Fayette.Talk

By Tracy

November 17, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

I’ve waited for 2 and 1/2 hours before. Once I got into the examination room, I was given the utmost attention. And I really liked that doctor. But the 2 1/2 hours irked me and I switched doctors because of it. My time is valuable too.

By Tracy

November 17, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

I’ve waited for 2 and 1/2 hours before. Once I got into the examination room, I was given the utmost attention. And I really liked that doctor. But the 2 1/2 hours irked me and I switched doctors because of it. My time is valuable too.

By gmoney

November 17, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

You think that is bad….Wait until we get Nationalized HealthCare.

By LM

November 17, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

I have waited up to 3 hours before. Once back in 1985 I was waiting and for some reason the nurse thought they had already taken be back, nope I was still in the waiting room watching as other were taken in. I got to the point of just leaving went to the reception desk, and got the “oh I am so sorry, lets take you back right now”. It was just about closing time, I have always wondered what they would have done had I sat there until they closed?

I can be very laid back, I understand that they are busy and others may need more of the doctors time than I do, but I am getting to the point that if I make an appointment for 2:30 I expect to be seen at 2:30, it is not like my time is not valuable to me. Why is it okay for me to have to wait in the waiting room, then again wait in the examining room?

By Shannon

November 17, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

This is a HUGE pet peeve of mine. In my opinion it’s poor business management. Doctor’s and their staff know it takes more time with some patients than it does with others. So why don’t they account for that in the scheduling, instead of piggy-backing appointments? So what if they have some down-time between appointments once in a while. They can use that time to catch up on the calls they never seem to return!! Not only is it poor business management, it’s poor patient care too.

By Ann

November 17, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

I do not make APPOINTMENTS for a specified time to WAIT !!! Doctors are so busy TRIPLE BOOKING patients - trying to make enough money for vacations, parties and bonuses that they are losing patients. Haven’t you shown up at 9:00 AM and there are 6 patients with the same time to see the same doctor - or what about the afternoon rush - you get the 1:00 PM appointment only to discover everyone in the waiting room is waiting to see the same doctor / dentist at 1:00 so they can be out by 4:30 or 5:00 PM. MY TIME IS VALUABLE. If the doctors want me to wait for an hour or two - then give me an office to check voicemail, return calls and give me an internet connection so I can at least get some work done while I am waiting !!! All of us have valuable time.

Doctors today feel as though they are doing us a favor when they see us but they had better start to re-think that - we, the patients, are doing them a favor by coming to them with our costly insurance benefits !!!

By Sugar

November 17, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

When I was pregnant with my eldest, one of the doctors in the group forgot about me and left me in the exam room for an hour and a half. I got dressed, and went to the front desk and informed them that if this happened again, I would bill them for MY time. I was on my lunch hour at the time.

After that, I was immediately put in an exam room and the doctor was in and out within 30 minutes.

I find it VERY rude when you make an appointment and they tell you to come in 20 minutes ahead to fill out your paperwork. Then you sit for an hour. I make it a point to show up a few minutes LATE.

We walked out of a sports doctor’s office in Duluth, one time, and I will NOT return. We were the only people there. Our appt. was at 4:30, we arrived at 4:15 like they asked us to. At 5:00 they came and got us and put us in an exam room. At 5:45 the doctor still had not come in. I went out and complained rather loudly. And it still took the doctor another 15 minutes to see us. I was NOT pleased. I let him know. He tried to tell us some BS story, and I was not putting up with it. I told the doctor we would not come back EVER AGAIN.

By MC

November 17, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

I have never left but have waited 2 hours before. I know they aren’t back there eating bon bons but on many occasions they admitted that they overbook on purpose so there may be 6 people with your same appointment time and only one doctor. I also realize they don’t always know what a patient is coming in with and therefore don’t know what kind of time they need. All the more reason not to double book. Another time I was waiting with a sick child for over an hour and could hear when the doctor entered the back door talking about the store she just came from was so busy. That made me mad. But the thing that really irritates me is they act like their time is so much more important than mine. Once when I said I would have to leave they said they would have to charge the No Show fee to cover “their” time. But then they suddenly got me into the back. How convenient!

By Missy

November 17, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

I am a family practice physician in metro Atlanta. What most people do not realize is that doctors’ office make appointments based on the complaint. If someone makes an appt for a sinus infection, we may give that person a 10 min. appointment. The problem is when they arrive, they add on complaints, such as chest pain or stomach pain. I’ve had patients add up to 5 more complaints and wants each one addressed during that visit. So, what was scheduled for 10 minutes, now becomes 30 minutes. This puts the doctor extremely behind. I do not double or triple book my patients because I realize that everyone’s time is valuable. I wish that people would realize that when you don’t say everything you want addressed but then wait until the office visit, you contribute to the long wait at doctors’ offices. Not all of us are simply overbooking to get more money.

By Stephen

November 17, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

I have not had what I would call an extreme wait time; however, I do know an individual that charged the doctor for their time in the waiting room which exceeded 4.5 hours. He received half the invoiced amount back in return. I understand that they (typically) want to provide good service but that often comes at the expense of over booking appointments. Perhaps, they should move to making daily appointments, I mean who plans on being sick?

By Jack G

November 17, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

I have walked out after waiting an hour 4 times. The latest was last month after an hour and 10 minutes. The Dr. called the next day and apologized and rescheduled me. When i go back in 2 weeks we will find out if they make sure I dont have to wait. If I have to wait over 15 minutes, I will let everybody in hearing distance know what i think.

By Ann

November 17, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

**Yeah Right MISSY….and why aren’t you seeing your patients NOW instead of posting a blog????????????

By Missy

November 17, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

It’s called lunchtime, Ms. Ann. Are doctors’ not allowed that either. Good grief.

By Jessica

November 17, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

I used to wait about 2-3 hours at my last doctor..they were so slow..then after the doctor saw me for 3 minutes, I would have to wait another 20-30 minutes for the paperwork or pamplets she would give me for for a prescription. I switched doctor’s because of it.

By SD

November 17, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

I have had 20 operations, needless to say I’ve had my share of waiting in Dr’s offices. However, what’s worse than waiting in the waiting room is waiting in the exam room with nothing to do, no one to talk to, etc. I was left in a exam room for 2.5 hrs after waiting in the waiting room for 1.5 hrs once. The the Dr. came in and he was an old quack with alot of lame jokes that were hardly funny after waiting 4hrs total! Never went back!

