[Debfrommaine]

OK, just had a one hour and 15 minute wait at the ortho office for my shoulder. I was fuming by the time the doc came in and mentioned the wait to no avail. After the exam I talked with the office staff/manager, in a nice manner, stating they really need to do better at scheduling, it was just not a cool way to do business. Needless to say, they didn't really give a rats @#& but did say "an hour at least is the usual wait at any docs office". I've worked in healthcare long enough to know only a poorly run office schedules this way because this is consistent with this practice. My fault to keep going back but I need their services and just had to vent. Now I know why I really do like doggies better the humans.

[jblum315]

I've been seeing my GP here for 4 years, very busy practice, I have never waited more than 10 minutes. It can be done!

[GatorFan]

I had an appointment with my Dr. I waited30 minutes, got up and left. They called me an hour later to remind me I had an appointment. I told them I was there on time but they were not. The girl on the other end was speechless. They apologized and re-scheduled my appt.

[villager]

Unfortunately, waiting long times is typical in many doctor's offices. They want you there ready to go when they are ready for you. There are well run offices in the area where you don't wait long and those are the ones I try to go to.

[mr and mrs bike]

I worked in a dental practice for 26 years and a children's dental practice 10 years before that. We often ran behind which wasn't good for the patient waiting but also stressfull for the dentist as well as myself. Not to mention the girls at the desk. They would get the first of the unhappy patient then I would get the brunt of the unhappiness. I would always say I was sorry and when the dentist came in he would apologize and normally they would say that was ok but if they called him on it he would say we could just skip the novocaine and rush to get them out on time. They sure calmed down then. No one wants to run late but sometimes someone would call and say they chipped a tooth and it turned out to be a nightmare. The patient in the chair was the main focus and nothing was rushed. Running late for a Dr means no lunch and not walking out the door at closing time. The desk tried to call the patient if we were running late but not always possible. We had a very popular respected practice and as much as we hated to lose a patient there was always two wanting to get in. Running late usually isn't normal but you should get your Drs full attention when you see them.

[Happinow]

For me, an hour and fifteen minutes is excessive. After about 15-20 min. I get up and ask the front desk if I had my appointment time correct. They usually say yes but the dr is running a bit behind and I ask how much longer. If I am going in for something routine and the wait time is too long I ask to be rescheduled. It let's them know I'm not happy and they will probably remember me next time and try to do better for me. However, if I must be seen, I will probably wait and express my dissatisfaction to the staff as well as the Dr. Everyone needs some flex time but the should give patients an option to be rescheduled if they know the dr. Is running way behind. Our time is valuable too.

[Debfrommaine]

I work in a hospital setting and if patients are waiting too long, I make a point to keep them informed rather than just sit. My patients really appreciate the heads up and know they are not forgotten.

[JC and John]

Went to the neurologist last week and had to stand for awhile because there were no seats! The place was packed. Luckily they called someone back and I got a seat but still had to wait 30 minutes. I will say the staff profusely apologized for the wait and thanked me for being so patient. The week before that I was at the allergist, only one in the waiting room, waited 20 minutes past my check in. I then asked very nicely if they had forgotten about me. The reply was a flat no and a look. They then said well we have 3 new patients and it takes awhile. I replied it would have been nice to have mentioned that they were running behind when I checked in. Must have fallen on deaf ears because I did not get a reply. I did mentioned the issue when I was taken back to begin my appt. I got an apology when I checked out. I guess some offices schedule their patients like I do with a friend of mine. She is always late by about 30 minutes, so I tell her to meet me 30 minutes earlier than I really want to meet. The downside to this method is that the individual who is always on time gets really irritated.

[raynan]

By any chance was it Tri-County??

[mr and mrs bike]

Originally Posted by Happinow

For me, an hour and fifteen minutes is excessive. After about 15-20 min. I get up and ask the front desk if I had my appointment time correct. They usually say yes but the dr is running a bit behind and I ask how much longer. If I am going in for something routine and the wait time is too long I ask to be rescheduled. It let's them know I'm not happy and they will probably remember me next time and try to do better for me. However, if I must be seen, I will probably wait and express my dissatisfaction to the staff as well as the Dr. Everyone needs some flex time but the should give patients an option to be rescheduled if they know the dr. Is running way behind. Our time is valuable too.

