
If it feels like your doctor visits are taking longer than ever, you’re not imagining it. From scheduling delays to extended time in waiting rooms, the healthcare experience has changed dramatically over the past few years. In fact, patients now wait an average of about 31 days just to schedule an appointment in many U.S. cities—a sharp increase compared to just a few years ago. But the delay doesn’t stop there; even once you arrive, the visit itself can stretch longer than expected. Here are nine reasons your doctor visits may be taking longer than they used to.