According to the 2024 survey, ** percent of individuals in Hungary believed waiting times were too long. Even the best-performing country, Switzerland, still had over a quarter of Swiss respondents saying wait times were too long for a doctor's appointment. This statistic displays the share of individuals who thought waiting times to get an appointment with doctors were too long in select European countries in 2024.

According to a report carried out by the Consumer Choice Center in 2023, the United States had the ******* average wait for a primary physician appointment at almost ***** weeks. On the other hand, those in *********** only had to wait around *** days for an appointment. In Spain, it was estimated that the average wait time for an elective surgery appointment was ** days.

In 2025, the average waiting time to see a healthcare specialist in Canada was *** days. This was almost twice as long as the global average of ** days. Meanwhile, the average waiting time was only ******** days in China.

Since 1993, the average waiting time for specialist medical treatment has been increasing in Canada. In 2024, it took someone in Ontario over 23 weeks wait to receive medical treatment after being referred by a general practitioner, whereas it took only nine weeks back in 1993. Overall, the average waiting time increased by 20 weeks in the country.

IntroductionPatients often spend significant time waiting for care, which influences patient satisfaction, perceived quality, access to care, and utilization of various health care services. Waiting time and resulting implications remain understudied in low- and middle-income countries like Kenya. This study aimed to describe the impact on the perception of waiting times on patient satisfaction and care at a tertiary healthcare institution in Kenya.MethodWe conducted a prospective cross-sectional study between the first of April 2023 and the thirty-first of August 2023 at the Emergency Room (ER) at Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire examining demographics and patient wait times. Descriptive statistics were summarized using frequencies and percentages, and univariate analyses using Fisher’s exact test were conducted for group comparisons.ResultsA total of 941 patients participated in the study, with 52.0% being females and 53.6% in the 20–40-year age group. More than half of the patients were married (52.4%), had a university education (75.9%), and were employed (70.6%). Of the patients who took the survey, 51.1% reported waiting for 31–60 minutes, while 25.4% reported waiting for more than 60 minutes. Most patients presented to the ER on Monday, most frequently between 0800 and 1200 hrs. Most patients (70.8%) were likely to return for care and 71.7% were likely to recommend care at the ER to relatives and friends.ConclusionSpecific days and times of visits to the ER were associated with prolonged waiting times. To reduce waiting times and improve access to healthcare services, facilities should consider increasing the number of healthcare providers during these peak hours to ensure timely and quality consultations. Identifying bottlenecks and gridlocks within healthcare facilities is crucial to developing an efficient blueprint that aims to improve waiting times, leading to improved patient satisfaction and care.

IntroductionReducing waiting times is a major policy objective in publicly-funded healthcare systems. However, reductions in waiting times can produce a demand response, which may offset increases in capacity. Early detection and diagnosis of cancer is a policy focus in many OECD countries, but prolonged waiting periods for specialist confirmation of diagnosis could impede this goal. We examine whether urgent GP referrals for suspected cancer patients are responsive to local hospital waiting times.MethodWe used annual counts of referrals from all 6,667 general practices to all 185 hospital Trusts in England between April 2012 and March 2018. Using a practice-level measure of local hospital waiting times based on breaches of the two-week maximum waiting time target, we examined the relationship between waiting times and urgent GP referrals for suspected cancer. To identify whether the relationship is driven by differences between practices or changes over time, we estimated three regression models: pooled linear regression, a between-practice estimator, and a within-practice estimator.ResultsTen percent higher rates of patients breaching the two-week wait target in local hospitals were associated with higher volumes of referrals in the pooled linear model (4.4%; CI 2.4% to 6.4%) and the between-practice estimator (12.0%; CI 5.5% to 18.5%). The relationship was not statistically significant using the within-practice estimator (1.0%; CI -0.4% to 2.5%).ConclusionThe positive association between local hospital waiting times and GP demand for specialist diagnosis was caused by practices with higher levels of referrals facing longer local waiting times. Temporal changes in waiting times faced by individual practices were not related to changes in their referral volumes. GP referrals for diagnostic cancer services were not found to respond to waiting times in the short-term. In this setting, it may therefore be possible to reduce waiting times by increasing supply without consequently increasing demand.

