Are doctor’s offices closed on Columbus Day? (2023)

The latest holiday weekend of the year is upon us with October 9 bringing a day off work for many individuals across the US in observation of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, formerly known as Columbus Day.

The holiday will cause the closure of many businesses including banks, post offices, and other federally operated businesses. This means no mail on Monday and no trips to the bank to take care of any banking needs outside of those that can be done via your local ATM. It also means a day off from school for students in many states and shortened hours for some businesses looking to give their employees time to enjoy the holiday.

But what about health care providers?

If you’re feeling under the weather and looking to make a doctor’s appointment, the arrival of the holiday can create some added stress and uncertainty as you question whether your local doctor’s office will also be closing for the day in observance of the holiday.

Are doctor’s offices open on Columbus Day? (2023)

While hours of operation and holiday hours will vary by the doctor, there is a really good chance your doctor’s office will be open on Oct. 9 as Columbus Day is not a holiday that many doctor’s offices close for as the holiday is not recognized as one of the “big six” holidays in which many practices close their office doors.

The six holidays most doctor’s offices close for nationwide are New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

When it comes to doctor office hours, these often vary by location with some offices closing their doors for holidays such as Columbus Day and others staying open with limited hours. The best way to confirm whether your primary care doctor’s office will be closed on the holiday would be to call the office or check their website for holiday hours.