Years ago I had an appointment with and orthopedic surgeon. After waiting a very long time, people began to complain and some walked out. Th woman behind the desk began yelling at them that they would be charged for the visit and their insurance would not cover it.
I thought about leaving as well, but figured that if that many people left, the wait would be that much longer. I was right. I was called next. Then I sat in the second little waiting room for about 20 minutes. Finally the doc came in and I made a little comment about the wait. He just said that he was sorry, but they were very busy.
When I was finished, I went to the desk to make an appointment. I told the woman that I wanted the first appointment in the morning the following week, and I got it.
A week later I walked into the office a little before 9:00am and was told that the doctor was running about 45 minutes late. I was incredulous. How could that possibly be? I was the first patient of the day. Or so I thought. I looked down and got a good view of his appointment book. They had three people scheduled every fifteen minutes. He was trying to cram in twelve people per hour. I asked the woman behind the counter how they could do that and she responded that it was because sometimes people don't show up. I finished with the doctor. He told me to make another appointment. when I checked out, the woman said, the doctor wants to see you in two weeks and takes out the appointment book. I said, "I don't think so." She was flabbergasted. "What do you mean? You have to see him in tow week." I said, "Ma'am, I don't HAVE to do anything. and I certainly don't have to give my business to someone who intentionally is late for almost every appointment. Please tell the doctor I won't be back." And I left. I found another orthopedic surgeon that was on time give or take 5 minutes and actually did a better job than the first guy.
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