By Docs Need Training

November 17, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

If I go in as a walk-in, I expect to be seen “whenever they get an opening”…but when I call days or even weeks in advance for an APPOINTMENT, I expect to be seen within 15 minutes either side of that time. If not, what is the point of making appointments? If a patient has a dire emergency, they should call EMS and not expect a family doctor to be able to handle it. If you can’t see me when I have an appointment, you can expect me to find another doctor. There is one on every street corner. And don’t expect me to recommend you to anyone else.

By Ann

November 17, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

At l:00 PM ???? Your waiting room is probably full of patients with the same appointment to see you - better get back to work !

By Ann

November 17, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

I have waited so many times for two hours or more at the pediatricians office. The staff acts like I am the problem when I complain after wrestling a sick, cranky toddler.

Many offices have multiple providers who take days off during the week (without weekend or extended hours). And before you say these providers are at another location - there is only 1 location. I am glad for these providers that they can be off half the week, but what about using these providers as back up for the physicians who chronically run late.

My time is important. I have clients who depend on me. I think if more patients successfully billed the provider, then waits would decrease.

By Get A Life

November 17, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

Chill out Ann. Even doctors get a lunch break where they don’t have scheduled appts. If you notice, the time on her comment was 12:46 p.m. How do you know what time her lunch is and how many people are in her waiting room? The doctor I see closes between 12 and 2 p.m. He’s lucky if he sees all his patients by 1:30 and gets 30 min. to eat lunch, make call-backs, etc. And NO, I am NOT a doctor.

By GACitizen

November 17, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

I work in the healthcare industry and this may come as a surprise to many of you, but doctors don’t have complete control over their schedules. Want to know why you have to wait at a doctor’s office sometimes? Here are some of the most common reasons: 1. Some of the people ahead of you showed up late but within their appointment time, so this snowballs after several people do this. To avoid this problem, book first appointment in the morning or first in the afternoon. 2. Insurance delays in verifying insurance or changing the PCP on insurance card, people forgetting their insurance cards, and other bureaucratic delays. 3. Patients arriving with emergencies rather than going directly to the Emergency room or calling 911. Now the doctor is going to be tied up until the ambulance arrives. 4. People booking for one complaint and then bringing up several other complaints during that visit. This often turns a 10 minute visit into a 30 minute visit, especially if the complaints are of an urgent nature that can’t be put off until another visit. 5. Some people may come in with problems that are much more complex than they sounded when they booked the appointment or are sicker than expected. 6. We do not overbook appointments, but I understand why some doctors would. Due to low insurance reimbursements for primary care, we generally cannot afford to book appointments longer than 15 minutes and have to see a certain number of patients a day to pay the bills. But many people, some days up to 30% of the people on the schedule, will simply not show for the appointment or cancel same day before another person can take that time slot. This is why some doctors overbook. And there are plenty more reasons. One thing is guaranteed. Chances are your doctor is busting their butt to try to see you on time despite all these other things that are obstacles to running on time.

By MWC

November 17, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

Ann is right. Missy your not listening.Do ALL your patients add on complaints? I had a wonderful doctor for 30 years, buy ALWAYS had to wait a least an hour and sometimes alot longer. The only reason I dealt with it was because he was honest and fair.It is my opinion that the ball is dropped many,many times in the reception area. Poor staff, probably do not care because they feel they aren’t getting paid enough. It’s kind of easy to detect that sort of thing.

By Mattie

November 17, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

I have no problem walking out if I’ve been waiting an hour. I really haven’t had an issue with this since we moved to GA. Florida was the worst! I walked into a dermatologist’s office that had every seat in the waiting area filled, This wasn’t a group, just one doctor. I went to the desk and canceled immediately. The family doctor we use now is great about wait times, never more than 10-15 minutes. I have changed doctors in the past based on the wait times in their offices.

By Ann

November 17, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

*=Get a life for real !! Patients should be able to immediately rate the service or customer no-service providers on-site. Why can’t doctors just do the right thing towards patients. Everyday should be *=CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY. We are giving you the opportunity to provide a SERVICE. We do too have many other choices so if you would like to continue to receive our business - Show us some RESPECT. This will have a return of respect with an insurance payment back to you - not to mention REFERRALS !!! And by the way Get a life - let the doctor speak for him or herself - as you may have passed the typing test and not the MCAT !

By MamaS

November 17, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

I had a 10:00 appointment with a child psychologist. We arrived at 9:30 to do paperwork. We did paperwork (mostly insurance information) from 9:30 until 10:45. Then we were called in to see the doctor. She spoke with us for twelve minutes! She asked the child four questions (and didn’t bother to listen to his reply). Then she handed me a pre-printed prescription and said “I can tell he is ADHD just by looking at him. Give him this and come back in one month. I was charged One hundred and seventy-five dollars for 12 minutes! P.S. I did NOT fill the prescription for my son. I got a second opinion from another doctor who said he was NOT ADHD he was a normal five year old.

By v racer

November 17, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Competition works. Don’t go back and let them know why.

By Dokter DoNothing

November 17, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

If you don’t like waiting, complain to the doctor/front office. If nothing is done about it, find another doctor. And tell them WHY you are leaving their practice, and that you will not be referring anyone to them in the future. If the doctor cares about his/her practice, they will change their ways.

By Get A Life

November 17, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

Boy Ann…you sure sound bitter. If you don’t like your doctor’s service, there is probably another doctor on the next corner. If I were your doctor, I’d be glad to get rid of YOU.

By Walk-In

November 17, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

If more doctors would see patients on a walk-in basis only (unless it’s an emergency), then you’d have nothing to complain about. I think this would solve everyone’s problem.

By Lisa

November 17, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

At my last visit to my Rheumatologist I waited 4 hours!! That was a record. All his patients know they have a long wait time which is usually about 2 hours. He treats you like you are his only patient once your turn comes, but it is getting harder and harder to justify the waiting time. I see him about 3 times a year and I dread every appointment because it ruins a whole day. I was in tears after the last visit, just from the frustration and pain I had at the time.

By Maniac is accurate

November 17, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

I’m 46-years-old and have an expectation that old that if I go to a doctor, I’m going to wait and plan my day accordingly. It’s just part of it.

By Reality King

November 17, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

There are a whole bunch of us and not a lot of them. Docs’ work days often start before daylight and end well after dark. They make tons of money, but they earn it.

