Patient access has become a focal point of performance improvement initiatives across healthcare organizations — and for good reason. Patients today are waiting upwards of a month on average to see a specialist, with much longer delays in some regions, especially rural communities. Extended wait times not only frustrate patients but also negatively impact outcomes and widen existing health inequities.

A recent AMN Healthcare survey underscores the challenge. The average to schedule a physician appointment in 15 major metropolitan areas has increased by 19% since 2022 and by 48% since 2004. Findings point to the longest wait times being reported in obstetrics/gynecology, gastroenterology and dermatology.

One finding was particularly striking: Across physician specialties, orthopedics

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