Telemedicine surge could eliminate traditional doctor’s office waiting rooms

Emergency physician Iyesatta Massaquoi Emeli reflects on how the concept of waiting has been built into medical practice, from the lobby to the triage process, shaping patients' experience of care.

The COVID‑19 pandemic rapidly lifted long‑standing policy and regulatory obstacles to remote consultations, sparking a massive growth in virtual care. This shift prompted a reassessment of which patients truly need to be seen in person.

Emeli argues that the health system should now redesign how patients enter care, using technology to reduce delays rather than accepting waiting as inevitable.