It's official... I'm old and cranky.

[pwd72s]

You know, I've often wanted to ask my Doctor to dinner. Once he arrived at the appointed time, I'd hand him a years old copy of PEOPLE magazine, and place him in a hard chair, telling him I'm a little behind schedule today. His seat would be near screaming toddlers, both with colds.

After an hour or so, I'd poke my head in the room, tell him I'm sorry, but I just got called to the hospital, and I won't be seeing any more patients today.

[Drdogface]

We used to put up with these Adam Henry type clients/patients for a bit but eventually would just refer them to the Vets in town we didn't like Especially if they were dead beats with a big overdue balance.. We don't have insurance companies to bill, and I bet you wish you didn't either...

[schamp]

Dr. you played it well. Without a pressing medical condition contributing to her attitude let it go. The doctor patient relationship is just that a relationship. She is not doing her part. Let the ER in the area have her.

[KarlCarrera]

Your not a jerk. She had an appointment at an appointed time. You can't see her without inconveniencing another patient.

I have been late and I have missed appointments, but I do call, and will take the next available.

I don't like waiting either, but I appreciate that in your field, proper care involves non-scheduled extra time. If I was waiting to see you....I'd wait....and take my medicine!

Karl
88 Targa

[wdfifteen]

Sorry. No sympathy. I'll trade you all the hours I've spent sitting on hard chairs in waiting rooms waiting for doctors for half the hours you've spent waiting for patients.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

You know, I've often wanted to ask my Doctor to dinner. Once he arrived at the appointed time, I'd hand him a years old copy of PEOPLE magazine, and place him in a hard chair, telling him I'm a little behind schedule today. His seat would be near screaming toddlers, both with colds.

After an hour or so, I'd poke my head in the room, tell him I'm sorry, but I just got called to the hospital, and I won't be seeing any more patients today.

Brilliant!! Can I come??

[vwbobd]

Originally Posted by Moses

I've never charged for missed appointments. I just don't want to keep patients that are habitual no-shows. I'm pretty quick to dismiss them from the practice. If you charge for missed appointments, they just get angry and slander you in the community. Better to just cut them loose.

Also, my office runs ON TIME. I try to respect my patients time.

I forgot about my dentist (of 20+ years) appointment one time and they sent me a $45 bill for the missed appt. I was a little pissed off and didnt pay promptly. A few weeks later his wife had an appointment to have work done in my service dept and never came or called...... I sent him a bill for $45 for the missed appt. He called me raising hell a couple days later and all I said was " Now you know how I feel". He chuckled and said "I see your point". We called it even and get a laugh every now and then about it.

[tabs]

I have learned to show up 1/2 hour late for MD appointments.....just call me pavlovs dog...come to think of it I show up 1/2 hour late for every appointment...

[Gogar]

I think you let her off easy. 2 no shows?

[widgeon13]

She is obviously a liberal, they just don't understand 3 strikes and you are out!

[Chocaholic]

The problem is that you guys are sending mixed messages. It seems that you run on time and respect the fact that your patients are people with schedules too. Many (most) do not. I can count on sitting for at least one hour in our family doctor's germ-infested waiting room despite showing up 10 minutes early for an appointment. I'm a vice-president of a major medical imaging company...why is my time so much less important than his? When finally called in, another 30 - 40 minutes sitting on the paper covered exam table waiting for the grand entrance.

This is common. Changing docs (not many alternatives in this small town) doesn't guarantee any better treatment. So, why not show up 40 minutes late? Why should the disrespect only go in one direction?

Again, it sounds like you're an exception to the rule. Kudos. But the finger needs to be pointed in both directions on this one. . .just sayin'.

[cmccuist]

Youy know, I don't mind sitting in the Doctor's office for awhile. Gives me a chance to read and relax. The doctor schedules his patients based on what he assumes to be the patient's problems. Sometimes there are emergency drop-ins that you can't plan for. Or a patient has more problems than anticipated. Consequently, the doctor gets backed up.

I see a doctor about once every three years (I know, I should get regular check ups).

Disclaimer - my daughter is a doctor. So's my dad. My brother in law is a doctor. My mom's a nurse.

[GH85Carrera]

My current dermatologist should give lessons on how to run a medical office. I am never late to any appointment. In 15 years he has only been behind schedule once. I always compliment his staff on how well the office runs. I have been going to the same dentist for over 30 years. He always has me sit down right on time.

[Buckterrier]

Dang I was getting worried. Took a page and a half before someone mentioned the time spent in offices waiting when our time is also valuable. I agree with you Moses that is bull to be 45 minutes late but it's also bull to wait 45 minutes when one has an appointment. Obviously doctors over book if they are constantly late. Is it Docs are horrible time managers?

[Tobra]

Originally Posted by Moses

First visit always takes a while. Gotta go over the whole medical history before you even get started.

I usually block out 45 minutes to an hour for a new patient. If I get a no call, no show on a new patient, they don't generally get a chance for a second strike. If they do it twice, there is ZERO chance they get a third appointment.

It is extremely rare for me to be running late. I don't make my patients wait. If you guys are willing to put up with doctors that make you wait an hour past the time of your appointment, that is really your problem and is not germaine to this discussion at all. Moses is talking about how his office runs, not how some other doctor's office fails to run.

[9dreizig]

Hey Moses, someone had to take over for Milt!!!

[cary]

Doesn't make any difference what business your in. You don't need bad business.