Reply
Honored Contributor
Posts: 17,892
Registered: ‎07-03-2013

Re: Does It Bother You When Doctors Make You Wait

I've done my fair share of waiting.  I don't like to wait, but I do.  You are shuffled into a room, so you are ready when the Dr comes in.  I don't like to wait then get rushed through my time.  My oncologist used to come in the room and leave so quickly I used to say I wasn't sure I saw him.  

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,180
Registered: ‎04-10-2012

Re: Does It Bother You When Doctors Make You Wait

@GCR18 

 What is it with oncologists ? Mine does the same thing.

Blows in and out of the room so fast he's almost a blur !😳

Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,163
Registered: ‎10-04-2010

Re: Does It Bother You When Doctors Make You Wait

It is irritating. However, we get a follow up email to ask how our visit went.  I was able to answer at one time, when I had been kept waiting an awful long time.  I had my watch on that day, so it's the truth not just a feeling.

 

I now, take along entertainment and don't wear a watch.  Funny thing, I don't wait that long any more.  I'm very nice on follow up replies.  

Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,163
Registered: ‎10-04-2010

Re: Does It Bother You When Doctors Make You Wait

@haddon9   the dentist probably wanted to help you and have you there in case anyone cancelled or didn't show up.  Sorry for dental pain, it's worse than childbirth!!

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,462
Registered: ‎04-20-2013

Re: Does It Bother You When Doctors Make You Wait

It depends on the situation.  I had to wait for the ophthalmologist a long time once but he had an emergency with a baby and explained and apologized.  I was more annoyed by older clients complaining the baby was crying loudly.  I was happy when the doctor came out and chastised them and explained the baby was hungry as he was going for emergency surgery and in pain.  

 

For my plastic surgeon I've waited up to five hours but he does a lot of reconstructive surgery on wounded veterans and often gets tied up.  His secretary would take my cell number and I'd go out to lunch and text me to come back or at times I'd wait in my office and they'd call me to come....he also took a long time with me so I understood.  When I worked I took vacation time so I'd not be nervous about getting back to my office.  

If staff overbook as routine I guess I'd not be too tolerant but coming from the medical field, I understand emergencies happen or patients may be more complex than expected.  

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,421
Registered: ‎03-19-2014

Re: Does It Bother You When Doctors Make You Wait

It's a slight annoyance but I really don't mind.  They have emergencies come up and some patients take more time than others.  My family doctor took A LOT of time with me when I was diagnosed as a diabetic.  He explained everything including the meds and my meter, etc.  I'm sure it caused a backup.  If he's running late when it's time for me to see him, then I know the chances are good he's being as thorough with a patient as he was with me that time.  

 

Now I did get upset at my local optometrist's office when I would sat in the exam room for well over an hour as I heard him on the phone calling friends for a cook out that weekend. He is no longer my optometrist.

Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, but Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.
- Author Unknown
Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,457
Registered: ‎05-22-2010

Re: Does It Bother You When Doctors Make You Wait

Waiting because of an emergency is one thing, but when the doctor is just inconsiderate, that's wrong.  I changed my primary because I got sick of waiting at least an hour for him.  Because there was a big opening behind the reception desk  you could see the staff working and way too many times you could see him sitting on the edge of a desk obviously just socializing.  The last straw was after waiting for an hour to get to the exam room, spent about another hour waiting for him - but he was busy outside my door with the pharma rep discussing what she was going to bring them for lunch.  My DH used to say he had the personality of a fish besides other things lol.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,259
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Does It Bother You When Doctors Make You Wait

Most of my doctors are very good about getting to patients within 15 mins of appointment time.

 

My one exception is a specialist that I see at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore.  He is one of the leading doctors in the world in his field.  I have spoken with other patients in the waiting room from all over the world.  He also usually has another doctor with him learning his techniques and he uses extra time with him/her.

 

 When I have an appointment, it is an all day proposition.  I take a book and visit with everyone else waiting.

 

 

"Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are." BF
Honored Contributor
Posts: 32,486
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Does It Bother You When Doctors Make You Wait

@Jordan2 I don't think 35 minutes is a big deal.  Also, doctors have things that crop up, situations to deal with and can't be on the mark.  Especially an OBGYN.

 

But bother me?  I try to get past stuff I can't change without being too bothered.  It does me no good, and doesn't help anything.

 

With any doctor now, 35 minutes isn't a big deal.  Don't waste being bothered on stuff like this!  Take a book next time maybe?  Make a grocery list?  

Honored Contributor
Posts: 17,517
Registered: ‎06-17-2015

Re: Does It Bother You When Doctors Make You Wait

I would never wait 3 hours for any doctor unless I was a walk-in appointment.  Then and only then I'd recognize that patients with appointments have priority.

 

Our PCP is very good so no complaints.

"" Compassion is a verb."-Thich Nhat Hanh