An hour an a half is excessive. You always have the option of rescheduling That certainly will give the Dr an opportunity to get back on schedule. The front desk should inform you if the Dr is running late but expressing your dissatisfaction to the staff won't get you any special treatment but they will remember you

[Hancle704]

Tri County orthopedic would be my guess with regards to excessive waits. Sometimes with inadequate seating for patients in waiting room. Long waits also seems to be more the norm in several Neurologist's Offices too. In a recent visit I asked the staff if they also would remind the doctor of the appointment when they call me a day before. Some offices are so accustomed to the inefficient scheduling that they just become immune to the problem since it does not bother their bosses ( the doctors). Wonder if this is also an issue in the new Village Healthcare offices with the Marcus Welby-like docs.

[raynan]

Have had 3 appointments with Tri-County and every one of them has been a wait of an hour or more. Frustrating!

[onslowe]

I don't want to stir the pot but I've taken a different outlook as to waits in a doctor's office and I have been to many this past year. I lived and worked like many of us under the yoke of stressful time and scheduling requirements in work, travel and so on. I am retired now and seek at all times to lessen my 'stress triggers.'

I try for early a.m. appointments - I do not simply take what is first offered if it's not early. I do not schedule other appointments close to each other to avoid being late due to office waiting time. I have a calendar and I bring it and use it. I can't remember every appointment or commitment so the calendar stops the 'conflicts' or 'piggy back' appointments etc.

I have waited less than ten minutes and waited more than an hour. I am one patient out of many, and maybe some others have need for longer time with the doctor.

I always bring a book and find the opportunity to read a great comfort.

I am not trying to be preachy. I am retired. I don't want to stress myself out - been there, done that. For very selfish, pragmatic reasons I choose go with the flow.

That's my take on this. I hope it might help someone else.

[2BNTV]

Several thoughts on this subject as I have been to doctors that run their offices pretty much on time and I have been to others where the wait was excecessive.
1. It's all the doctors fault. Whether he/she is running late or had an emergency. They run their office, and some with an iron fist. I have seen some staff members stressed out and in fear, from some dictorial doctors. Please, don't take your anger out on staff as they usually are doing their best to keep everyone happy and only following orders. I would raise the issue with the doctor, as he/she is the one making all the decisions. If they support their staff fully, and you know the staff screwed up, it's time to find a new doctor. IMHO I raised some issures with two doctors. One said he would talk to them and straighten it out. The next visit, their attitude totally changed from surly, to respectful. The other doctor supported his staff. His staff was afraid of him, in that I could see that he had a set of rules to follow, and there would be He**, if one took it upion themselves, to not totally obey his commands. I have seen a lot of turnover in his staff as no one likes to be treated that way, (disrespectfully).
2. The doctors time, is the only time that is important. Just ask them, they will tell you. Always humble and respectful of your time, NOT.
3. If a doctor "forgets, I am the customer who pays the bill". If I don't receive good care, I will be looking for another doctor, as this is unacceptabole to me.
4. "I don't let anyone talk down to me" in case the doctor has a GOD complex.
5. I like it when a doctor has some consideration for your time spent, ane he/she wants to work with you, to be a partner in one's good continued health goals. i believe you should be an advocate for your own health and have all questions to be asked at the time of the appointment. Forgetting to ask is not taking your health concerns seriously. IMHO
6. When iwas working, my time was crucial to me, as I didn't get paid by sitting in the doctor's office. Being retired, I can go to the docors in a relaxed state of mind. However, my time is still important to me and should't have an excessive delay unless the doctor had an unforseen emergency. I will bring a book with me and chill out. if it happens too many times, then it's time to change doctors. We are the customer!!!!!

Other than what I mentioned above, I am a sweetheat to deal with. Just askme, I will tell you.

[Parker]

Originally Posted by onslowe

I don't want to stir the pot but I've taken a different outlook as to waits in a doctor's office and I have been to many this past year. I lived and worked like many of us under the yoke of stressful time and scheduling requirements in work, travel and so on. I am retired now and seek at all times to lessen my 'stress triggers.'

I try for early a.m. appointments - I do not simply take what is first offered if it's not early. I do not schedule other appointments close to each other to avoid being late due to office waiting time. I have a calendar and I bring it and use it. I can't remember every appointment or commitment so the calendar stops the 'conflicts' or 'piggy back' appointments etc.

I have waited less than ten minutes and waited more than an hour. I am one patient out of many, and maybe some others have need for longer time with the doctor.


I always bring a book and find the opportunity to read a great comfort.

I am not trying to be preachy. I am retired. I don't want to stress myself out - been there, done that. For very selfish, pragmatic reasons I choose go with the flow.

That's my take on this. I hope it might help someone else.

Just reading this post makes me calmer. Very good advice.