Why Do You Wait So Long at the Doctor’s Office?

You show up on time. You check in. And then... you wait.

Sometimes it’s 15 minutes. Sometimes it’s 45. Either way, it’s frustrating — and if it feels like you spend more time in the waiting room than with your doctor, you're not wrong.

So what’s going on? And is this just the way it has to be?

Not at all. The reality is that many primary care doctors are managing more than 2,000 patients, seeing 20 to 35 people a day, and working inside a system that rewards speed, not time.

In this article, we’ll break down exactly why doctor’s office wait times are so long — and you’ll learn:

• What’s causing the bottleneck in traditional primary care

• Why even great doctors can’t keep up with overloaded schedules

• How concierge medicine is built differently — and whether it might be a better fit for you

Let’s dig into what’s really going on behind the delays.

The Average Wait for a Doctor's Appointment? Longer Than You Might Think

According to a study from AMN, the average time to get a new patient appointment with a primary care doctor is 20.6 days. 

And once you’re there? You’re still likely to wait 15 to 30 minutes before you’re seen.

This isn’t a fluke. It’s baked into the system.

What’s Behind the Wait?

Problem #1: There simply aren’t enough doctors.

The U.S. is facing a primary care shortage. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) projects a shortfall of up to 48,000 primary care physicians by 2036.

Why?

• Nearly half of PCPs are over age 55 and approaching retirement.

• Fewer medical students are choosing primary care, largely because the compensation is significantly lower than in specialty fields:

  • Primary care average: $260,000

  • Specialty averages: $382,000+

Given the debt medical students rack up during their education, it’s unsurprising that more are choosing the more lucrative fields.

Fewer doctors means fewer appointment slots — and more time waiting to be seen.

Problem #2: Traditional care depends on volume, not time.

In a traditional model, primary care practices rely on insurance reimbursements to generate revenue. That structure rewards doctors for seeing more patients per day — not for spending more time with them.

This leads to:

• 20-35 patients per day

• 10-15 minute appointments

• 2,000+ patients per doctor

Even if your doctor wants to give you more time, they probably can’t. They’re booked back-to-back, every day.

If one appointment runs long, every one after it falls behind. It’s a domino effect — and it all comes down to an overloaded schedule.

Problem #3: When doctors take extra time, the schedule snowballs.

Not all delays are caused by overbooking. Sometimes, doctors run behind because they’re doing what they should be doing: listening, supporting, answering extra questions, or helping someone navigate a complex issue.

But in a packed day with zero flexibility, that generosity costs time — for every patient that comes after.

Even one 5- or 10-minute delay early in the morning can create a backlog that lasts all day.

Doctors want to give quality care. But in the traditional model, there’s no breathing room.

A Different Model: Concierge Medicine

Concierge medicine offers a completely different structure — one designed around time, access, and personal connection.

Instead of relying on insurance for revenue, doctors charge a membership fee, which lets them limit their patient load and extend the time they spend with each person.

That means:

• 400-600 patients per doctor, not 2,000+

• 6-10 patients per day, not 30

• 30-60 minute appointments, not 10–15

• Same-day or next-day scheduling

• Little to no time in the waiting room

It’s a model that prioritizes quality care — and the time it actually takes to deliver it.

Traditional Primary Care vs. Concierge Medicine — Side by Side

Curious if Concierge Medicine Might Be a Better Fit?

If you’re feeling frustrated with long waits, rushed appointments, or limited access to your doctor — you’re not alone. And you’re not wrong.

These aren’t isolated annoyances. They’re built into the system most doctors and patients are still trying to work within.

Concierge medicine isn’t for everyone, but it might be worth exploring if you want:

• More time with your doctor

• Easier access to appointments

• A healthcare experience that’s actually built around you

Want to learn more about concierge medicine? Download our Understanding Concierge Medicine eBook. Inside, you’ll learn how the model works, what it costs, and how to know if it’s a good fit for your healthcare needs.