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07-24-2017 05:52 PM
Over twenty years ago I had an appointment with a doctor. I don't remember what type of doctor it was. I was a Realtor, and my appt. was at 8:30 in the morning. I kept getting paged, and there were no cell phones. I finally saw the doctor at 4:00. I kept asking how much longer and should have just left. The doctor knew I was irritated and didn't really apologize. I never went back. This seems unbelievable, but it's a true story. I would never wait that long again! That day was completely lost work wise. I was so upset.
07-24-2017 05:56 PM
I do not mind waiting for my doctor. I have my PCP, dermatolagist, cardiologist and surgeon. I like and trust all of them. Sometimes I have to wait and sometimes I don't. I have never had to wait an hour tho although I would without complaining. If I had to wait an hour, I would know that something unavoidable has happened. If I had an extended wait I would check with the receptionist just to be sure I wasn't missed in error, then continue waiting. I am a reader and always take a book with me so I have something to do to pass the time.
I definitely know that unavoidable waits can happen. I was the cause of one for the other patients. I once got up from my chair and started to walk and got very dizzy. Called my Dr., got an immediate appointment and took up much of her time that had not been planned for, resulting in a longer wait than usual for other patients. So I know how long waits can happen through no fault of the physician. I appreciated that she cared enough to see me urgently. So if I have an extended wait, I would know another patient had reason to need the Dr. and I'm glad I have Drs. who care enough to be there for their patients.
If you have a good physician you trust that is more important than having to wait. Plan for a wait and be grateful you have a good, caring physician. If you can't do this then continue your search for one who will never make you wait.
07-24-2017 06:01 PM
I had an appointment with my Rheumatologist this morning, I have never once had to wait for her and yet she spends as much time with patients as they need. In her former practice there was another doctor whose patients waited 1 to 2 hours to be seen. The girls in the office once told me that he would sit in his office playing computer games. I'm very lucky to have such a great doc...
07-24-2017 06:34 PM
Laura - Well what do you know - I went with my husband to the doctor today. We arrived at 2:08 and waited and waited. Finally my Husband's name was called at 3:13.
Oh Boy, I can't wait for my appointment tomorrow (Cancer Specialists). It is a given that you wait at least an hour and if you need a prescription - Count on another 20 mintues.
07-24-2017 06:49 PM
@Just Bling wrote:I will never take any other appointment than the 1st one of the day.
So sorry, yes, they apologize but that doesn't make it any better.
@Just Bling I like an appointment at 1pm, right after lunch. Get there early to get a parking place. I no longer do 8am for anything.
07-24-2017 06:53 PM
@Laura14 wrote:
For those of you who endure the endless wait, I don't know how you do this. My appointment was over an hour ago. I'm still waiting. I am debating walking out. I actually took the day off work because they pulled this the last time. If I stay, it will be my final wrist appointment. Self care from now on. I knew there was a reason I avoided the health care system at all costs. The patient's time is just as valuable. Stop overbooking.
I think I would be suspicious if a doctor took me the moment I arrived! lol I would think "Yikes! What is wrong with this practice?" (Yes, a sad commentary, to be sure)
I recall reading that the best time to book is the first appt of the day, or the first appt after lunch ... and never on Mondays! Not sure that works in every case, but I bet it's helpful a good deal of the time.
Depends where you live of course, and how often you will see this doctor, but, IMO, you need to ask yourself "Is this doctor worth the wait?"
It also matters how often you will be seeing this doc ... yearly, monthly, or somewhere in between. There are a lot of considerations and sometimes it's just easiest to take a book with you and put the time to good use. No one is forcing us to sit there and do nothing.
07-25-2017 05:46 AM
Many of my specialists have smaller, outpost offices and I find that those run on time as it's one doctor, one nurse and one patient at a time.
I'd rather drive a little farther away and be seen on time, than sit and wait in a paper gown.
My dermatologist is insanely late. It doesn't matter if you are the first appointment or not. I know a lot of it has to do with the fact that she will push to do a full body mole check to anyone who comes in the door (which I appreciate) and she also refuses to rush (which I also appreciate). Unfortunately, they probably need X amount of appointments to cover costs so cutting back on appointments isn't an option and rushing isn't her style.
I know on the days she works her husband (the surgeon in their practice) takes the kids and comes in later, but a few times she has come in late because she has had to take the kids to school. They are both young with young children.
07-25-2017 05:49 AM
And talk about sad commentary....
Every year I need a physical for my work health rebate. I need it between September 5 and December 5. I called last week to schedule my appointment and all of their "wellness" appointments are already booked up for both of the RNs I see for this. The only doctor who can see me is the week of Thanksgiving.
They only have one appointment per week per clinician set aside for wellness. And let me tell you, it's a big family practice associated with the only hospital in the region.
07-25-2017 08:26 AM
I know a doctor who had several bad reviews online due to long wait times in the practice. Things got a bit better after those reviews were posted.
07-25-2017 11:00 AM
@VaBelle35 wrote:And talk about sad commentary....
Every year I need a physical for my work health rebate. I need it between September 5 and December 5. I called last week to schedule my appointment and all of their "wellness" appointments are already booked up for both of the RNs I see for this. The only doctor who can see me is the week of Thanksgiving.
They only have one appointment per week per clinician set aside for wellness. And let me tell you, it's a big family practice associated with the only hospital in the region.
Totally unacceptable! Unless you live in a sparsely populated area and there are no other choices, this practice should NOT be a provider for this insurance company. It's a poorly run operation.
Maybe you don't really want to be bothered, but I would document all this and send it to the insurance company, the health insurance agents and your employer. Oh yeah, and cc the administrator at the practice, as well.
What a pain in the neck to get an appointment!
jMO
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