Relationship between GP demand and local hospital waiting times.

Summary statistics on key variables at the GP practice level, 2012/13-2017/18.

VHA hospitals Timely Care Data

Performance on Clinical Measures and Processes of Care

By US Open Data Portal, data.gov [source]

About this dataset

This dataset provides an inside look at the performance of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) hospitals on timely and effective care measures. It contains detailed information such as hospital names, addresses, census-designated cities and locations, states, ZIP codes county names, phone numbers and associated conditions. Additionally, each entry includes a score, sample size and any notes or footnotes to give further context. This data is collected through either Quality Improvement Organizations for external peer review programs as well as direct electronic medical records. By understanding these performance scores of VHA hospitals on timely care measures we can gain valuable insights into how VA healthcare services are delivering values throughout the country!

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How to use the dataset

This dataset contains information about the performance of Veterans Health Administration hospitals on timely and effective care measures. In this dataset, you can find the hospital name, address, city, state, ZIP code, county name, phone number associated with each hospital as well as data related to the timely and effective care measure such as conditions being measured and their associated scores.

To use this dataset effectively, we recommend first focusing on identifying an area of interest for analysis. For example: what condition is most impacting wait times for patients? Once that has been identified you can narrow down which fields would best fit your needs - for example if you are studying wait times then “Score” may be more valuable to filter than Footnote. Additionally consider using aggregation functions over certain fields (like average score over time) in order to get a better understanding of overall performance by factor--for instance Location.

Ultimately this dataset provides a snapshot into how Veteran's Health Administration hospitals are performing on timely and effective care measures so any research should focus around that aspect of healthcare delivery

Research Ideas

• Analyzing and predicting hospital performance on a regional level to improve the quality of healthcare for veterans across the country.
• Using this dataset to identify trends and develop strategies for hospitals that consistently score low on timely and effective care measures, with the goal of improving patient outcomes.
• Comparison analysis between different VHA hospitals to discover patterns and best practices in providing effective care so they can be shared with other hospitals in the system

Acknowledgements

If you use this dataset in your research, please credit the original authors. Data Source

License

License: Dataset copyright by authors - You are free to: - Share - copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format for any purpose, even commercially. - Adapt - remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially. - You must: - Give appropriate credit - Provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. - ShareAlike - You must distribute your contributions under the same license as the original. - Keep intact - all notices that refer to this license, including copyright notices.

Columns

File: csv-1.csv | Column name | Description | |:-----------------------|:-------------------------------------------------------------| | Hospital Name | Name of the VHA hospital. (String) | | Address | Street address of the VHA hospital. (String) | | City | City where the VHA hospital is located. (String) | | State | State where the VHA hospital is located. (String) | | ZIP Code | ZIP code of the VHA hospital. (Integer) | | County Name | County where the VHA hospital is located. (String) | | Phone Number | Phone number of the VHA hospital. (String) | | Condition | Condition being measured. (String) | | Measure Name | Measure used to measure the condition. (String) | | Score | Score achieved by the VHA h...

Inverse hyperbolic sine transformed linear relationship between patient outcomes and local hospital waiting times.

Healthcare Tourism Market size was valued at USD 110.75 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 250.66 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 10.75% during the forecast period. i.e., 2026-2032.may include:• Cost Savings Opportunity: Medical procedures in popular healthcare tourism destinations can cost 40-80% less than in developed countries, attracting patients seeking affordable treatment without compromising quality. This substantial price differential remains a primary driver for cross-border healthcare seekers.• Quality Healthcare Access: Internationally accredited hospitals with state-of-the-art facilities and highly qualified physicians in countries like Thailand, India, and Turkey offer comparable or superior care to domestic options, driving patients to seek treatment abroad.• Reduced Wait Times: Patients from countries with long healthcare queues choose medical tourism to receive immediate treatment rather than waiting months for procedures. This immediate access prevents condition deterioration and improves overall treatment outcomes.• Specialized Treatment Availability: Some destinations offer cutting-edge procedures or specialized treatments not yet approved or available in patients' home countries, attracting those seeking innovative therapies, experimental procedures, or alternative medicine options.

