[Debfrommaine]

Actually, I did mention it to the doctor as well as staff, stated I wanted my co-pay back in lieu of the wait though I did say I thought the doctor was excellent (yes, place is mentioned in this thread). Got a chuckle and had to pay co-pay.

[rjn5656]

After 15 minutes, ask the desk for status. After 1 hour, walk out. You will get many phone calls.

[Madelaine Amee]

I have finally "found" a physician who RUNS his own practice, his staff work for him ............ He very rarely has anyone waiting in the waiting room, if his nurse is busy weighing in someone he will come out into the reception area to get you and escort you into the room. Believe me, I don't know how he does it, but I always KNOW when my appointment is over and I have yet to find out how he gets me out the door in such a polite manner!

My surgeon too is a true professional. I had post-op appointment this week, her PA's were all busy working with other patients and the receptionist had a problem case on the phone. She came to the desk, looked into the waiting room and came and got me herself.

These are top medical professionals, both from major hospitals in the northeast. I think as we get more and more really good doctors and specialists moving here you will see changes.

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by 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.

GREAT POST 2B. Like the way you think .........

[Avista]

This is why I love The Villages Health Care Centers. So far when my husband and I have had appointments, they have always been on time.

[nitehawk]

Originally Posted by 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.

Why not post the name of the Dr. ---

[dillywho]

Originally Posted by 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.

On the other side of that coin, I had a doctor who could not get us out of there fast enough. Needless to say, he is no longer our doctor. After my husband's first heart attack, he was scheduled with him for a follow-up visit by the hospital, which is routine. His first question was, "What makes you think he had a heart attack?" After I told him, and he checked him over, I then told him that I had another question for him. He very abruptly informed me that he didn't have time and walked out. I needed to ask him if he wanted my husband to continue one of the meds prescribed by the doctor who had done the intervention, and if so, would need another script. Pretty important question, I would say. BTW, that doctor's name is Joseph Sahab.

Sorry, but I want a doctor who will take his time with me, answer all my questions, and talk to me like I am a person and not just another number. Fortunately, I now have all doctors that do exactly that. Just like the patient that has to wait a while longer than they would like, I, too, am a paying "customer" and expect to get that for which I am paying. If I have an emergency and my doctor is called by the hospital or another doctor, I want my doctor to "be on it" and not concerned with how long someone has to wait in the office.

I expect fast service at McDonald's, not at the hospital or doctor's office. I was brought up in a medical family and know that ideal timing is not necessarily the case.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

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.