In a recent study conducted by physician search and consulting firm found that Boston has the highest average wait time until the next available doctors appointment. The study researched 15 major cities in the country and found that the average wait time for an appointment in Boston was 45 days.  The number was much higher when you broke it down into specialties such as Family Physicians, 66 days, Ob/gyn, 46 days, and Dermatology, 72 days. Boston has topped this list for the last three studies conducted in 2004, 2009, and 2014. By comparison, the total average between all 15 cities were 19 days.

The study also looked at the correlation between these wait times and the acceptance rate for Medicare. Boston was #1 with a 73% Medicare acceptance rate. Ironically, the city with the lowest wait time, Dallas, also had the highest acceptance rate.  Average was 45.7%.

Many feel that with many formerly uninsured patients now insured under the new Affordable Care Act, physician access may become harder. With this new market, there is more demand for physicians and urgent care clinics like AFC . Urgent Care clinics can offer same day service and care without the need to go to the busy and expensive ER. These are especially convenient for situations when you are sick but can’t get an appointment with your physician right away.

AFC Urgent Care Malden is bringing urgent care to Malden MA. We are a walk in clinic with extended hours. We are able to treat any non-life threatening illnesses or injuries on site same day. We accept most insurances and offer low costs for those without health coverage. Our office is located at 219 Centre St in Malden. For more information call 781-322-7300.