ObjectiveThe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) disrupted healthcare systems and medical care worldwide. This study attempts to assess the performance of three Saudi hospitals during COVID-19 by comparing waiting times for outpatient appointments and the volume of elective surgeries before and after COVID-19.MethodsWe used ADA’A data collected from three Saudi hospitals for this retrospective cohort study. The outcome variables were “Waiting Time for Appointment” and “Elective OR Utilization”. The hospitals included in this study were: a 300-bed maternity and children’s hospital; a 643-bed general hospital; and a 1230-bed tertiary hospital. We included all patients who visited the OPD and OR in the time period from September 2019 to December 2021. A two-way ANOVA test was used to examine the differences in the outcome variables by hospital and by the phase of COVID-19.ResultsFor the elective OR utilization rate, the results showed that both the hospital and the phase of COVID-19 were significantly different (p-value < 0.05). On average, the elective OR utilization rate dipped considerably in the early phase of COVID-19 (33.2% vs 44.9%) and jumped sharply in the later phase (50.3%). The results showed that the waiting time for OPD appointment was significantly different across hospitals and before and after COVID-19 in each hospital (p-value < 0.05). the waiting time dropped during the early phase of COVID-19 for both the general hospital (GEN) (24.6 days vs 34.8 days) and the tertiary hospital (MDC) (40.3 days vs 48.6 days), while the maternity and children’s hospital (MCH)’s score deteriorated sharply (24.6 days vs 9.5 days).ConclusionThis study indicates that COVID-19 led to a significant impact on elective surgery rates and waiting time for OPD appointments in the early stage of the pandemic when the lockdown strategy was implemented in the country. Although the elective surgery rate had decreased at the designated COVID-hospital, the waiting time for OPD appointment had improved. This is a clear indication that the careful planning and management of resources for essential services during pandemic was effective.

Medical Records Access for Travelers Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global Medical Records Access for Travelers market size in 2024 stands at USD 3.1 billion, with the market exhibiting a robust CAGR of 14.6% during the forecast period. By 2033, the market is projected to reach a value of USD 10.2 billion, reflecting the growing demand for seamless and secure access to medical records by travelers worldwide. The primary growth factor driving this market is the increasing globalization of travel and the critical need for accessible, interoperable healthcare data for individuals on the move.

The rapid expansion in international travel, both for leisure and business, is a significant catalyst for the growth of the Medical Records Access for Travelers market. As more individuals traverse borders, the necessity for quick and reliable access to personal health information becomes paramount. This is particularly crucial in emergency medical situations, where timely access to accurate health records can be life-saving. The proliferation of digital health solutions, combined with the rising prevalence of chronic diseases among travelers, has further underscored the need for efficient medical records access. Additionally, the integration of advanced technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence into these solutions is enhancing data security and interoperability, making it easier for healthcare providers to retrieve and utilize patient information, regardless of geographic location.

Another major growth driver is the increasing adoption of cloud-based and mobile health platforms. These technologies enable travelers to access their medical records from any location, using a variety of devices. The convenience offered by mobile applications and web portals has led to widespread acceptance among tech-savvy travelers, while cloud-based platforms provide scalability and data backup solutions that are essential for healthcare providers and insurance companies. Furthermore, the ongoing digital transformation in the healthcare sector is encouraging governments and regulatory bodies to establish standards and frameworks that facilitate secure cross-border data exchange, thereby supporting the market’s expansion.

