Wait Times in Health Care

Wait times in healthcare refer to the period a patient waits from scheduling or deciding to seek care until receiving the actual treatment or consultation. These delays can occur due to limited availability of providers, high demand for specific services, or resource constraints. Long wait times can impact patient health, especially for urgent or chronic conditions, and may vary by location, healthcare system, and type of care needed. Managing wait times involves optimizing scheduling, increasing resources, and prioritizing cases based on urgency to ensure timely access while maintaining quality care.