By Mother's Little Helper

November 17, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

Based on her responses, I’ll bet Ann is being treated for high blood pressure and anxiety by her doctor! Chill out, babe!

By I Agree

November 17, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

I agree with the walk-in doctors. I to to a GREAT doctor in a walk-in clinic. I make sure I am first in the morning, or first after lunch (or ONE of the first) to make sure I don’t wait so long to see him. I have, however, gone in in the middle of his patient-seeing-time, and had to wait 2-4 hours to see him. But I knew that there would be a wait because it’s a walk-in. But the doctor is well worth the wait. Knowing that he doesn’t have appts. to keep, he spends time with each patient, as as the patient, we know we will most likely have to wait awhile to see him. He is ALWAYS busy. But I’ll go back as long as he is in practice!

By Mike D

November 17, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

We have Kaiser which is as close to socialized medicine as the US has right now , but they have their sh1t together and always see you on time.

By Gram

November 17, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

Mother’s Little Helper…boy, I totally agree with you! Ann needs some Xanax. Maybe her doctor makes her wait so long so she’ll quit and see someone else! LOL

By David

November 17, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

I was diagnoted with cancer in 2004. Prior to that, I thought that waiting was all part of the business. When I started treatment for the cancer, I was seen by the doctor within 10-15 of my appointment time to this day. He refered me to other doctor for other things and I was treated the same way with them. I discovered that doctors should see a certain number of patients per hour(4) and my docter was scheduling 50% more(6). They said that they do it due to cancellations. It always seens that they didn’t have cancellations on the days I had appointments. I have since stopped going to my original Internist, who was a friend from Church, and started going to one that respects my time. People were probably cancelling because they didn’t have 3-4 hours for a Doctor’s appointment.

By Common Sense?

November 17, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

Is it possible that the Doctor’s Offices can use past history as an indicator of future appointments?

If one doctor takes longer with patients, plan his appointments accordingly..

If I had to wait more than an hour and the staff didn’t update me on why, I would walk up to the window and demand my file. I’m not sure if I would be allowed to do that.. Missy can you advise??

By David

November 17, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

I was diagnoted with cancer in 2004. Prior to that, I thought that waiting was all part of the business. When I started treatment for the cancer, I was seen by the doctor within 10-15 of my appointment time to this day. He refered me to other doctor for other things and I was treated the same way with them. I discovered that doctors should see a certain number of patients per hour(4) and my docter was scheduling 50% more(6). They said that they do it due to cancellations. It always seens that they didn’t have cancellations on the days I had appointments. I have since stopped going to my original Internist, who was a friend from Church, and started going to one that respects my time. People were probably cancelling because they didn’t have 3-4 hours for a Doctor’s appointment.

By Mike

November 17, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

I agree with Missy. My wife is a doctor, and there are MANY times she that she can not even have lunch. Most of the people will add on about 3 more illnesses when she sees them, and want her to treat them all. So a 15min session turns into 45min. Imagine if you were in the middle of talking to your doctor, and she/he said, “Alright, your time is up, you must leave now.”

By Reverende

November 17, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

I do not like to wait now should I have to when I hae a scheduled appointment. It is rude and an abuse of my time to have to wait 1-2 hours to see a doctor or anyone for that matter. Why have us make an appointment if they can’t adhere to the scheduled time? Physicians and hair stylists have similar habits. We are human beings and not cattle. This practice needs to cease.

By Use your head!

November 17, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Hey Common Sense?…Don’t you figure Missy just MAY be back at work at this time? Out side of that fact, you make a graet point…

By JB

November 17, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

I have Kaiser Permanente and I have been behind patients who show up late for their appts. and the receptionists kindly tells them they are late and will have to reschedule. I love it because I show up on time for my appts. and don’t have to wait. It is not necessarily the Drs. office’s fault that you have to wait. It might just be the rude patients who came in late for their appt. and put everyone behind.

By **=I'm with Ann

November 17, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

**=Thank you Ann for speaking what is on the minds of so many people. You said it just right !!! A true advocate for the PATIENT :-)

By LG

November 17, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

I do not think it is the doctors fault, but it is definitly their office staff’s fault. My mom goes to an oncologist in Lawrenceville, He is great but we are regularly forgotten about in the waiting room. Our last visit we were left for 1 hour and 15 mins, and were asking many people what was going on. I finally got fed up and went to the nurses station, once they had stopped gossiping and realized I was needing attention, they admitted they had forgotten about us. To make things worse we were the only patients in an empty waiting room.

By RealityKing

November 17, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

My Mother-in-Law waited 2+ years to get a simple bladder tack. Evidently p** on ones self all day isn’t concidered a priority issue in Austraila’s National Healthcare…

By Common Sense?

November 17, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Use your head?

Maybe Missy doesn’t overbook and she has time to respond to patients emails and catch up on phone calls…

Maybe she has time to respond to this blog as well..

Just a thought..

By Nixon

November 17, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

I just recently had surgery, and there were numerous doctors I had to go see before the surgery.

I have decided that a normal doctors office visit requires 90 minutes of your time, this does not include travel time to and from. If you have an appointment at 9:00 you will be out of there by 10:30. This was common with each and every doctor I had to see. Internists, endoncronologists, specialists, etc.

By Mike

November 17, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

Great… Since Missy has so much free time,I want her as my new MD…Just a thought..

By amy

November 17, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

Once when I still lived in ATL, I went the GYN. Well, I waited 2 1/2 hours—about 1 1/2 hours of that was while i was already changed into a gown waiting for the doc to come in. Well, turned out that his preganant daughter in law slipped and fell, and came in to be checked by him. First of all, EW gross, how’d you like to be checked out by your father in law. Second, I DONT care. Not my problem. He needed to tell me that before i did all that waiting and reschedule me to a day that was less chaotic. But do you think they could be that thoughtful? No of course not. Then, I asked them to validate my ticket, as I only had enought cash for the planned allotted time, they OF COURSE Said NO!!! I was so p**. I told them it wasnt’ my fault I had to wait over two hours to see a doctor. What a crock of S*

By RealityKing

November 17, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

Oh.., and did I mention that it is illegal for Australians and Euros to seek healthcare outside their governments system?

Personally, I have never waited more than 45 minutes here in the US. And would choose another doctor if I had to wait more than that without an excused absence. That’s the beauty of private healthcare, you can always take your business somewhere else..

