Some people have a harder time getting appointments, wait longer in lobbies, and feel others receive preferential treatment. On the other hand, many people do not show up when they have appointments. Recent Findings Better educated, higher income people are also healthier. 1 Medicaid, Medicare, and uninsured patients report that it takes an average of 90 days to see the doctor - 7.5 times longer than what was reported by insured patients. Many people live in areas that are not near health care facilities.
Families juggle several jobs, overlapping shifts, and child care.
They seldom have time during regular business hours to see a doctor. Transportation may be a problem. Their jobs may not provide flexible hours or compensation when they are sick. They are intimidated by large hospitals, insurance forms, and voice mail directories. They are tired of being sent from one office to another.