GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Must-Know Doctor Visit Statistics [Recent Analysis]

Highlights: Doctor Visit Statistics

  • In 2020, the average wait time to see a family medicine physician in the U.S. was 29 days.
  • As of 2019, there are around 947,300 actively licensed doctors practicing in the United States.
  • According to a survey, around 87% of U.S. adults have visited a healthcare professional at least once in the past 12 months (as of 2019).
  • There were almost 883.7 million physician office visits in the United States in 2016.
  • 55% of doctor visits in 2020 were conducted over the phone or through video due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • About 8% of patients in the U.S. visit an emergency department each year rather than a primary care doctor.
  • As of 2018, approximately 53% of all doctor visits were to primary care physicians in the United States.
  • Almost 43% of adults in the United States reported skipping necessary medical care due to cost concerns in 2020.
  • In the U.S., the average doctor visit costs around $130 for established patients without insurance.
  • About 77% of all Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries visited their doctor at least once in 2016.
  • 27% of smartphone owners in the U.S. indicated they had used a mobile application to seek medical information in 2020.
  • Nearly 70% of employed physicians feel they have insufficient time to spend with patients during a visit, according to a 2019 survey.
  • According to a study in 2015, 20% to 30% of US doctors provide after-hours care or night and weekend access.
  • On average, a primary care doctor visit in the United States lasts around 17.5 minutes.
  • In 2020, 24% of Physician office visits in the United States were scheduled with a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
  • 65% of U.S. office visits last for 15 minutes or less in 2020.
  • Among adults across the U.S., about 32% had a telemedicine visit with a doctor (or other provider) in 2020.
  • By September 2020, about 62% of all primary care visits in the United States were conducted via telehealth, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our Newsletter

The Business Week In Data

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!

Table of Contents

Doctor visits are an important part of staying healthy and managing medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the statistics related to doctor visits in the United States. We’ll look at average wait times for family medicine physicians, how many doctors are actively practicing in the US, survey results on healthcare professional visits over a 12-month period, total physician office visits per year, telemedicine usage due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and more.

The Most Important Statistics
In 2020, the average wait time to see a family medicine physician in the U.S. was 29 days.

This statistic is a telling indication of the current state of healthcare in the U.S. – that it takes an average of 29 days to see a family medicine physician. This speaks to the need for more access to healthcare, as well as the importance of making sure that people are able to get the care they need in a timely manner. It also highlights the need for more efficient scheduling systems and better communication between patients and providers.

As of 2019, there are around 947,300 actively licensed doctors practicing in the United States.

This statistic is a powerful indicator of the sheer number of medical professionals available to provide care to the American public. It speaks to the availability of medical services and the potential for individuals to access quality healthcare. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of regular doctor visits, as having a large number of doctors available does not necessarily mean that everyone is receiving the care they need.

Doctor Visit Statistics Overview

According to a survey, around 87% of U.S. adults have visited a healthcare professional at least once in the past 12 months (as of 2019).

This statistic is a powerful indicator of the importance of healthcare in the lives of U.S. adults. It shows that the vast majority of people are taking their health seriously and are actively seeking out medical advice and treatment. This is an important reminder that healthcare should be a priority for everyone, and that regular visits to a healthcare professional are essential for maintaining good health.

There were almost 883.7 million physician office visits in the United States in 2016.

This statistic is a powerful indicator of the importance of physician office visits in the United States. It shows that millions of people are relying on doctors to provide them with medical care and advice. This statistic is a testament to the importance of doctors in our society and the need for people to seek medical attention when necessary. It also highlights the need for more resources to be allocated to healthcare in order to ensure that everyone has access to quality medical care.

55% of doctor visits in 2020 were conducted over the phone or through video due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This statistic is a powerful indicator of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on doctor visits. It shows that the majority of visits have shifted to virtual platforms, which has allowed for more convenient and safe access to medical care. This statistic is also important in understanding the changes in the healthcare industry and how it has adapted to the pandemic.

About 8% of patients in the U.S. visit an emergency department each year rather than a primary care doctor.

This statistic is a telling indication of the state of healthcare in the U.S. It suggests that a significant portion of patients are not receiving the primary care they need, and instead are turning to emergency departments for their medical needs. This could be due to a lack of access to primary care, or a lack of knowledge about the importance of preventive care. It is a concerning statistic that should be addressed in order to ensure that all patients have access to the care they need.

As of 2018, approximately 53% of all doctor visits were to primary care physicians in the United States.

This statistic is a telling indication of the importance of primary care physicians in the United States. It shows that the majority of doctor visits are to primary care physicians, which highlights the vital role they play in providing healthcare to the population. This statistic is especially relevant in the context of a blog post about doctor visit statistics, as it provides a clear picture of the prevalence of primary care physicians in the US healthcare system.

Almost 43% of adults in the United States reported skipping necessary medical care due to cost concerns in 2020.

This statistic is a stark reminder of the financial burden that many Americans face when it comes to accessing medical care. It highlights the need for more affordable healthcare options and greater access to medical services for those who are unable to afford them. It also serves as a warning that the cost of medical care is a major barrier to many people receiving the care they need.

In the U.S., the average doctor visit costs around $130 for established patients without insurance.

This statistic is a crucial piece of information when it comes to understanding the cost of doctor visits in the U.S. Without it, readers would be unable to accurately gauge the financial burden of seeking medical care. It serves as a benchmark for those without insurance, providing an idea of what they can expect to pay for a doctor visit.

