Inadequate resource allocation (e.g., time, clinician workforce) can threaten patient safety. Twenty-five semi-structured interviews with primary care providers explored near-miss events where taking extra time during patient visits can avoid a more serious event. These near-miss events generally occurred in five clinical scenarios – high-risk social situations (e.g., pediatric patient requiring a home safety assessment), high-risk medication regimens requiring patient education, high acuity conditions, interactions of physical and mental health, and investigating subtle clinical suspicions or red flags. The authors outline structural and mitigating interventions to address time scarcity in care delivery.