[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I remember going to see an orthopedist in Massachusetts. I had the first appointment of the day. Upon arrival I was told that he was running a half hour behind. I asked how that could be possible seeing as how I was his first appointment. I was told, "He's running 1/2 hour behind." I waited and saw the doctor.
A few weeks later I had another appointment. I was told he's running an hour behind. I went up to the counter and saw that they were booking three appointments every 15 minutes. People who were waiting over an hour began to complain. One guy was told that it would another hour. After a long argument over whether he was going to pay for the visit he left saying, "Just try to bill me. You won't get a nickle."
I asked again about my appointment and was told it would be at least another hour. I also told them that I was leaving and that they were not to bill me because I showed up for the appointment and the doctor didn't. If they wanted to discuss it, they could talk to my lawyer and I gave them his name and phone number. I never got a bill and I never went to that doctor again.
I did speak to someone a few months later and was told that the guy is running on time now. It's very rare that anyone waits more then a few minutes to be seen.
I'll let you draw your own conclusions.
I saw my primary care physician here this week and I saw that he is booking two appointments every 15 minutes. The wait was reasonable so I let it go. If I start having a problem I'll find another doctor.
I talked to someone in the medical field about this and found out that it's very common. They claim that it's to make up for no shows. I have trouble believing that two people every 15 minutes don't show. I think that it's more an issue of the HMOs pressuring them to make more money. And with all the government nonsense they are now being put through it's becoming more and more difficult for these people to stay in business.
I don't have an answer, but I expect it to get worse.