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Story perspectives

Average Specialist Wait Times Reach Record 31 Days

4/7/2026

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Story summary
  • The average American now waits 31 days to see a specialist, the longest on record.
  • Dermatology wait times have increased 50% since 2004, while cardiology waits rose 74%.
  • The delays pose significant public health risks because untreated conditions can cause permanent damage.
  • Solutions include using artificial intelligence to prioritize urgent cases and redesigning referral pathways.
  • Acknowledging the severity of the issue is essential to implement effective changes in healthcare infrastructure.