Why do doctors always keep you waiting?

Why? Because there is limited availability on the schedule so instead of making you wait until the next available appointment which is 3 weeks away you are double or tripled booked at that time slot. Medical provider schedules are usually created in 4 hours blocks with time slots.

How early should you arrive at a doctor’s appointment?

Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early for your appointment (or know how to connect and sign in ahead of time if it’s virtual). Doing so will give you plenty of time to check in and have your vitals monitored (like your height, weight and blood pressure).

How long should a doctor make you wait?

You should be aiming for the fewer-than-10-minute mark, as far as wait in the waiting room, and then less than 20 minutes from the time the patient is placed in the exam room until they see the doctor/practitioner (not the nurse/tech).

Why are doctors always late for appointments?

There are many legitimate reasons doctors run late, including patients who themselves are late or who may divulge during a routine appointment that they’re having chest pains. Moreover, 15-minute slots are utilized too frequently, often not providing the physician sufficient time.

How do you decide how long to wait for an appointment?

Once You Get to the Office for Your Appointment Ask the person at the check-in desk how long she thinks you’ll be waiting. Then decide whether you want to wait that long; whether or not seeing that doctor is worth that wait. If you’re told the wait will be 15 minutes, then speak up on minute 16. The squeaky wheel does get the grease.

How do you decide to reschedule a doctor’s appointment?

Ask the person at the check-in desk how long she thinks you’ll be waiting. Then decide whether you want to wait that long; whether or not seeing that doctor is worth that wait. If not, then reschedule. If you’re told the wait will be 15 minutes, then speak up on minute 16.

How can I reduce the wait time at the doctor’s office?

Fewer patients on that day will hopefully mean shorter wait times. When you book your appointment, make sure the doctor won’t just be returning from a vacation or conference, or a period of time out of the office. If the doctor sees children as patients, then try not to book your appointment on a school holiday.

Is it normal to wait an hour to see a doctor?

In general, the more specialized the doctor, the more patient you may need to be. The fewer doctors in any given specialty who practice in your geographical area, the more time you’ll have to wait, too. If you visit an internist who consistently makes you wait an hour, that is too long.