Portland Faces Hurdles in Accessing Primary Care Doctors

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A recent study found that only 35% of primary care clinics in Portland accepted new Medicare patients, compared to 77% across four major U.S. cities. Portland also had the longest median wait times for appointments at 61 days, far exceeding the 8-day average in New York City. While Portland has a comparable number of primary care doctors per capita, factors like a higher proportion of Medicare Advantage enrollees and limited federally qualified health centers contribute to the access challenges.

Why it matters

Adequate access to primary care is a cornerstone of a functioning healthcare system. The difficulties Portlanders face in finding and securing appointments with primary care physicians can have significant impacts on preventative care, management of chronic conditions, and overall community health outcomes.

The details

The 'secret shopper' study published in Health Affairs found stark disparities in primary care access between Portland and other major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. While 77% of clinics across the four cities accepted new Medicare patients, Portland lagged dramatically at only 35%. The situation was equally challenging for those already in the system, with median wait times in Portland stretching to 61 days compared to an 8-day average in New York. Researchers noted the problem is not due to a doctor shortage, as Portland has a comparable number of primary care clinicians per capita. Instead, factors like a higher proportion of Medicare Advantage enrollees and limited federally qualified health centers appear to be contributing to the access challenges. Market consolidation, with 60% of Oregon primary care clinics now affiliated with large health systems, may also play a role, as studies have shown hospital-affiliated practices tend to have longer wait times.

• The 'secret shopper' study was published in Health Affairs in 2026.
• Previous studies have also highlighted long wait times for primary care in Portland, indicating this is a persistent issue.

What they’re saying

What’s next

State and local policymakers in Oregon will need to further investigate the systemic factors contributing to Portland's primary care access challenges in order to develop effective solutions.