Valencians Face Nearly 10-Day Wait for Family Doctor Appointments
According to the Health Barometer of the Sociological Research Center (CIS) of 2023, the average wait for Valencians to get an appointment with their family doctor is 9.8 days. This average is slightly higher than the national average, which stands at 9.2 days. The long wait times for doctor appointments are just one of the major concerns highlighted in the barometer, with many citizens expressing frustration over wait times to see specialists and for surgical procedures.
The Health Barometer also reflects that citizens have the perception that waiting lists for surgery continue without being reduced. Almost half of those surveyed (48.7%) believe that waiting lists for surgery have remained the same, while three in ten (30.4%) believe they have worsened.
The wait to be attended to is one of the reasons why the general assessment of the quality of the health system in Valencia has evolved negatively in recent years. Despite the negative global evolution and the long wait times, the medical treatment at the first level of care is generally rated positively by eight out of ten Valencians.
The barometer also sheds light on the preference between public and private healthcare. While three out of every four Valencians have private insurance, the majority still opt for public health when it comes to hospital admissions and visiting specialists.
Despite the overall negative sentiment regarding wait times and the assessment of the health system, there remains a positive view of the medical treatment at the first level of care in Valencia.