By earlbaxter

November 17, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

I’m surprised when I don’t have an excessive wait. The LEAST the office people can do is APOLOGIZE for being behind schedule. I went to the doc last week and waited 45 minutes before asking the desk what’s up. The woman said, “What’s the matter; you can’t wait?” Just APOLOGIZE and say the doctor is running behind schedule. And DON’T wait to be asked.

By DB

November 17, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

Would wait as long as necessary for the Doctors at Emory, not over one hour elsewhere.

By Victoria

November 17, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Maybe those of you complaining about national healthcare should have experience using it. I lived in England for two eyars, never had a longer wait than I did here, my family doctor was great and gues what?! The time I went to the emergency and got an Xray, saw nurses and a doctor and walked out with prescriptions for a bladder infection, guess what it cost me? NOTHING! (and oh, i did work and pay taxes there, but the taxes they take out for healthcare are not even close to what I now pay in just monthly premiums for insurance here)

I just wish people would actually not talk about things they have NO experience with.

By Mind Doc

November 17, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

The hostility towards a group of people who are trying to help the public be healthier and happier is sad. I am a psychiatrist, and I don’t have any staff. I keep a small practice which allows me to see people on time and also keeps my over head down so I can make a living and pay the bills. The drawback is that people somtimes don’t hear a voice on the other end of the line, however people have responded well. We (the patient’s which includes me) should think about the way we treat the people who take care of us. They hear the complaints and feel the hostility and it affects the way they treat us. Also, I agree with the comment “if you think it is bad now, wait until we have nationalized healthcare”

By sandwiched in

November 17, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

Yes THEY ARE EATING BONBONS! My mother had an 11:00 appointment and was finally seen at 2:00. Why she didn’t inquire about the wait during the wait I don’t know (except she is 81 and not very assertive). She came to find out that she’d apparently been forgotten while the entire staff was feasting on a full-spread buffet brought in by a pharmaceutical rep. She switched doctors immediately and convinced a number of friends who are patients of the practice to do likewise.

By Jan

November 17, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

My husband is and OB/GYN, and employs a very competent office staff. They all try very hard to see all patients at their scheduled times, but it is not always possible. He is gone from the house by 6:30 A.M. unless he has had an emergency and/or delivery during the night and has not returned home at all, but showering and changing in the hospital before going into the office to see patients at 8:30. He has emergencies and deliveries occur during office hours also, and his staff advise those waiting of this and offer another appointment time, if they do not wish to wait. He does not “overbook”, EVER, knowing quite well that those with appointments bring a myriad of family members to regular appointments, creating a space issue in the waiting room. Before he can collect any compensation for himself, the malpractice insurance must be paid. It is exorbitant because he is in a very litigious specialty. His office staff and overhead must be paid twice each month, and we all know that the physician is the last bill paid in most households. Any other business requiring the enormous work hours he puts in would be compensated far more than he is. Why does he do it? He loves his job and feels privileged to be in a basically happy area of medicine. Yes, every one’s time is valuable, but your physician has a much more stressful job behind those closed doors than you do sitting in the waiting room checking your e-mails and reading. They don’t work 9-5 with an hour or so for lunch. They work 24/7 and only “get-away” when they are truly out-of-town.

By fuming

November 17, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

OK, for those who have said to to book the first appt. of the day to avoid the lengthy waits, I do just that, sometimes to no avail. I had one OB-GYN in Peachtree City that had me wait 1 1/2 hours, though I had one of the earliest appointments of the a.m. I finally got called back only to - you guessed it - wait some more in the back. I had enough and left, telling them that my time was valuable. I never went back. Another time, I had the first appt. of the morning for my child’s dentist. We waited 45 minutes, then went in the back and sat there while the second patient was getting his teeth cleaned by a different hygienist. I was so irritated that we left there and never went back either. I have no respect for alleged professionals who do this. They claim to be unaware of scheduling issues, but if their office manager is inept, then I don’t want to do business with them. There are far too many who are efficient to waste time with such dunces.

By Cranberry

November 17, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

MamaS - I hope you didn’t pay that quack!

Mike D - I wouldn’t touch Kaiser with a 10-foot pole; I’ve heard too many horror stories about them.

By scorpio

November 17, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

OH STOP THE COMPLAINING. BE THANKFUL THAT YOU CAN SEE A DOCTOR. SO YOU WAIT 1 OR 2 HOURS. IF ITS AN EMERGENCY GO TO THE HOSPITAL. IF YOU CUT YOUR HAND OR HAVE A HEADACHE USE OTC MEDS. WHAT WOULD YOU COUNTRY FRIED BUMKINS DO IF YOU HAD NO DOCTORS? MY SON IS A FIRST YEAR RESIDENT AND HE HAS SEEN HIS FAIR SHARE OF PATIENTS WHO COME IN FOR THE SLIGHTEST ALIMENT. STOP CRYING!!!!! THE WAY THE ECONOMY IS GOING I’M SURPRISED DOCTORS STILL WANT TO HAVE 8 HOUR DAYS, THEY MIGHT JUST DO 4 HOURS AND 2 DAYS.TRY A LITTLE PATIENCE. GEEZ!!!!!

By Smells

November 17, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

Here is a suggestion to today’s physicians. Put a television with cable or satellite access in every waiting room, like in all dentist’s offices. Throw in a dvd player or Ipod access and you will have less disgruntled patients. Oh, I forgot that most dental insurance is only up to 1k so most people have to pay for their dental procedures out of pocket, hence the patient is more in control of their dental health. So, in the dental field there is more of a consumer driven model as compared to the insurance/bureaucratic/inefficient model of today’s health care model. Wow, it looks like this GOVERNMENT HEALTH CARE model looks like a keeper!! I can hardly wait until the imperial federal government takes full control. Remember it’s free. Don’t believe those silly economists that say there is no such thing as a free lunch. …..HAHAHAHA…..that’s a good one. Stupid is as stupid does……..

By jct

November 17, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

I guess I am very lucky. The longest I have had to wait is one hour and the office staff apologized. The normal wait time is 15 minutes max. I was seriously ill last month and got a walk in appointment. I was in and out within 30 minutes.

I will never change doctors.

By Common Sense?

November 17, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

scorpio

Why don’t you tell the leaches of society that go to Grady for a band-aid, that they should go to CVS instead…

By won't wait

November 17, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

I don’t mind waiting if there is truly a situation requiring attention from the dr or the staff. I do mind waiting when the dr is double or triple booked for the same time slot- that is just rude. When they do this, and lots of offices do, they show absolutely no respect for their patients’ time.

