Moderately Confused by Jeff Stahler for September 12, 2018

Careful, your’e talking to the one who controls your immediate future!

Sorry, doctor went golfing instead

People tend to forget, or just don’t realize, the patients are slowing down the doctors with excessive chatter, not the other way around.

Seeing the doctor is nearly always a disappointment. Having to WAIT, and PAY for the privilege only adds salt to the wound. But, then again . . . I’m not wild about the alternative.

Doctor’s aides need to communicate with waiting patients when the schedule is running significantly longer than planned. My wait problem was kind of solved when I notified my doc’s nurse that I would no longer wait more that 30 minutes after my appointment time. Told them that my remaining time – _I am what is called elderly _ – was also valuable and I would not spend it just sitting and waiting, not at the prices they charge. So they now they try to get me back to an exam room so I can wait longer there. Doesn’t work for them or me.

Had a dentist appointment once. Went into the office and the waiting room was full (this was about an hour after office hours started). Sat there for an hour with more coming into the waiting room and none going in to see the dentist. Finally the dental assistant came into the room and said we all should reschedule because the doctor was experiencing a “difficult” extraction. What about the patient?

I once showed up for a doctor’s appointment 15 minutes early, waited 30 minutes after my scheduled time to be called to an exam room where I sat alone for 45 minutes before getting up and leaving. I told them I had another appointment and would reschedule. I did reschedule … with another doctor.

It’s called managing customer expectations. The manager at our local Jersey Mike’s does this very well. She’s constantly apologizing for any delays as if you couldn’t see everyone working like crazy – she runs a tight ship and trains her crews well. They do a better job making sandwiches than I did when I worked at a similar job.

Some restaurants also get the idea. “I’m sorry, we’re short staffed tonight and it will be about 15 minutes until someone can take your order.” That gives you the choice to stay or leave.

If people know what is going on in the process, they are more accepting of the situation.

The airlines, on the other hand, haven’t got a clue. They keep their fares (you can’t call them customers or even passengers they are just $$$ in Seat 137J – ambulatory cargo) in the dark. They have your money already, so why should they treat you like a human being?

You want an on time appointment? Try getting there first thing in the morning. Most of mine are at 8 AM.

Our doctors triple book to pad the old government paycheque.

Expensive meds and a high co-payment, leaving high and dry.

I’ve worked in the medical field most of my adult life, so I see this from both sides. You don’t want the doctor to look at his watch and say “Your time is up, so tell me about those chest pains on the next visit.” But it is more than just annoying to wait and wait for no apparent reason. I once left my office early to get to a 3:30 appointment. At 5:00 I asked the receptionist how much longer it would be, and she pointed to a couple back in the corner (I hadn’t even seen them sitting there.) and told me there was another patient ahead of me. I had a 6:00 meeting, so I asked for my co-pay to be returned and cancelled. She asked if I’d like to reschedule and apply the check to that appointment. I told her that would not be necessary. No point in taking it out on her, but she nodded and told me she understood.

NOT a good omen! I have a 2pm appointment with my Dr. today.

When I schedule ANY appointment, I do NOT grouse at the length of time I have to wait – I merely expect the same consideration be paid to me that he or she has given to others. I do feel badly for the ancillary staff, however!