The shortage of primary care physicians (PCPs) is becoming a critical issue across the United States, impacting patient care and causing long delays for routine checkups and medical consultations. In a post-pandemic world, where more individuals are scheduling health visits, this shortage is leading to longer wait times and shorter, rushed appointments. The healthcare system is feeling the strain, and patients are paying the price.
The Growing Shortage of Primary Care Physicians
Across the country, patients are reporting extended wait times just to see their primary care doctor. Studies show that nearly 1 out of 5 patients had to wait over two months to see a primary care physician or specialist. This delay in care can lead to worsening health conditions, increased anxiety, and decreased patient satisfaction. The shortage is particularly concerning for routine health maintenance, such as annual checkups, which are essential for preventing and managing chronic diseases.
Impact on Patient Care
The shortage of primary care physicians doesn’t just result in longer wait times—it also affects the quality of the visits once patients finally get into the exam room. To manage the growing demand, many healthcare providers are shortening appointment times. For instance, NYC Health + Hospitals ordered primary care physicians to limit appointments to 20 minutes, down from the standard 40 minutes. This change allows doctors to see more patients in a single day, but it often leaves patients feeling rushed, unheard, and unsatisfied with their care.
Rushed Appointments: A Bad Experience for Patients
Shortened appointment times may result in missed diagnoses or insufficient time to address patients’ concerns. This is particularly alarming for marginalized communities, such as Black patients, who already face systemic discrimination within healthcare. When these patients’ concerns are dismissed or their time with a doctor is cut short, it leads to poor health outcomes and deepens the existing disparities in care.
Black patients, in particular, may feel vulnerable in these situations, as studies have shown that they are often not taken as seriously by non-Black doctors. A rushed visit, combined with pre-existing biases in the healthcare system, can result in poor communication, inadequate care, and a reluctance to seek medical help in the future.
The Importance of Primary Care Relationships
Research has long highlighted the importance of a strong, ongoing relationship between patients and their primary care physicians. Consistent care from the same doctor can lead to better health outcomes, greater trust, and an overall sense of security. This continuity in care allows physicians to build an in-depth understanding of their patients’ health histories, lifestyle factors, and personal preferences—factors that contribute to better diagnosis and treatment plans.
However, as fewer medical students are pursuing careers in primary care, this continuity is becoming harder to maintain. The primary care physician shortage is exacerbated by the fact that more students are opting for higher-paying specialties. Projections indicate that by 2032, the U.S. will face a shortfall of 21,000 to 55,000 primary care doctors, posing a significant threat to patient care, particularly in underserved communities.
Why We Need More Black Primary Care Physicians
The shortage of primary care physicians is concerning across the board, but it is especially critical in Black communities, where patients often feel more comfortable and better understood by Black doctors. Studies consistently show that racial concordance between doctor and patient leads to better communication, trust, and adherence to medical advice.
Black patients are more likely to discuss their health concerns, follow medical recommendations, and schedule routine checkups when they feel a personal connection with their physician. This highlights the urgent need for more Black primary care doctors who can build these vital relationships with Black patients. However, the limited number of Black physicians further intensifies the challenges Black patients face in accessing quality care.
Addressing the Primary Care Crisis
The solution to the primary care shortage is multi-faceted. Medical schools need to incentivize and encourage more students to pursue careers in primary care. Addressing the racial disparities within healthcare education and recruitment is also essential. Ensuring that Black communities have access to Black primary care physicians can help foster better health outcomes, trust, and patient satisfaction.
Conclusion: A Call for Action
The shortage of primary care physicians is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a growing healthcare crisis that is negatively affecting the well-being of countless patients. With fewer primary care doctors available, wait times increase, appointment lengths shrink, and the patient experience suffers. By 2032, this issue will only worsen unless significant efforts are made to recruit more physicians, especially within underserved communities.
If we fail to act, patients will continue to feel disconnected from their healthcare providers, resulting in declining health outcomes. To ensure everyone has access to quality, timely care, we need more primary care physicians—and in Black communities, we need more Black primary care doctors to bridge the gap in healthcare disparities.