The growing popularity of medical tourism is also contributing to the surge in demand for accessible medical records among travelers. As patients increasingly seek healthcare services abroad for cost savings, specialized treatments, or shorter waiting times, the ability to transfer comprehensive health data between home and destination countries becomes a critical requirement. This trend is prompting healthcare providers and third-party service vendors to invest in interoperable solutions that streamline the sharing of medical information, improve patient outcomes, and enhance the overall travel experience. The synergy between healthcare providers, technology firms, and regulatory authorities is fostering an ecosystem that supports the secure and efficient movement of health information across borders.

From a regional perspective, North America currently dominates the Medical Records Access for Travelers market, owing to its advanced healthcare infrastructure, high rate of digital health adoption, and the presence of leading technology providers. Europe follows closely, driven by the region’s strong regulatory framework and proactive initiatives to promote health data interoperability. The Asia Pacific region, meanwhile, is witnessing the fastest CAGR, fueled by a booming travel industry, increasing investments in healthcare IT, and rising awareness about the importance of accessible medical records for travelers. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are gradually catching up, supported by government-led digital health programs and growing cross-border travel flows.

Solution Type Analysis

The Solution Type segment of the Medical Records Access for Travelers market is broadly categorized into Cloud-Based, On-Premises, Mobile Applications, and Web Portals. Cloud-Based solutions have emerged as the leading choice, primarily due to their scalability, flexibility, and ability to facilitate real-time access to health data from anywhere in the world. These solutions are particularly beneficial for travelers who may need to retrieve or share their medical records while moving across different countries or regions. The adoption of cloud technology also enables healthcare provi

Table of INEBase Excessive delay or inaccessibility of health care due to the waiting list in the last 12 months by sex, country of birth and age group. Population aged 15 years old and over. National. European Health Survey

European Health Survey: Waiting list for hospital admission in the last 12 months by sex and country of birth. Population aged 15 years old and over that had been hospitalised, except for childbirth, in the last 12 months. National.

The European medical tourism market, valued at €15.80 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 17.82% from 2025 to 2033. This significant expansion is driven by several key factors. Firstly, the increasing affordability and accessibility of advanced medical treatments in certain European countries attract patients from regions with higher healthcare costs or limited access to specialized care. Secondly, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases across Europe and globally fuels demand for sophisticated treatments and procedures readily available in specialized European medical facilities. Furthermore, the superior quality of care, advanced medical technology, and shorter waiting times offered by many European hospitals are strong incentives for medical tourism. Finally, effective marketing and promotion by hospitals and specialized medical tourism agencies contribute to increased market visibility and patient acquisition. Market segmentation reveals that neurology, aesthetics, dental, cardiovascular, orthopedic, and cancer treatments are major contributors to the overall market value. Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy are expected to be the leading national markets, reflecting their established medical infrastructure and reputation for excellence. However, growth is also anticipated in other European countries as they invest in improving their healthcare infrastructure and promoting their medical tourism capabilities. The competitive landscape involves both large hospital networks (like Helios Hospitals and The Royal Marsden) and specialized clinics, each targeting specific segments of the medical tourism market. While regulatory frameworks and potential risks associated with medical tourism act as restraints, the overall market outlook remains very positive, driven by patient demand and ongoing innovation within the European healthcare sector. Recent developments include: May 2023: The Cherwell Hospital launched its new installation of Surgicube, Ophthalmology Suite. The Surgicube equipment provides an ultra-clean airflow across the operating surface, and the Cherwell Hospital is one of the two hospitals across Ramsay, United Kingdom, to have this state-of-the-art equipment., May 2023: ReGenesis signed a partnership with Now Hair Time Hair Transplant Turkey to assist its Western Canada clients with an affordable hair transplantation service.. Key drivers for this market are: Rising Burden of Chronic Diseases, Rising Awareness about Medical Tourism and Government Initiatives; Advanced Medical Infrastructure and Medical Care Services. Potential restraints include: Rising Burden of Chronic Diseases, Rising Awareness about Medical Tourism and Government Initiatives; Advanced Medical Infrastructure and Medical Care Services. Notable trends are: The Cosmetic Treatment Segment is Expected to Witness Significant Growth During the Forecast Period.

