A significant number of patients in the United States are experiencing excessively long wait times for medical appointments, with a quarter of them waiting over two months. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) suggests that nurse practitioners could help address the access gaps. However, the debate over practice authority continues, with the American Medical Association (AMA) arguing for physician-led care teams. The delays in healthcare access can result in patients going without care, particularly affecting younger individuals, urban residents, Hispanics, and those in need of mental healthcare.
A significant portion of patients are facing extensive wait times for appointments, with a quarter of them experiencing delays of two months or more. According to recent data released by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), these prolonged wait times have prompted the suggestion that nurse practitioners could help bridge the gap in patient care access.
The survey conducted among a considerable number of patients revealed that 40 percent of them perceived the wait times for appointments as longer than reasonable. This figure represents an increase from the previous year, as reported by the AANP. Out of these lengthy wait times, 40 percent exceeded two months, resulting in 26 percent of respondents having to wait over two months to secure an appointment.
The AANP emphasized the significance of this considerable delay, particularly given the time-sensitive nature of healthcare. Stephen Ferrara, DNP, the newly appointed president of the AANP, described these findings as an eye-opening reflection of the state of healthcare access in the current system. He expressed concern about the potential risks patients face due to delayed or deferred care, such as the development of chronic conditions, increased costs, and negative impacts on mental health and income loss.
The survey revealed that barriers to timely appointment access affect nearly all patients, regardless of age, gender, education, or geographic location. This indicates that the issue is not limited to specific demographics, such as young individuals or rural residents.
Furthermore, the survey highlighted the adverse consequences of limited healthcare access. Individuals who experienced long wait times often went without care, with a higher prevalence among younger people, urban dwellers, Hispanics, and those in need of mental healthcare.
AANP experts stressed that these findings underscore the existing gaps in the healthcare workforce. Insufficient healthcare providers contribute to the scarcity of timely appointment availability. To address this issue, Jon Fanning, CEO of AANP, suggested that nurse practitioners could play a vital role in filling these access gaps. He called for the modernization of policies that restrict nurse practitioners from delivering care within their education and clinical preparation, arguing that removing such barriers could enhance patient access to necessary care and reduce wait times.
The discussion surrounding the authority of nurse practitioners to practice independently remains contentious. While some states expanded their scope of practice during the COVID-19 pandemic to address the growing demand for clinicians, certain industry groups have opposed this notion. The American Medical Association (AMA), a lobbying organization representing physicians in the United States, has consistently advocated for physician-led care teams.
In his inaugural address as AMA’s new president, Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, MD, MPH, expressed concern about the redefinition of medical care practice and the expansion of nonphysicians’ scope of practice. He argued that these efforts lead to inefficiencies, fragmented care, and increased risks for patients, particularly those in historically marginalized communities. Instead, he emphasized the importance of providing high-quality care for all individuals, rather than compromising on quality to accommodate a larger population.
