Why Is It So Hard to Get a Doctor’s Appointment (And What You Can Do About It)

Have you ever called your doctor only to hear, “Our next available appointment is in three weeks”?

Why does it feel like seeing your doctor when you're actually sick is nearly impossible?

If you’ve experienced this, you’re not alone—and you’re right to be frustrated. A 2023 study found that it takes an average of 21 days to schedule a primary care visit in the U.S. That’s not just inconvenient—it can be dangerous.

When regular checkups or urgent needs get delayed, your health may suffer. You might end up settling for whoever’s available, seeing a nurse instead of a doctor, or skipping care entirely.

So why is it so hard to get a doctor’s appointment — and is there a better way?

By the end of this article, you’ll understand the four systemic issues behind long wait times, and learn about an alternative model that’s changing the game: concierge medicine.

1. There Aren’t Enough Primary Care Doctors

Only 25% of physicians in the U.S. practice primary care today, and that number is shrinking. The Association of American Medical Colleges predicts a shortfall of 17,000 to 48,000 PCPs by 2034.

Why is that happening?

• Lower pay: Primary care doctors earn $100K–$160K less than other specialists.

• Student debt: Medical grads often owe hundreds of thousands of dollars.

• Burnout: Post-COVID, 32% of PCPs report high burnout levels.

The result? Fewer students pursue family medicine, and more current doctors are leaving.

2. America’s Population and Healthcare Needs Are Growing

More people need more care, but fewer doctors are available to give it.

The U.S. population is projected to grow by 6% by 2036. Even more dramatically, the number of Americans aged 65+ will grow by 34%. This aging population typically needs more frequent and more complex care.

When you combine a rising demand with a shrinking supply, long waits become inevitable.

3. Insurance Reimbursement Models Push Doctors to Overload Their Schedules

To stay financially stable, doctors have to see more patients than ever before.

Most primary care practices rely on insurance reimbursements to stay in business. To generate enough revenue, they must expand their patient panels. Many doctors now manage more than 2,000 patients.

That leads to rushed visits, less personal attention, and longer waits. Doctors aren't trying to shortchange anyone. They're doing what they must to survive in a financially strained system.

4. Overbooked Doctors Mean Long Waits Even After You’ve Booked

Getting the appointment is just the first hurdle. Then come the delays.

Double-booking has become normal. It’s common to wait 20 minutes in the lobby, then another 10 in the exam room, even for a scheduled visit.

Doctors are trying to care for everyone, but there are only so many hours in the day. Patients feel the impact of this overload in every part of their visit.

A Better Way: Concierge Medicine Makes It Easier to Get Care When You Need It

Concierge medicine offers a patient-first alternative to the traditional model.

Also called membership medicine, concierge care reduces the number of patients per physician. This allows doctors to offer same-day or next-day appointments and longer visits.

You wait less, you see the same doctor consistently, and your experience becomes more personal. Without the pressure of insurance billing, doctors can focus on care instead of quotas.

So, Where Do You Go from Here?

If you've ever struggled to book a doctor's appointment, you're not imagining things. The shortage of primary care physicians, rising patient demand, and pressure from insurance reimbursement systems all make it harder for you to get the care you need when you need it.

At the start of this article, we asked why it feels so difficult to get an appointment. Now you know the answer lies in a system that is no longer built to prioritize timely, personal care.

But there is another way. Concierge medicine is designed to solve many of these issues by reducing patient loads and removing the obstacles that slow down traditional care. It offers a path forward if you're ready to take more control over your healthcare experience.

To learn what this could look like for you, download our free Understanding Concierge Medicine ebook. It’s your next step toward more convenient, personalized, and consistent care.