This dataset is a comprehensive resource that systematically explores financial incentives and their impacts within healthcare systems. It begins with an introduction and a dictionary section that explains key terms, methodologies, and references, providing essential context for interpreting the data. The database categorizes incentives and payment mechanisms across several dimensions. Tables 1.1 to 1.3 offer an overview of incentive categories, payment mechanisms, and their distribution by country and impact. A deeper analysis follows in Tables 2.1 to 2.4, examining incentives in relation to countries, payment mechanisms, therapeutic areas, and categories of impact. The detailed breakdown continues in the Table 2.5 and 2.6 series, where specific incentive types, such as additional payments, bonuses, penalties, and price adjustments, are analysed based on their direction, significance, quality, and population-level impacts. The dataset further assesses the broader effects of these mechanisms through Tables 3.1 to 3.4, which connect payment mechanisms and incentives to categories of impact. The Table 3.5 series covers detailed evaluations of various outcomes, including patient satisfaction, clinical quality, healthcare costs, waiting times, and financial risks. Finally, the database provides country-specific insights in Tables 4.1 to 4.3, linking nations to their payment mechanisms, incentives, and impacts on healthcare systems.
This dataset serves as a valuable tool for policymakers, researchers, and healthcare administrators by offering detailed insights into how financial mechanisms influence healthcare delivery, efficiency, and outcomes, enabling informed decision-making to improve healthcare systems.

Cardiac Surgery Tourism Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global cardiac surgery tourism market size reached USD 3.92 billion in 2024, exhibiting robust growth driven by rising healthcare costs in developed countries and increasing patient awareness of high-quality, affordable cardiac care abroad. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.7% during the forecast period, reaching a value of USD 10.94 billion by 2033. Key growth factors include advancements in medical technology, improved international healthcare accreditation, and the growing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases globally.

One of the most significant growth drivers for the cardiac surgery tourism market is the escalating cost of cardiac procedures in developed nations, particularly in North America and Western Europe. Patients from these regions are increasingly seeking cost-effective alternatives without compromising on quality, leading them to countries such as India, Thailand, Turkey, and Mexico. These countries have not only invested in state-of-the-art cardiac care infrastructure but have also streamlined their medical tourism processes, offering comprehensive packages that include pre-operative assessment, surgery, post-operative care, and even travel logistics. This holistic approach, coupled with significant cost savings—sometimes up to 60-80% compared to home country prices—continues to attract a growing number of international cardiac patients.

Another crucial factor fueling market expansion is the improvement in international healthcare accreditation and the proliferation of globally recognized certifications such as JCI (Joint Commission International). These accreditations assure patients of stringent safety protocols, high standards of care, and the presence of skilled cardiac surgeons. Additionally, the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases worldwide, attributed to aging populations, sedentary lifestyles, and rising incidences of obesity and diabetes, is generating greater demand for cardiac interventions. This surge in demand, combined with long waiting times for elective cardiac surgeries in public healthcare systems, especially in countries like Canada and the UK, is prompting patients to explore faster, more efficient treatment options abroad.

Technological advancements in cardiac surgery, such as minimally invasive procedures, robotic-assisted surgeries, and enhanced diagnostic imaging, have also played a pivotal role in making cardiac surgery tourism more appealing. These innovations have led to shorter hospital stays, reduced recovery times, and lower complication rates, making it feasible for patients to travel internationally for treatment. Furthermore, the emergence of specialized medical tourism facilitators and digital health platforms has simplified the process of selecting hospitals, surgeons, and travel arrangements, thus lowering barriers for potential medical tourists. The integration of telemedicine for pre- and post-operative consultations is also enhancing patient confidence and continuity of care.

