topic Re: How long do you wait for a doctor in Community Chat

How long do you wait for a doctor

I am still oxox — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 18:44:15 GMT

I had a 1 pm appointment with a doctor, got there a bit early and at 1:10 I was told she was running 45 mintues late so I left.

How long are you willing to wait?

Re: How long do you wait for a doctor

Peaches McPhee — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 18:47:08 GMT

For me, it really depends. How sick am I? Did they fit me in at the last minute? Do I have someplace else I need to get to? I'd wait 45 minutes though.

Re: How long do you wait for a doctor

GenXmuse — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 18:47:40 GMT

If it’s going to be 45+ minutes estimated wait, I reschedule. I have a schedule too and I can’t dedicate an afternoon to one appointment.

Re: How long do you wait for a doctor

JYWilliams — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 18:48:23 GMT

About 10 to 15 minutes.

Re: How long do you wait for a doctor

esmerelda — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 18:50:06 GMT

I think it depends on how badly you want to see the doctor. If it’s a regular check up, maybe you can leave after 15 minutes. If you’re having a problem and really need to be seen, maybe you are willing to wait until you can be seen.

Re: How long do you wait for a doctor

Jordan2 — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 18:52:17 GMT

I go to a doctor ( my elderly mom goes too), that I kid you not can be as much as an hour late. They take you to the exam room where you can wait 20 or 30 minutes for him to see you. I once spent 3 hours at the doctor's office! That being said I like the doctor very much, he takes his time with you. People complain in the waiting room about the long wait, but no one leaves. When you see this doctor, don't make plans for the rest of the day, you never know when you'll get out. The answer I guess is, as long as it takes.

Re: How long do you wait for a doctor

Sooner — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 18:52:28 GMT

@I am still oxox wrote:
I had a 1 pm appointment with a doctor, got there a bit early and at 1:10 I was told she was running 45 mintues late so I left.
How long are you willing to wait?

As long as it takes.

Re: How long do you wait for a doctor

Nightowlz — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 18:55:31 GMT

I make an appt for a reason. Not waiting 45 mins don't care how sick I am. I don't go to the doctor when/if I get sick anyways it will pass. I have to be pretty much dying before I will go like I was when I had Shingles.

My appt is always on a Tues at 1. They close for lunch from 12-1 so I'm the 1st appt after lunch. I always get right in. Wait time is usually 5-10 mins. I'm not waiting much longer then that.

If I'm that sick & the doctor is too busy I can always go to the Minor Emergency Clinic.

Re: How long do you wait for a doctor

happycat — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 18:55:04 GMT

How long I am willing to wait depends on how badly I am feeling.

I've waited over an hour before, with nobody ever bothering to tell me the dr was running 45 minutes behind. At least they let you know.

Re: How long do you wait for a doctor

ECBG — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 18:53:50 GMT

Most doctors have a sign to let the receptionist know if you've been there over 30 minutes. That's reasonable. I expect my doctor to take the time I need and address my problems, and I think others are entitled to good care too.

Sometimes when we see the doctor, they've had hospital rounds as well.

Of course I wait longer to be "worked in" which means the last appointment before lunch or in place of a last minute cancellation.

Re: How long do you wait for a doctor

Drythe — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 18:57:28 GMT

Fortunately I know all my Physicians. They take all the time needed with me, and I expect they do so with all their patients, so if they are running late I know why and am patient.

After all, they are not running a fast food drive through.

Re: How long do you wait for a doctor

Perkup — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 18:57:59 GMT

Doctors in my family all want to keep to a schedule and finish their day at a reasonable time. However, it's hard for them to control every patient - many have questions, and often they run iinto situations and medical issues that were unexpected and require more than the scheduled time. I wait as patiently as possible, because someday that person who needs more time might be me. I have a schedule also, but my health is more important than my schedule.

Re: How long do you wait for a doctor

Perkup — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 19:53:13 GMT

In my opinion, the times are changing. Many fine doctors are closing their practices - my PCP of 25 years just closed his practice because of the overwhelming requirements of the government in terms of reports, etc. Fewer doctors means we will all have to wait to see one, and if you tend to walk out when you have to wait more than 15 minutes, you just may prove to be too important to be acceptable as a patient. Think about it.

Re: How long do you wait for a doctor

occasionalrain — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 19:00:26 GMT

They over schedule to make up for no shows. If people would all leave after waiting 15 minutes, they would no longer over schedule. We get what we're willing to accept.

Re: How long do you wait for a doctor

I am still oxox — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 19:01:38 GMT

It was a follow up with my Rhumetologsit not a sick visit

Re: How long do you wait for a doctor

FrostyBabe1 — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 19:02:23 GMT

There is a sign at my PCP's office that says "please let us know if you've been waiting more than 15 minutes beyond your scheduled appointment time". I did that once when it got to be 30 minutes and was told that if I rescheduled, they would charge me for a missed appointment! Boy, did they get an earful from me! It didn't change anything though - it's the policy set by the hospital corporation that runs the physician offices and there aren't any other viable choices in town.

Re: How long do you wait for a doctor

kelsey17 — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 19:05:34 GMT

Depends upon what i need looked at and it depends upon the doctor himself....if he is WORTH waiting for..

Re: How long do you wait for a doctor

Montana — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 19:06:14 GMT

I stay until the doctor can see me. I have more patience with doctors since a dental office scheduled me right away for a serious problem. I’m sure others had to wait because of me.

Another time, my PCP did several unscheduled tests during a visit. This took a lot of time.

It’s annoying, but I understand how doctors can easily fall behind.

Re: How long do you wait for a doctor

kitcat51 — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 19:10:22 GMT

I'll wait as long as it takes...I worked in a Dr's office as a teen in the late 60's & it was eye opening, being a Dr. is a hard life full of stress. Now I'm in my late 60's & volunteering at several hospitals & being a Dr hasn't gotten an easier, it's worst. I admire their skill, hard work, long hours & dedication to their patients.

Re: How long do you wait for a doctor

Kachina624 — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 19:10:46 GMT

I've been seeing my doctor almost 20 years. She's very patient, doesn't rush, and addresses all of my concerns so I'm very patient with her. I'd wait longer for her than I would most. I've walked out after an hour wait for other doctors.