I fired my previous family dr because of excessive wait times and also switched Ob/GYN’s when I was pregnant. I won’t tolerate hour waits - especially visit after visit.

By why appts

November 17, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

Greenbriar dental office scheduled my appt at 8am. When I arrived a sign was posted they were having a meeting. I had to wait 45 mins. I informed the receptionist I had to get to work (that didnot help at all). I’m sure this meeting was planned before they set my appt. I think they are very insentive to their customer’s time. I will never go back. I was trying to support by community. Greenbriar Dental have your company’s meeting at 7am if you are goint to open for buisness at 8am. I TOOK MY BUSINESS TO A MORE PROFESSIONAL COMPANY

By zoemol

November 17, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

I’ve been very spoiled. My Ob-Gyn and the pediatrician have very low (half hour or less) waiting periods. I’ve been sick over the past three weeks and each time I’ve been to the family practitioner, it took me over 2 hours to get in and out. I talked to the woman in scheduling and told her it was a major issue and was told that it wasn’t supposed to be that way. BUT, when I see the doctors meeting with the drug reps rather than seeing patients, I can only imagine why all the appointments are running behind.

For those that have left appointments, were you billed anyway? I’ve always wondered if the doctor could? My time is valuable too and I don’t think I should have to budget two or three hours of my time for a doctor’s appointment. Why do I have to be there on time if I won’t be seen for over an hour and a half?

By Former physican clinic provider

November 17, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

As a nurse practitioner that use to work in the physician’s office I can definitely feel for the patients.

First of all, the appointment secretary’s are often instructed or pressured to overbook the provider’s (whether physician’s, physician assistant’s or nurse practitioner’s schedules). I often saw “work in” appts on certain days to only find the secretarys already booked my day with scheduled clients because of pressure to overbook from the business manager in order to make a profit.

When I saw my clients and their appt. was an hour earlier, I apologized and let them vent—because they usually needed to. Because of excellent care, the vast majority of my clients returned. But overall the patients, though happy with the care became fatigued by the system. I did too and left myself.

I now work where patients’ and providers’ times are respected. Bottom line: There are times appts. may run late but if the trend continues find another provider with a business manager that knows to respect time management of its employees and most importantly, patients.

By IRRITATED

November 17, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

I understand the issues some doctors face with regard to patients blind-siding them with additional complaints during an appointment. HOWEVER, when a SPECIFIC ROSWELL NEUROLOGIST shows up to his office at 8:30 am or later, and had 8:00 am appointments waiting on him, I personally find this a complete disregard for the patient’s time. Repeated comments to the office staff and even the doctor have fallen on deaf ears. LISTEN UP DOCTORS: Your patients will only put up with this for so long. You’re not the only doctor around.

By Anne Marie

November 17, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Most of the times, some doctors’ office overbook. They should manage their time better by booking in a 20 mnts increment time.

By why appts

November 17, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Ann Marie, I agree 120%

By Peter

November 17, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Won’t Wait,

You “Fired your Doctor?” LOL. Since when was the physician one of your employees? It’s simple math, there are X many doctors, and Y many patients. Primary Care Physicians work very hard for their patients, but there are so many and there is no way of telling how long each patient will take (Or which Patients will show up). I am a Med student btw, and now I’m going to study for my 12 hour exam from Thursday-Friday. Sound Like Docs have it so easy now?

By IRRITATED

November 17, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

Hey PETER, I think most reasonable people would agree that doctors generally do not have it “easy”. However, I think if you polled most professionals who have to manage tight schedules, you’d find that they are able to schedule their work so that they can meet their commitments. Otherwise, if they didn’t, they’d get fired. If a doctor were truly concerned with respecting the time of his patients, he would do whatever needed to be done to minimize the wait times in his office. I’m glad you’re a medical student working towards becoming a doctor. Maybe you’ll take some of these complaints to heart and not allow the same types of things to happen to your patients in the future!

By Duke

November 17, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

I finally stopped going to the doctor. I decided I would rather sit at home, and wait to die. As I waited, I began to receive in the mail, unsolicited, newsletters from alternative doctors- real MD’s who are convinced modern medicine is on the wrong track. Disease is not caused by a deficiency of penicilin, for example. I followed their advice about diet and lifestyle, and my health has been okay for about 15 years now.

Take control of your own health care. The biggest risk we face is that under socialized medicine, all these alternative therapies will be declared illegal. The global elite intend to control money, food, and health care.

By sandwiched in

November 17, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

Smells, I hope my opthamologist is reading your suggestion. Last time I was there, my wait time totalled well over 2.5 hours. There are nice flat-screen tvs in the waiting areas with which I was subjected to a continuous loop of various treatment options for assorted and sundry eye maladies. You could hear groans from the other waiting patients when they had to listen to the same spiel a half dozen times.

By uga_gal

November 17, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

Waiting is part of going to the doctor! But being totally forgotten is something else entirely. My son was seeing an orthopedic surgeon with a broken wrist. He was put in a room and forgotten. His appointment was the last one of the day (and a last minute work-in) and when the lights were turned out, my son and I looked at each other and laughed! I went running down the hall screaming for them not to lock the doors. Doctor had left the building but came back and stayed with us for 2 hours working on getting the kid’s wrist re-set.

(A good side note to this story….our insurance changed mid-treatment and this doctor continued to treat my so without charge. I would use him again if necessary!)

By Gator Actual

November 17, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

I sent a bill to my doctors office for my time. I waited 45 minutes FROM the time my appointment was. I arrived 15 minutes early, so I actually waited 1 hour until I was called back. My bill was for $45 (dollar a minute). I got a reply that the doctor does get busy and that they try to acommidate everyone as fast as possible, and that they are not responsible for delays. I sent a follow up bill stating that if I was late for my appointment, they had a standard $25 charge for missed or late appointments. I never did hear back from them!

By Peter

November 17, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Duke,

It;s good you’ve taken a part in taking care of your health. Docs aren’t magicians, they can only use science to help you but in the end your life style choices will determine your quality of life. HOWEVER, a deficiency in Penicillin, is by definition a disease (Type 1 Diabetes) that must be closely managed by a physician and patient team.

Regular checks catch things while your still relatively healthy to prevent them from getting worse, or fatal.

