So I've been waiting 2 hours to be seen. I got here on time. There aren't any good magazines, I forgot my book, and I've studied the muscle/bone charts on the walls. Went to the bathroom twice. They switched me a different room and asked if I'd see the PA instead. Now I'm super wicked bored. So what do you do when you're stuck at the dr?
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Re: Bored at the Doctor
Originally posted by Kungpao View PostUsually make use of the free wifi on my ipod...
I don't have a smartphone so I have videos on my iPod specifically for lengthy waits. The end of a video or 2 also acts as an alarm. If I'm still waiting I politely explain that my time is valuable, too, and I leave! This has happened 3 times at my doctor's office.
SG, was your battery low? Is that why you were reading charts? If not, you are holding an encyclopedia, newspapers and magazines in the palm of your hand.
And, yes, 2 hours is too long. That can happen at an ob/gyn's office when the doc is called out to delivery a baby. It can also happen to any doc called out on an emergency. Still, the staff should reschedule the waiting patients who don't have to see a doc that day.
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Re: Bored at the Doctor
On the blessedly rare occasions that I need to see a doctor, I always schedule my appointment to be the very first patient of the day. That almost always guarantees that you'll get right in. (It would probably also work to schedule it for the first appointment in the afternoon.)
Once a doctor starts seeing patients each morning, there is absolutely no way of predicting how much time doctors have to spend with each patient, due to the incredible variety of issues that may arise with each person. It's simply impossible to predict how much time will be spent with each patient, so scheduling appointments can only rely on educated guesses, not confirmed times. Any doctor or nurse can verify that.
My suggestion to everyone is to take a book. Or follow the other suggestions here..
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That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.
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Re: Bored at the Doctor
I think about what I'm going to eat/make for dinner. Take out my little
pocket spiral bound calendar and write about what I've eaten.....I'm
always thinking about food! I'm going to a new doctor today so I'll
probably end up waiting a long time although I'm fortunate to have
gotten an appointment he's very much in demand. Sometimes I
actually bring a book but most times I forget.
Boy what a long wait you had!
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Re: Bored at the Doctor
I know it's not their fault. Some patients take a lot longer than others. They were just really, really behind. I badly needed refills, or I would've asked to reschedule. The PA did say I was the nicest patient she'd had that day. I blame myself for running out of the house without my book, which I usually always bring with me. The first exam room also had a enthralling chart on the gastrointestinal system that I studied for about half an hour. Then I spun around on the stool for a while. The only magazine of offering was Garden and Gun and I just couldn't get into "Thirteen Ways of (Not) Looking at a Turkey" or "Why I'll Always Dream of My Father's House in Kentucky".
you are holding an encyclopedia, newspapers and magazines in the palm of your hand.
Can't think of anything creative this time
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Re: Bored at the Doctor
I get *really* annoyed when I have to wait at the doctor longer than 40 minutes. I know they can do something about it because I've never had to wait at some doctors that ran their offices well and others that didn't I was waiting every single time I went there. I've actually sat in the waiting room while a doctor BSed with a patient about what they did over the weekend etc etc for like 15 minutes after I had already waited for 30 minutes, that was the closest I ever came to walking out.What can be asserted without proof can be dismissed without proof. – Christopher Hitchens
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Re: Bored at the Doctor
Originally posted by StinkyTheGrump View PostI get *really* annoyed when I have to wait at the doctor longer than 40 minutes. I know they can do something about it because I've never had to wait at some doctors that ran their offices well and others that didn't I was waiting every single time I went there. I've actually sat in the waiting room while a doctor BSed with a patient about what they did over the weekend etc etc for like 15 minutes after I had already waited for 30 minutes, that was the closest I ever came to walking out.
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Re: Bored at the Doctor
My problem isn't when doctors take the time to chat and learn about you. I enjoy BSing with the doc as much as the next guy. My problem is when these doctors try to squeeze in as many patients as possible and then BS with the patients as if they only had one appointment per hour. Keep learning about the patients but don't be greedy - realize that you can't schedule as many in a day.What can be asserted without proof can be dismissed without proof. – Christopher Hitchens
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Re: Bored at the Doctor
my simple solution for appts @ md offices that often come with long waits is to call an hour in advance of the appt to ask if they're running late and how late they are running.
most of the time the staff is happy to tell you instead of having to give you looks that say, "i'm sorry you are bored of reading all 15 of our courtesy magazines."
when i can, i'll post the website where you can rate your md on various criteria, including how timely he or she is & whether you feel you had enough time with your md to discuss your concerns.superbia (pride), avaritia (greed), luxuria (lust), invidia (envy), gula (gluttony), ira (wrath) & acedia (sloth)--the seven deadly sins.
"when you wake up in the morning, tell yourself: the people i deal with today will be meddling, ungrateful, arrogant, dishonest, jealous, and surly..."--meditations, marcus aurelius (make sure you read the rest of the passage, ya lazy wankers!)
nothing humiliates like the truth.--me, in conversation w/mixedplatebroker re 3rd party, 2009-11-11, 1213
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Re: Bored at the Doctor
I nap. It's the most peaceful time ever. I'm so grateful for the opportunity.
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Re: Bored at the Doctor
Originally posted by StinkyTheGrump View PostMy problem isn't when doctors take the time to chat and learn about you. I enjoy BSing with the doc as much as the next guy. My problem is when these doctors try to squeeze in as many patients as possible and then BS with the patients as if they only had one appointment per hour. Keep learning about the patients but don't be greedy - realize that you can't schedule as many in a day.
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Re: Bored at the Doctor
Originally posted by LikaNui View PostOn the blessedly rare occasions that I need to see a doctor, I always schedule my appointment to be the very first patient of the day. That almost always guarantees that you'll get right in.
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Re: Bored at the Doctor
There are 12 doctors at 'The Elms' where I go and I can see any one I want.
They have a 'walk in session' for the first hour every morning. ( Mostly for the Smackheads).
I like to get an early appointment to see my favourite doctor. She is a lady doctor with a brain as quick as lightening and has made her way to the top in what is still considered in this country as a man's profession. Get my meaning ?
If I have to wait for a while, then I can watch the postural echo/body language of the junkies. It can be entertaining. ( I only go to the doctor every six weeks for my blood pressure tablets,,,,, Everything here has to be by prescriprion.)
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