S. population since 2000
About 58 million	Approximate increase in the U.S. population since 2000
11,200+ people per day	Number of Americans who turn 65 each day
Nearly 3×	How much higher physician telehealth use was in 2024 compared with before the COVID-19 public health emergency
85.9%	Psychiatrists who reported providing a video visit in the previous week
68.2%	Physicians who used video or audio-only telehealth for more than 20% of their weekly visits
15+ million	NYC EMS response times analyzed in the Nature study

Waiting weeks for a doctor’s appointment can be frustrating, but it does not mean you have to delay getting care. Understanding your options can help you find an appropriate provider or care setting sooner. Depending on your needs, urgent care, telehealth, retail clinics, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners may offer alternatives to a traditional doctor’s visit. 

Knowing which option fits your symptoms can also help you avoid unnecessary emergency room visits and costs. It helps to keep a list of nearby care options and understand what each one offers before you need it. Most importantly, seek prompt medical attention when symptoms are urgent or severe.