Doctors have your best interest in mind, more than you would believe. They don’t simply operate a business, but an art.

(I say they cause I’m not one yet, only 3 more years of pain, then I’m a Doc)

By Give me a refund

November 17, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

What is the point of making an appointment if 6 or more people have the same appointment. This is not the free clinic where you just show up. Maybe if it was it would not be a problem. Also, after the 2 hour wait in the waiting room and the 2 hour wait in the exam room, I have had the assistant come in the room to treat me. Not the RN nurse, not the PA physician assistant and when I ask to see the doctor, the assistant will get an attitude. Have they even completed high school or a 3 month certificate program? Finally, the doctor will come in with 2 or 3 medical students without asking your permission. I wish I was a doctor, I would treat myself.

By Dr S.

November 17, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

Do you really think we LIKE having you guys wait that long??? We would LOVE to get you out of our waiting room. I just finished so I can post this without the sarcastic criticism from some of you.

One time I had a critically ill patient that was over 500 pounds and short of breath. I had to call 911 and talk with the parametics about the patient’s conditions. The next women that I saw was very upset. I explained to her what happened and she said …”I dont care if he lives or dies”…. She never came back and I WAS THE HAPPY ONE… She did me a favor because I wanted to dismiss her from my practice.

Yes, some of my patients have to wait and I do not apologize becaue EVERYONE of my patients have kept me in the room more than their 15 min slot. If you are in there crying because you are stressed out with your life. I am not going to say the you have to go because you are past your 15 mins. SORRY…. Do me a favor, the next 2-5 times that you are in with your physician, time yourself and see if you are in there longer than your 10 mins slot….???

By Ck

November 17, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

Um,Peter, I’m so sorry, but an INSULIN-deficiency is the problem in diabetics. A PENICILLIN deficiency—well, that’s not a problem at all. Study hard for those exams :)

By PDL

November 17, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

Uh, I am not a medical professional, nor am I studying to be one.. but isn’t penicillin used to treat bacterial infections? I don’t think it has anything to do with diabetes.. that’s insulin.

And while I am at it, when I was in college (back in 1999) I worked for a doctor in Columbus, GA as front office help-filing, scheduling, etc. There were many nights we didn’t get out until 7PM because we were seeing patients who just walked in. This was way before “extended office hours” was the “in” thing to do. There were times when the doctor was running late, but it was never because he was wasting time-his or his patients. He took his lunch hour to do his rounds at the hospital-checking on his patients who were admitted. We always let our patients know when he was running late.

I agree, sometimes it is the office’s fault - notice I didn’t say the doctor’s fault. But others, it is just unavoidable. If this is happening often at your doctor’s office, and your doctor isn’t worth waiting for, please find a new physician. There are numerous physicians out there - you are bound to find one who takes your insurance.

By Dr S.

November 17, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

IRRITATED How do you know that the Neurologist did not just come back from the hospital after doing rounds??? Yes, no one profession is perfect. We have some jackass doctors in this world but most of us want to do right by our patients and we try hard. But most people only think of themselves.

Sometimes, I hate to double book but the day I started doing it is when I had 26 patients scheduled and I told 5 additional patients that I could not see them and ONLY 9 patients showed up. It is not my fault that some patients are inconsiderate. Now because of this I have to CHAGE patients a missed appointment fee just to get them to call and cancel their appointments….

By MWC

November 17, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

Jan 3:31 post…Your husband is obviosly in a category all of his own, and it sounds like you are making excuses for the rest of his peers. Wake up

By terri

November 17, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

Hey, Dr. S. You don’t apologize because all your patients go past their 15 minute slot? Did you tell your patients they had 15 minute slots? Did you see them when their 15 minute slot was scheduled? Did you see them for the entire 15 minutes and listen to their comments and questions, and respond/treat them specifically? Or did you see them when you got to them? And did you ask the same questions 2 of your staff had already asked (and had answered)? And doled out a cookie cutter spiel with a standardized treatment plan and prescriptions? Later in your whine you move down to a 10 minute slot; so do your lucky patients get 10 minutes or 15 minutes of you/your staff’s time? When I conduct an interview with one of my clients, even one who has been in and had work done many times, I schedule them for at least 1/2 hour, don’t schedule other people at the same time. I listen to them and do the work necessary to resolve their specific need. And I don’t make $100K+ per year doing it. In a legal practice one isn’t subsidized by insurance companies. You sound bitter and smug. You chose to go to med school, were lucky enough to get in and finish, and lucky to have people who choose you for their physician. Get over yourself and become a professional, with professional standards and productive treatment of your patients. Or take a job in the real world where your job, and income, depend on how you treat your atc in your practice you wouldn’t last very long.

By DeKalb Lifer

November 17, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

I remember trying to schedule appointment for patients on Saturday. My staff and I were expecting a nice lady and her family of four children. You can guess that they didn’t show up. The weather was too nice, she told us when we called to find out if they were delayed or what? We recommended she find an office with more flexible scheduling options.

I don’t do Saturdays any more. I do do very good work. I still study all the time. And I try to avoid making anyone wait ever.

I feel that making someone wait shows that the rest of your care may also be off in some way. We do charge a fair fee for our services. If you miss, you may be required to pay a broken appointment fee or we may recommend you find a practice with a more flexible schedule. There are plenty.

By Charles

November 17, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

We moved from Atlanta to San Diego seven years ago and have been to numerous doctors here. In those seven years we have had to wait more than ten minutes only twice and the doctor apologized several times for the delay. The reason doctors make you wait so long in Georgia is because you put up with it !

By Jeez

November 17, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

Ya’ll quit your wining! You should feel lucky and greatful that there are any doctors to see you….period. If you don’t like the medical system here, why don’t you move to Afghanistan and try theirs. I bet you don’t have the guts, the brains, the stamina and work ethic to be a doctor. If they are running behind, it is because they are helping whiney people like you who are late or take up more than their 15 minutes. This is not comparable to any other profession. You can’t plan emergencies. So plan ahead, bring a book or some work, take a chill pill and pick a doctor that is worth the wait. Jeez.

By ATLgirl

November 17, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this

Teri, get over yourself. You sound bitter. Maybe you need an appointment with a doctor on their couch?

