Doctor appt

I had my GYN appt and everything was fine. However, my appt was for 8:45; I got there around 8:30 to work on any kind of paperwork....sometimes I have to complete new insurance paperwork or things like that.

So by 8:40 I was in my little gown with the sheet wrapped around me. And at 9:00, I was still in the examining room. And at 9:15, there I was. At 9:30, I'm more than a little testy. And at 9:45, I scooted off the exam table, wrapped everything around me, opened the door and looked out. A nurse was walking by, so I asked her where the doctor was, that my appt was for 8:45 and I'm still waiting.

Turns out they were working on a new computer system and, instead of carrying clipboards, they were now carrying iPad-type computers. And the system was down, so they were working to get it to come back up.

Oh, no, no, no. I explained to the nurse that I had to get back to work. So, if it was going to be any longer, I would need to re-schedule the appt and I had to leave as I had to attend a mtg in 30 minutes.

My dr showed up about 5 minutes later...with a clipboard. He apologized and started complaining about computers. I get it, computers can be a real hassle. But I'm behind schedule myself now.

He gave me back my co-pay. I thought that was super-nice of him to do that. He said that I was one of his very first patients way back in 1979 when he first came to this area and we've been together for a long, long time. It was the least he could do.

I appreciate that he valued my time as well as his. He's a great doctor, but he does tend to run a little late sometimes.

ETA: Thought I should add that my BP was 116/78, which is truly excellent for me as I have HBP, although I try to keep it under control. However, that was at 8:30. I don't think I want to know what my BP was at 9:45! I'm sure it was considerably higher!

Yeah my blood pressure would have been through the roof as well! Glad that your doctor was considerate enough to give you the co-pay back though. That's at least something.

Those wait times are normal round here, even with appointments. Doctor shortages are insane.

Unfortunately with doctors you need to plan for delays, even if your appointment is the first one of the morning.

With my previous doctor, who started his clinic at 2pm, it was no uncommon to be sitting there at 5pm to be seen as a first appointment because he was either stuck in the OR or delivering a baby, or something. At first I waited and waited and waited. But then one day I decided to just start up and leaving.

Now I have a great doctor and I've only had to wait once. Oftentimes I get there early and he sees me right away.

The hospital where I work is switching over to the EMR (electronic medical record.) The Operating Room started computer charting 3 or 4 years ago, but now the rest of the departments are coming aboard. Let me tell you....it has added considerable time to our room turnovers, etc. So much duplication that needs to be done. Lots of paper that needs to be printed (the doctors won't be going on-line until October, so we have to print out specimen sheets for them to sign, etc.) Once we get there it will be great to have everything at our fingertips on the EMR.....but right now I feel like our patient care is being compromised by our obsession with the computer.

It was very nice of your doctor to refund your co-pay.

is a kind of dissapointing when other persons took your time...

My you have ALOT of patience. Don't know if I could have waited that long. Nice that they gave you your co-pay back.

I always bring a book with me to doctor's appointments.

By 9:30 I would have been getting dressed and leaving. These days my patience is limited to just so much.

One time years ago I remember waiting what seemed like hours for a doctor. At one point I was ready to just leave. I was dressed but it was cold in that room. In this case it was worth the wait. But these days I would just get up and go.

My doctor's office just switched to a new automated phone system. So far I'm not impressed. I spent 10 minutes and had to make 2 calls just to make an appointment.

At least you got your co-pay back

Years ago I had an appointment for a holter monitor to be put on me first thing in the morning when the clinic opened up. I got there on time... and waited. People with later appointments went before me. Finally around 1:30 (I had to go to work at 2) I walked up to the receptionist and canceled the holter monitor/appointment and what would have been the follow up appointment set to go over the results of the holter monitor. The receptionist (who was also a nurse, btw) asked why I wanted to cancel that one, too. How do you go over results for a test that isn't done? (And yes, I had just stated why I was canceling it)

I ditched that cardiologist due to how poorly his clinic was run and that he didn't seem that interested in what my heart is doing or that it could go up past 180bpm.
I have a lot of problems but I haven't dropped dead from any arrhythmias… so I guess it's not that bad.

Luckily they had it set up where you payed the copay after.

My GYN is always late with appointments, especially if you get one in the afternoon, but that's because he'll take as long with you as you want after the exam to sit and talk about things. However, having computer problems is NO excuse for leaving patients sitting in room wrapped in paper gowns! If you see its down, write your notes a clipboard and transcribe them later. I have a friend who once went for a physical and they forgot about her - no problems with anything they just forgot her. Unbelievable.

Originally Posted by Feralvr

My you have ALOT of patience. Don't know if I could have waited that long. Nice that they gave you your co-pay back.

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Not really. I was starting to get frustrated around 9:00 or so, but felt that I should wait awhile before asking questions. I didn't know if a baby was on its way or if there was a really serious problem or what.

Originally Posted by cococat

I always bring a book with me to doctor's appointments.

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Me, too. I always have a book with me for doctor and dentist appointments. I played a few games on my phone, too!

The first doc I worked for expected people to expect to wait! It was kinda crazy. Having done all the office work I understand it some now; but some doctors are just ridiculous. The wife of that particular doc would make him hurry sometimes. It was funny. He'd get droning on about stuff only another doctor would understand....

The worst for me was a sick appointment at the base clinic though. I think I was there 3 hours at least. Most of it in an exam room. When they switched to this computer, self check in thing it was nuts too. A lot of retirees were completely lost having to use a computer. I have no idea if they still do that there now.

The long wait is half the reason I'm putting off going to my family doc for a physical. I want to see about getting the moles on my face removed (thanks Gram!) but I hate waiting there with a bunch of sick people around. I'd have to take my little one. I've walked out of there with a cold when I just went in for a vaccine before. I don't need her doing that!

My tip; everyone should arrive at least 15 minutes early, especially if you are a new patient. Often your insurance needs to be verified. For some insurances it still requires a phone call; which can be a royal pain. And often is has to be done that day. And then if there is referral paperwork missing... Getting there early helps everyone get in and out faster!