The virtual end of the doctor’s office waiting room By Iyesatta Massaquoi Emeli June 2, 2026 0 min Stat News Share Summary Takeaways Listen Insight Report Clinical Scorecard Quiz 1 The traditional waiting room is a fundamental aspect of medical culture, built around the expectation of waiting for care. 2 The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemedicine, with virtual visits increasing more than sevenfold in early 2020. 3 In 2022, 30.1% of U.S. adults reported using telemedicine in the previous year, indicating its sustained presence in healthcare. 4 Telemedicine allows for a redesign of patient entry into the healthcare system, minimizing delays and improving the patient experience. 5 Emerging technologies are reshaping how patients navigate care, moving away from waiting as a default experience in medicine.