Waiting for Healthcare: A National Epidemic
A recent Star Tribune article highlighted a growing frustration many Twin Cities residents know all too well: “The doctor will see you in… 38 days.” Access to physicians is shrinking, and the reasons are piling up. Declining insurance reimbursement, clinic closures, and widespread physician burnout have all contributed to the problem. For patients, this often translates into longer waits, rushed appointments, and increased reliance on urgent care and emergency departments for needs that could be better handled in a primary care setting.
The reality is that delayed care affects both individuals and communities. When patients wait weeks to be seen, small health concerns can become larger problems. Missed opportunities for prevention or early treatment mean that conditions may worsen, leading to more complex and costly interventions later. This is not only frustrating for patients, but it is also deeply unsatisfying for physicians who entered medicine to provide timely and compassionate care.
So, what can patients do to receive timely healthcare when scheduling a simple checkup feels like running an obstacle course? The first strategy is to plan ahead. Booking two or three appointments per year in advance may feel unnecessary, but it creates consistency and helps ensure that preventive care is not overlooked. Annual exams, routine screenings, and medication reviews are easier to manage when they are already on the calendar. Although this approach will not solve unexpected or urgent needs, preventive care remains one of the most effective ways to avoid them.
Second, it is worth reviewing workplace benefits to see if telehealth services are included. Many employers now provide access to virtual visits, which can be very useful for minor illnesses, prescription renewals, or quick follow ups. While telehealth cannot replace in person exams for complex issues, or build the deep patient physician relationship many of us value, it can serve as an important bridge when office appointments are difficult to secure.
Finally, patients may wish to explore alternative care models such as Direct Primary Care. This membership based approach allows physicians to care for a smaller number of patients, which translates into same day or next day visits, longer appointment times, and more personalized care. By reducing the administrative burden that often drives burnout, physicians are able to spend more time focusing on their patients. For many families, this model brings back the personalized doctor-patient relationship that is often missing today.
Accessing quality healthcare is becoming increasingly challenging, and this public health issue is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon. However, by planning ahead, making thoughtful use of telehealth, and considering innovative models like Direct Primary Care, we can regain a measure of control over our healthcare.
