[protimewaster]

I think it's likely simply gotten worse since those studies.

A friend of mine needed a specialist. She called multiple offices across two different states, and the soonest appointment available was about 4 months out.

Four or five years ago, we didn't typically see wait times like that.

[radlad]

Could this be a result of HDHP plans that allow "direct to specialist" appointments, as opposed to triage through a PCP?

[protimewaster]

I believe most of the offices she called actually required referrals for all initial appointments (regardless of insurance), so I don't think that's a factor here.

[fwip]

I see similar lead times simply trying to get a PCP.