Neurology Appointment Wait Times Average 50 Days for Insured Patients

People with commercial insurance plans face an average wait of 50 days to see a neurologist for their initial consultation, according to a study published on April 29, 2026, in Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

The study, which analyzed data from individuals with employer-sponsored or other commercial insurance, revealed that wait times are influenced by a complex interplay of factors including demographics, insurance type, geographic location, and the specific neurological condition requiring evaluation. Surprisingly, the number of neurologists available in a given area did not significantly impact wait times.

Factors Influencing Wait Times

Researchers at Yale University, led by study author John P. Ney, MD, MPH, found that several variables contribute to the length of time patients wait to access neurological care. “Our study found that when looking at wait times to see neurologists, it is not a simple supply and demand issue,” Dr. Ney stated. “We found that how long you wait to see a neurologist depends on things like how serious your condition is, your sex, where you live, and what kind of insurance you have.”

The study identified that female patients, as well as individuals seeking care for stroke, dizziness/vertigo, or traumatic brain injury, generally experienced shorter wait times. Conversely, patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis faced longer delays, as did those residing in the Northeastern United States. Areas with a higher proportion of non-Hispanic white residents also tended to have shorter wait times.

Earlier Research on Medicare Patients

This new research builds upon previous findings regarding wait times for patients with Medicare insurance. A study published in the January 8, 2025, issue of Neurology® revealed that older adults with Medicare waited an average of 34 days to see a neurologist after referral from their primary care physician. That study also found that 18% of Medicare patients waited longer than 90 days for an appointment.

Brian C. Callaghan, MD, MS, FAAN, of University of Michigan Health in Ann Arbor, and Chair of the American Academy of Neurology’s Health Services Research Subcommittee, emphasized the importance of timely access to neurological care.

“Neurologists provide important and ongoing care for people with complex conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and headache,”

Callaghan, MD, MS, FAAN

The earlier study, which analyzed data from 163,313 Medicare patients referred by 84,975 physicians to 10,250 neurologists across the United States, indicated that wait times did not vary significantly based on race, ethnicity, or sex. However, patients with multiple sclerosis experienced an average wait that was 29 days longer than those seeking care for back pain, while those with epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease waited 10 and nine days longer, respectively.

Implications and Future Research

The findings from both studies highlight the challenges patients face in accessing specialized neurological care. The recent study focusing on commercially insured individuals suggests that the issue is not solely related to the availability of neurologists, but rather a complex interplay of systemic factors. This suggests that addressing wait times will require multifaceted solutions beyond simply increasing the number of neurologists.

Researchers emphasize the need for further investigation into the underlying causes of these disparities and the development of strategies to improve access to timely neurological care for all patients. Understanding the specific barriers faced by different patient populations and geographic regions is crucial for designing effective interventions.