About 77% of all Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries visited their doctor at least once in 2016.

This statistic is a powerful indicator of the importance of doctor visits for Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries. It shows that the vast majority of these individuals are taking advantage of the medical care available to them, which is essential for maintaining their health and well-being. This statistic is a testament to the importance of doctor visits and the value of the Medicare program in providing access to quality healthcare.

27% of smartphone owners in the U.S. indicated they had used a mobile application to seek medical information in 2020.

This statistic is a telling indication of the growing trend of people turning to mobile applications for medical information. It highlights the importance of having reliable and up-to-date medical information available on mobile devices, as more and more people are relying on them for medical advice. This statistic is especially relevant in the context of doctor visit statistics, as it suggests that people are increasingly turning to mobile applications as an alternative to visiting a doctor.

Nearly 70% of employed physicians feel they have insufficient time to spend with patients during a visit, according to a 2019 survey.

This statistic is a stark reminder of the reality that many physicians face: they are often unable to provide the quality of care they would like to due to time constraints. It highlights the need for healthcare systems to prioritize patient-doctor interactions and ensure that physicians have the resources they need to provide the best care possible.

According to a study in 2015, 20% to 30% of US doctors provide after-hours care or night and weekend access.

This statistic is significant in the context of doctor visit statistics because it highlights the importance of having access to medical care outside of traditional office hours. It shows that a significant portion of US doctors are making themselves available to their patients when they need it most, which can be a lifesaver for those who have to work during the day or who have other commitments that prevent them from visiting a doctor during regular office hours.

On average, a primary care doctor visit in the United States lasts around 17.5 minutes.

This statistic is a telling indication of the amount of time a primary care doctor has to spend with each patient. It highlights the importance of making the most of the limited time available during a doctor visit, as well as the need for efficient communication between doctor and patient. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of scheduling regular check-ups and appointments to ensure that any health concerns are addressed in a timely manner.

In 2020, 24% of Physician office visits in the United States were scheduled with a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.

This statistic is a telling indication of the changing landscape of healthcare in the United States. It shows that nurse practitioners and physician assistants are increasingly playing a larger role in providing medical care, and that more and more patients are turning to them for their healthcare needs. This shift in the healthcare system is likely due to the increasing demand for healthcare services, as well as the cost savings associated with using nurse practitioners and physician assistants. As such, this statistic is an important one to consider when discussing doctor visit statistics.

65% of U.S. office visits last for 15 minutes or less in 2020.

This statistic is a telling indication of the current state of doctor visits in the U.S. It suggests that the majority of visits are brief, likely due to the fact that many medical issues can be addressed quickly and efficiently. This highlights the importance of efficient medical care and the need for doctors to be able to provide quality care in a timely manner.

Among adults across the U.S., about 32% had a telemedicine visit with a doctor (or other provider) in 2020.

This statistic is a telling indication of the impact of the pandemic on healthcare. It shows that telemedicine visits have become a popular option for many adults in the U.S. in 2020, likely due to the need for social distancing and other safety measures. This statistic is a reminder of the importance of telemedicine in providing access to healthcare during a time of crisis.

By September 2020, about 62% of all primary care visits in the United States were conducted via telehealth, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This statistic is a powerful indicator of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the healthcare industry. It demonstrates how quickly the industry has had to adapt to the changing landscape, with telehealth becoming the primary method of care for primary care visits. This statistic is a testament to the resilience of the healthcare industry and its ability to quickly adjust to the needs of its patients.

Conclusion

The statistics presented in this blog post demonstrate the changing landscape of doctor visits in the United States. From long wait times to increased telehealth usage due to COVID-19, it is clear that access and cost are major factors when considering a visit with a physician or other healthcare provider.

Additionally, there has been an increase in nurse practitioners and physician assistants providing care as well as more patients seeking medical information through mobile applications. Despite these changes, many physicians still feel they do not have enough time during each patient visit which can lead to inadequate care for some individuals. As technology continues to evolve and new policies are implemented, it will be interesting to see how doctor visits continue to change over time.

References

0. – https://www.statista.com

1. – https://www.ahrq.gov

2. – https://www.healthleadersmedia.com

3. – https://www.pcpcc.org

4. – https://www.cdc.gov

5. – https://www.athenahealth.com

6. – https://www.pewresearch.org

7. – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

8. – https://www.medscape.com

9. – https://www.commonwealthfund.org

10. – https://www.time.com

11. – https://www.kff.org

12. – https://www.milbank.org

13. – https://www.health.costhelper.com

FAQs

What is the average number of doctor visits per person annually in the United States?

The average number of doctor visits per person in the United States is approximately 4 times a year.

Which age group visits the doctor more frequently?

Older adults, specifically those aged 65 and older, tend to visit the doctor more frequently than younger age groups due to a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions.

What is the most common reason for doctor visits?

The most common reasons for doctor visits are routine checkups, symptoms of respiratory infections, and preventive screenings (such as flu shots).

How does the frequency of doctor visits vary between men and women?

Women are more likely to visit the doctor more frequently than men, partially due to routine OB/GYN appointments, prenatal care, and other gender-specific health concerns.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the number of doctor visits?

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant decrease in non-emergency doctor visits initially, but telemedicine and virtual appointments have become more popular as alternatives for in-person visits, increasing the overall numbers of doctor visits.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!