A doctor’s time vs a patient’s time: which is more valuable?

Posted on December 2, 2014 Updated on December 2, 2014

You call the clinic to make an appointment:  “Your appointment is at 11:30 a.m. but you need to check in early at 11:15.”  I always obey and I always arrive at least 15 minutes early.

Yesterday I was ushered into the exam room a wee bit early, 11:20 a.m., but I didn’t mind waiting in that room for the start of my 11:30 appointment.  At 11:35 I heard my doctor enter the room next to mine and greet her patient.  “Huh,” I said to no one in particular.

She concluded that appointment at 11:50, then I heard her make two consecutive telephone calls in the “Staff Only” portion of the area.  “Huh!” I said again, this time with emphasis.

At 11:55, she started yet another call.  I slapped my knee, and because I was in my street clothes, I walked out of the exam room, entered the “Staff Only” area and stood in front of her.  She concluded her call and walked with me into the exam room.  “Sorry, I had to make a few calls.”

“I’m just wondering, do the schedulers overbook the appointments?  My appointment was for a half hour ago.”

I honestly don’t think doctors are aware of the appointment times, they merely walk down the hallway going to the next room in the chronological order in which the medical assistant places the files.  My doctor apologized and stated she was not aware that she was so far behind.  She explained that some patients need a little more talking-time so she tries to accommodate their need.

And I get that, because sometimes I need a bit more talking-time, just as I did yesterday.  So what can be done?

There seems to be only one solution over which I have control.

From now on, I will not arrive 15 minutes early for my appointment.  Even if my doctor runs late, at least I won’t be spending as much time at the front-end of the appointment as I will no doubt spend at the middle and back-end of it.