While Massachusetts is a health care leader, it is actually quite difficult to find a primary care doctor in the state. Doctors said there are several reasons why.

"We're facing a shrinking share of primary care physicians," according to Dr. Olivia Liao, president of the Massachusetts Medical Society, making it difficult for patients to secure standard medical appointments. "We are in the middle of a major public health crisis."

Patients left waiting

Some patients said they've been left waiting weeks—or longer—for appointments. Residents like Kelly McGarth and Margarite Whetstone expressed frustration over delays.

"It's definitely concerning because they don't always get back to you and you can't always get in to see them if they don't have enough staff," said McGarth.

"It's takin

See Full Page