By GA Guy

November 17, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

Terri is RIGHT, hit the nail on the head…sounds like Dr S just hates his job…

By mystery poster

November 17, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

Went to a dermatologist once, I had to take a late afternoon appt because that’s the only time they saw new patients. After waiting an hour, I said something to the receptionist. She told me that patients with the 3:30 appts. always had to wait. I told her that if they knew people at 3:30 would have to wait an hour, maybe they should just schedule some of them at 4:30, DUH. I never went back.

On the other hand, I had to wait at the eye doctor once because someone had hurt their eye at work and was rushed in. I did NOT get upset about that.

I went to another doctor, and when I saw him he apologized for the wait, then added “I guess you expect that at the doctor’s, don’t you? I responded “no I don’t” and never went back to him, either.

I won’t go where I’m not treated with respect.

By Dr S.

November 17, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

Terri I am sorry if I came off to you that way. That is not my intent. My practice is unique (I think). I do not have a nurse that calls my patients back. I am still here at the office calling my patients back myself. I do everything myself except taking vital signs and doing venopunctures. For Medical Legal reason, my medical assistant ask your chief complaints and I do ask the same question when I see that patient because at least twice a day, the patient does not want to tell anyone else their real reason for coming in.

Why did you have to bring up the money issue. Insurance companies are for profit companies many times we have to fight with them to get the money that was due. If you investigate it more, you will realize hospitals, nursing homes etc make most of the money not the physicians. Plus, I am an FP and I barely make $100,000. I charge $45 for patients who do not have insurance. Heck the medication cost more than seeing me. I try to help my patients not to hurt them. If they do not pay. I NEVER send them to collections…. It is about doing the RIGHT THING…

I went to school 13 years after high school and was “on call” doing 36 hour shifts every 3rd night for 3 years. I know a few pharm reps that make over $100,000 heck my little cousin who just grad from UGA LAW and she make over $140,000 as a 1st year assoc. So dont act like we are just money hungry.

I listen to my patients. That is my greatest gift. I do not cut them off as they are talking about their illness. Everyone gets a 20min appointment with me. 15 mins to talk and 5 mins for me to finish the paperwork. My patients

By Simple Math

November 17, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

I am not a doctor, but I play one on TV.

It’s really just ‘simple math’. Assume that a doctor plans to be in the office from 8am to 5pm (cumulative 9 hours). Using the 15 minute ‘window’ mentioned earlier for each appointment, that produces 36 ‘appointment windows’ daily (4 per each of 9 hours). Subtract two hours (8 appointments) for lunch and pharmaceutical reps (but don’t get me started on what’s wrong with the pharmaceutical industry). So that leaves 28 available appointment slots. Using the aforementioned 30-percent of no-show patients, you have about 8.5 now-extra windows, and 19.5 patients who actually kept their appointment. Let’s assume, now, that of those 19 real patients that 30-percent (for purpose of illustration) will go ‘overtime’ with multiple, non-scheduled symptoms. Now you have almost 6 ‘overtime’ patients, which theoretically absorb all except 2.5 of the extra, no-show appointments. Those 2.5 missing appointments amount to a little over 37 minutes (2.5 x 15 minutes). And who, in all the business world, doesn’t find some way to waste 30 minutes of their work day – or, in the doctor’s case, get to the 19th hole on the golf course 30 minutes earlier?

Bottom line - I believe that any competent office manager would be able to build some very accurate statistics of any particular medical practice based on actual history over time (percentage of no-shows, percentage of ‘overtime’ patients, percentage of emergencies). Then apply those statistics to the portion of the business plan regarding the required number of daily appointments necessary to put beans and cornbread on the table. (and, duh, then follow the business plan???)

Obviously this primarily applies to family practitioners, not necessarily to a specialist such as an OB-GYN who is more subject to legitimate emergencies and interruptions with unexpected delivery times or other complications.

And, as always, like the miracle drugs on TV, “these results are not typical, your individual results will vary”.

PS. It would never hurt EITHER the doctor OR the patient, to exercise common courtesy, consideration, respect (and other positive personality traits) toward the other person. The patient should realize that abusing the doctor’s time to get a band-aid for a splinter is equally as abusive as the doctor diagnosing a cancer after only 15 minutes of examination. And, yes, patients MUST take responsibility for themselves FIRST. If you’re diabetic, like myself, then CONTROL yourself – the doctor cannot save your life with more medication if YOU don’t change your life. (Oh, let’s stop and get an banana split on the way home from our Weight Watcher’s class – or let’s have another smoke before our chemo treatment.)

By wildly concerned

November 18, 2008 7:17 AM | Link to this

I too walked out of a doctors office , its crazy to think you can book people on top of each other so you dont have any down time. Doctors should schedule appointments wuth at least a thirty minute cushion between patients. My time is as important as any doctor , they have the nerve to want to work 9-5 and expect you to take off work an then wait 2hrs to see them . If more people stood up the would change there way of thinking and remember they are working for us , and it is a priviledge to have me as a paying customer.

By bloggin virgin

November 18, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this

You think it’s bad now? Wait until the liberals get there wish for socialized medicine. Then, you’ll be HAPPY that you will only have to wait an hour! And why do you think they overbook?—b/c it costs more to go to a hairstylist than a doctor. As goverment and insurance ratchet their payments to doctors down every year, ACCESS to doctors will decrease. That’s why so many doctors now have side practice involving cosmetics that pay cash or have concierge practice where patients have to pay an annual fee of thousands of dollars so they can have a much smaller patient base and be on time! Another fact to consider, Medicare pays less for an emergency appendectomy to a surgeon (around $350) than it costs to get a new set of tires!!! I know b/c I work in a doctors office. Remember, you get what you pay for!!!

By SomeoneElse

November 18, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this

I am a healthcare practitioner also and we never double book patients. But we also have the patients who show up for their appointments 1 to 1 1/2 hours early and then complain when they haven’t been seen after about 30 minutes. I also agree with Missy that sometimes the most seemingly benign office visit turns into a visit laced with numerous complaints that all warrant investigation. It’s not ideal, but please have some patience with your provider or go find a different one fresh out of school who doesn’t have a large patient base yet. We always spend the time we need to safely and fully treat our patients whether we are behind schedule or not.

By SomeoneElse

November 18, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this

I am a healthcare practitioner also and we never double book patients. But we also have the patients who show up for their appointments 1 to 1 1/2 hours early and then complain when they haven’t been seen after about 30 minutes. I also agree with Missy that sometimes the most seemingly benign office visit turns into a visit laced with numerous complaints that all warrant investigation. It’s not ideal, but please have some patience with your provider or go find a different one fresh out of school who doesn’t have a large patient base yet. We always spend the time we need to safely and fully treat our patients whether we are behind schedule or not.

