[Bonanza]

This entire thread got me to thinking. Many doctors require you to cancel an appointment at least 24 hours in advance or else you will be billed for the appointment. Then on the other hand, if you are required to wait longer than 15 or 20 minutes to be seen, it's just too bad.

Why do we permit this? Is it because doctors think they're God and can get away with overbooking on an ongoing basis, or is it because we, the patients, are just plain stupid?

Thankfully and luckily my internist has never kept me waiting more than five minutes or so, after my weight, blood pressure, etc., was taken. I agree that if a doctor doesn't have enough respect for his patients to schedule properly and take them on time, they are the ones who need to be penalized by having patients walk out. I agree that an emergency is an exception, but other than that, I'm all for walking out so the doctor will get the message loud and clear.