[barb1191]

Originally Posted by whartonjelly

Many patients are irresponsible and unreliable to call and cancel. I forgot mine when my husband was admitted to ER with chest pain. They schedule appointments with that in mind. As Doctor House says on TV " all patients lie". Other patients have priorities and have to be worked in from an appointment the day before when something very bad was discovered. Some patients experiences sudden deaths in the familly and cannot cope and need attention today. Others are suddenly suicidal and need a doctors help immediately for hope and a plan. I have seen Doctors cry and they need some time to regroup just like any other human being. They have known their patients over 30 years and it is hard on them as it is on the family.

Doctors have to wait also, the lab results get behind, the Xray reports need to be faxed. Many patients are doctor hoppers. You have to get to the bottom of things,,sometimes the patients are drug seekers. Some patients need their pain meds because their own children are stealing them and social services need to be contacted.

The doctors are contacted by ERs, Urgent Cares, Nursing homes, Hospitals, and Hospice all day long besides their office appts. They run late because they are CARING. I have very high regards for all doctors. I wait.

No sick person should EVER have to wait (EIGHT HOURS as I have on many occasions) or over an hour to be attended to. If the dr's office or outpatient office has long unreasonable wait time, they are understaffed. That's the main reason why the long waits.

I've been to many well-staffed medical facilities and know the difference. The well-run facilities work a more humane schedule. Yes, this is certainly a reason why some patients are what you call "doctor hoppers." Why should someone sick sit in a waiting room for hours each and every appointment? I have a very high regard for doctors who know how to manage their time for sick people. That certainly helps one feel safer to be in good hands.

A fine example of "well staffed" is the new VA facility here in TV. Hubby goes there and is extremely pleased and impressed with their operations. They are strict with the appointments and well staffed to a point where there's no crowds waiting and waiting. A great example and kudos to those looking after our military heroes!