By SomeoneElse

November 18, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this

I am a healthcare practitioner also and we never double book patients. But we also have the patients who show up for their appointments 1 to 1 1/2 hours early and then complain when they haven’t been seen after about 30 minutes. I also agree with Missy that sometimes the most seemingly benign office visit turns into a visit laced with numerous complaints that all warrant investigation. It’s not ideal, but please have some patience with your provider or go find a different one fresh out of school who doesn’t have a large patient base yet. We always spend the time we need to safely and fully treat our patients whether we are behind schedule or not.

By Canadien patient

November 18, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this

I agree with “virgin”. My boyfriend is from Canada and twisted his knee on the ice and required a brace to walk and quite painful. It took 4 months before he got an MRI which diagnosed him with a partial MCL tear. (btw he was told there was only 4 MRI machines in the entire province of Mannitoba and it was booked solid for months). Then he was told it would be 9-12 months before he could have “elective surgery”. He’s a contractor and was like “what the f**k?”. So he scrounged up enough money to go across the border and have his surgery within 1 week of his appt with the ortho doc in the US. Obama and Hillary wants a system like Canada—God help us!!

By Ted Striker

November 18, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this

I, for one, appreciate the comments from a physician on this blog.

It was childish to verbally attack that physician for simply posting information about the stated topic that could be very helpful to know.

I’ll be over Macho Grande before some people can evidently get over themselves.

By Happy with KP

November 18, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

Cranberry Don’t knock it till you try it! I’m in my 7th year with Kaiser and I love it! There’s no other place where you can see your doctor, do labs, x-rays, and get your prescriptions all under one roof! I’ve found that alone saves me time! (oh, and if I sit longer than 15 min’s in the waiting room, I ask the receptionist what the cause of the delay is, and it is always addressed, and I’m usually taken back soon afterwards).

By B

November 18, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

Everyone has good suggestions for improvement. Obviously there are not enough physicians to see all the patients. If the physician’s life is so great, why doesn’t everyone complaining become a doctor and increase supply? Assuming high school degree and the grades to get in, you just need 4 years college, 4 years medical school, 4-5 years residency, and if you want to live in a city, 1-2 years fellowship. So 13-15 years from now (8 yrs non-salaried and 5-7 yrs at less than $5/hr) you’ll be a physician too and can help be a part of the solution.

By la

November 18, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

@ Canadien patient:

I am sure that the State of Rhode Island has more than 4 MRI machines. Maybe this is the start of problem for Canada. Not enough equipment. The US has plenty of MRI machines, CAT Scan machines, radiologists, dr’s, hospitals, clinics, etc. The list can go on.

The only problem with a system like Canada for the US is probably the fact that many will go to the dr. for every little bump and bruise b/c they feel it is free.

By la

November 18, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this

There might be enough physicians to go around if:

1) Americans don’t go to the dr. for every little bump and bruise. I can’t tell how many times I have been in the waiting room of the pediatricians office and hear the dr. say… “She/He will be fine. Falls are normal. It is just a runny nose. They grow at different rates, etc. Stay at home and make way for the real problems.

2) Dr’s don’t ask for a follow up 1 weeks follow up visit when 2 weeks will work. This would free up time for new patients.

3) Insurance Co’s don’t nickel and dime dr’s on the payment process. Some dr’s believe that they need to see more patients to meet certain personal income levels.

4) Reduce the level of fake lawsuits so real lawsuits can be addressed. Due to insurance premiums, some drs. have either gone out of business, reduced the practice or moved out of a state ex. KS and MO. My OB/GYN no longer practiced in MO b/c of the insurance premiums. Only has offices in KS.

By William Parker

November 18, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Yesterday I went to my eye Doctor, I had a 1pm appointment, first one after lunch. At 1:45 after being called to the back and sitting in a little room for 20 minutes I got up and was going to walk out. As I opened the door the doctor came up. He asked where was I going. I told him that I was leaving because I came to see him and obviously he did not want to see me after making a 1pm appointment. He appologized and said he was a little late returning from lunch, which I knew. What they must understand that they are not the only doctors in the world. Do not be afraid to change doctors. In this case he was not helping someone else, and I knew that. Every case is different. Judge them accordingly.

By Richard

November 19, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Wow! I am extremely lucky to have an excellent doctor in downtown Atlanta, and I never have had to wait over 10 minutes to see him if I had made an appointment ahead of time.

By Need a refund

November 19, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

Why do they ask for the co-pay first and you have to wait 2 or 3 hours to before you are seen? I thought you should pay after the service. I tried that a few times and they refuse to see me. What do you do when you are actually sick and took a day off from work? That’s is where they get you. I wonder who their doctor(s) are? How do they feel when they have to wait. By the way,one day they will retire and have to go to the doctor and know one at the other doctors office will care if they were once doctors. Karma.

By Lucy

November 20, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

I have walked out on more than one occasion. I give them the courtesy of making an appointment and arriving on time. I expect the same courtesy from the physicians and their staff. If I have to wait any more than 30 minutes from the time I walk in until the time I see the doc, that is not acceptible. I am a customer and I will not pay for that kind of service.

By Island Eagle

November 21, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

I once had a doctor’s appt. for 8am (one of the first of the day). I still was not called back till 8:40. I then had to wait a few more minutes in the exam room.

By Amy

November 21, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

I know doctors can not tell how long some patients may take but if I make an appointment I do not think it is unreasonable to expect to be seen within 30 mins of that appointment or be given the option to reschedule. I don’t understand why its standard or acceptable for people to wait an hour or more to see a doctor when they have an appointment. I just wish I knew of a way for people to demand better customer service in this respect.

By M. Nelson

November 24, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

I waited once for 6 hours in the ER waiting room because my 4 month son was running a fever of 102. After finally getting seen, I actually had 1 hour of care from a doctor, and 45 minutes from a nurse, just to wait an additional 3 hours just to be discharged, after my son’s temperature had fallen. Now I understand the importance of waiting on other patience, but even in a doctor’s office, the least you can do is let people know that you will have to wait, just because I block out a time for me to be seen doesn’t mean I should have to wait 2-3 hours just to be looked at.

By John763

March 23, 2009 7:12 PM | Link to this

Very nice site!