Have you noticed how little time you actually spend with your doctor these days? You're not alone. Today, nearly 80% of physicians in the U.S. are employed by hospital systems, hedge funds, or corporate entities. That means that their schedules – the amount of time they can spend with you – are often dictated not by medical need, but by business operations. These time slots are tightly controlled and usually don't leave room for extended conversations unless it's a life-or-death emergency. It's no surprise that many patients feel rushed, unheard, and frustrated during routine visits.

What's even more troubling is that the most highly trained medical professional in the office – the physician – is often the one you see the least. Instead, your primary interactions may be with physician assistants or nurse practitioners. While these professionals are highly capable, they are not a substitute for the expertise and decision-making ability of a doctor. The current system simply doesn't make sense. In a country where medical error ranks as the third leading cause of death, it seems counterintuitive that the doctor is the one spending the least amount of time with you.

Some patients bypass this issue by paying for concierge care, a premium service that only 1% to 2.5% of Americans can afford. For the rest of us, our best hope is to find independent physicians – those who are self-employed, not restricted by corporate time quotas and provide high-level doctoring. Independent doctors still have the freedom to control their schedules and offer patients the attention they truly need. Unfortunately, they are becoming increasingly rare in today's healthcare landscape.

One small action you can take is to simply ask. Before the physician assistant leaves the exam room, ask if the doctor could spend more than five minutes with you. If it's a routine visit, they will often accommodate. And while it's important to understand that many doctors are doing their best within a system that they didn't design, connecting with those independent doctors – who have more flexibility in how they manage their time – can lead to better experiences. The PatientReaction platform allows patients and caregivers to share their experiences and help others find those independent doctors who are still able to spend meaningful time with you. In today's fast-paced healthcare environment, that kind of insight can make all the difference.