The Longest Wait

Waiting for the doctor in the emergency room can seem interminable, and for some folks that's close to the truth. Below, find out how waiting times stack up, according to a national survey presented at a meeting of the American College of Emergency Physicians. Despite the delays, nearly 90% of ER patients surveyed were satisfied with the care they got.

6.2 Average hours spent waiting in ER; annual visits have climbed to 110 million, up 23% in 10 years

10.6Average wait for seniors; nearly half of ER visits are by adults who say they are in poor physical health

13.3 Wait for patients with incomes less than $20,000; 85% of ER users, however, have health insurance