Average wait time of 6-8 weeks places individuals at high risk of death.
A 2023 study published in JAMA Network Open, titled “Association of Specialty Care Delays With Mortality Among Medicare Beneficiaries,” highlights something very important: waiting too long to see a specialist can increase your risk of death.
The study looked at data from over 4 million Medicare patients referred to specialists between 2008 and 2016. It focuses on eight major types of specialty care:
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
- Pulmonology
- Neurology
- General Surgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Vascular Surgery
- Neurosurgery
Key Findings About Delayed Specialty Care:
- Delays Can Be Deadly
Patients who had to wait for specialist appointments were more likely to die than those who got care quickly. - Some Specialties Are More Affected by Delays
The risk of death with delayed care went up in different ways depending on the specialty:- Cardiology: 20% higher risk of death
- Pulmonology: 19% higher risk
- Neurosurgery: 16% higher risk
- Some Conditions Can’t Wait
The study shows that fast access to the right doctor can save lives, especially for serious conditions that get worse over time. - The Problem Is Systemic
Long wait times, not enough specialists, and difficulty getting referrals are all reasons people don’t get care in time.
What This Means for You
If you’re feeling sick or have a condition that needs a specialist, don’t wait. This research shows that delaying care is linked to higher risk of death.
Doctors and healthcare systems should work faster to help patients see the right specialists quickly. But in the meantime, patients need to speak up and push for faster appointments, especially when symptoms are serious.
How OverbookMD Helps You Get the Care You Need—Fast
At OverbookMD, we make it easy to get fast, high-quality care from top-rated specialists. Our platform uses advanced AI and real patient data to connect you with verified doctors who provide excellent outcomes at an affordable cost.
No more waiting weeks to get the help you need.
Here’s how to book a specialist in minutes:
- Go to www.overbookmd.com
- Choose the type of doctor you need
- Enter your insurance and zip code
- Fill out a short form (takes less than 3 minutes)
- Submit!
We’ll find you the best local specialist—often with same-day or next-day availability.
Bottom Line
This study proves what many already feared—delayed specialty care can be dangerous. With OverbookMD, you can avoid long waits and get the care you deserve, when you need it most.
Don’t delay your health. Let OverbookMD connect you to care that saves lives.
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