Wait times to see a dermatologist for a skin exam in the Boston area are on the rise. In 2022, wait times averaged 50 days. An AMN Healthcare/Merritt Hawkins survey highlights this information. The data focused on average physician appointment wait times for new patients with a non-emergency need.
The survey was first conducted in 2004 and since then regularly in 2009, 2013, 2017 and 2022. In addition to dermatology, the research included physician offices specializing in cardiology, orthopedic surgery, obstetrics/gynecology, and family practice.
For dermatology, the national average wait time for an appointment was 34.5 days.
- Dermatology had the longest wait time among the specialties contacted for the study.
- It is a 7% increase from 2017.
- It is also a 42% increase since 2004.
Comparatively, the wait time local to the Boston area was 50 days. The data indicated that the local average wait time has not changed all that much since 2004.
What is the reason for long waits?
Physician shortages and retirements are partly responsible for the long waits. Additionally, the United States population is growing as is the aging population creating more demand for physicians.
In the dermatology field, many doctors have expanded their practices to accommodate the popularity of cosmetic procedures and treatments. This perhaps leaves less available time slots to those patients needing the surgical dermatology skill set. This includes cyst excisions, skin tag removal, skin cancer checks, skin biopsies and small skin surgeries. Skin cancer is now the most diagnosed form of cancer in the United States. Projections indicate the cases will continue to rise in the future. The demand for surgical dermatologists will also continue to rise.
There are benefits to having timely access to care. Specifically, rates of morbidity and mortality will improve and cost savings will increase. Specific to dermatology, early detection of skin cancers is the key to successful treatment and healing outcomes.
As noted, dermatologist appointment wait times are on the rise. So how does Dr. Novikov’s wait times compare?
| Dr. Novikov’s average | Same week appointments for skin biopsies, skin surgeries |
| National average | 34.5 days |
| Boston average | 50 days |
Avoid delay of care and have peace of mind. Call the office for an appointment at 508-936-1657.