Regionally, the Asia Pacific region continues to dominate the cardiac surgery tourism market, accounting for the largest share in 2024, followed by Latin America and Europe. Asia Pacific's leadership is attributed to its competitive pricing, high-quality healthcare infrastructure, and a large pool of internationally trained cardiac surgeons. Latin America is also witnessing rapid growth, particularly in countries such as Mexico, Costa Rica, and Brazil, which are strategically located for North American patients. Meanwhile, Middle Eastern countries are investing heavily in healthcare infrastructure to position themselves as emerging hubs for medical tourism. As global connectivity improves and patient awareness increases, regional dynamics are expected to continue evolving, with cross-border healthcare collaborations playing an increasingly important role.

Procedure Type Analysis

The procedure type segment of the cardiac surgery tourism market encompasses a range of interventions, including Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), Heart Valve Surgery, Angioplasty, Pacemaker Implantation, and other related procedures. Among these, CABG remains the most sought-after procedure, driven by the high prevalence of coronary artery disease worldwide. Patients often opt for CABG in medical tourism destinations due to the significant cost differentials and the av

European Health Survey: Excessive delay or inaccessibility of health care due to the waiting list in the last 12 months by sex, country of birth and age group. Population aged 15 years old and over. National.

Oncology Treatment Tourism Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global oncology treatment tourism market size reached USD 7.4 billion in 2024, reflecting a significant surge in cross-border travel for advanced cancer care. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.8% from 2025 to 2033, reaching a forecasted market size of USD 18.2 billion by 2033. This robust growth is driven by the increasing prevalence of cancer worldwide, advancements in oncology treatment modalities, and patients’ pursuit of affordable, high-quality care unavailable or unaffordable in their home countries.

The primary growth factor propelling the oncology treatment tourism market is the rising incidence of cancer globally. With cancer remaining a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, more patients are seeking access to innovative therapies, specialized surgical interventions, and multidisciplinary care teams that may not be accessible in their local healthcare systems. The disparity in healthcare infrastructure, long waiting times for treatment, and the high cost of oncology procedures in developed countries have further encouraged patients to explore medical tourism as a viable alternative. Countries in Asia Pacific and parts of Europe have emerged as prominent hubs, offering state-of-the-art oncology treatments at a fraction of the cost compared to North America and Western Europe. This trend is expected to intensify as awareness about global healthcare options increases and as international accreditation of medical facilities becomes more widespread.

Another significant driver for the oncology treatment tourism market is the rapid advancement in cancer treatment technologies and the global dissemination of medical expertise. Leading cancer centers in countries such as India, Thailand, Turkey, and South Korea have invested heavily in advanced diagnostic tools, precision medicine, and minimally invasive surgical techniques. These centers attract international patients by offering comprehensive oncology care packages, including pre-treatment consultation, advanced imaging, targeted therapies, and post-treatment rehabilitation. Additionally, the increasing adoption of telemedicine for initial consultations and follow-up care has made it easier for patients to coordinate their treatment journeys across borders, further fueling the growth of the oncology treatment tourism market.

Cost-effectiveness remains a pivotal factor for patients considering oncology treatment tourism. In many cases, patients can access world-class cancer care at 30–70% lower costs than in their home countries, even after accounting for travel and accommodation expenses. Insurance coverage for cross-border care is gradually expanding, and many governments are introducing policies to facilitate medical visas and streamline the patient journey. This has led to a surge in partnerships between international insurance providers and leading oncology centers abroad. As global healthcare systems continue to face challenges related to cost containment and capacity constraints, the appeal of oncology treatment tourism is expected to grow, especially among patients from high-income countries seeking value-based care.

From a regional perspective, the Asia Pacific region dominates the oncology treatment tourism market, accounting for over 38% of the global market share in 2024. This is attributed to the region’s advanced medical infrastructure, highly trained oncologists, and competitive pricing. Europe and the Middle East are also emerging as key destinations, particularly for patients from Africa and Eastern Europe. North America, while primarily a source region for outbound medical tourists, is witnessing a rise in inbound patients seeking specialized therapies unavailable in their home countries. As the global landscape of healthcare delivery evolves, regional competition and collaboration are expected to shape the future dynamics of the oncology treatment tourism market.

Service Type Analysis

The