We go to a major medical center with doctor's offices in the same complex as hospital, they have these signs as well. The one place they did have a backup was blood draw, people complained about it, the facility DID something about it, and now you don't have to wait anymore.

I usually have a book or magazine with me. DH has been getting radiation treatments every day, they have a nice place with free snacks and Keurig coffee, for the patients and caregivers. Also Reiki massage, free, while you wait. We are so spoiled by the great care at this place.

I try not to touch any surface with my hands. I try not to breathe. Then I check and double check to be sure I have hand sanitizer in my purse. I bring my own reading material. I don't want to touch the public magazines. Then I check my purse for hand sanitizer again. What else would I be doing? ;)

I once had to wait two hours for the doctor and when I got into the exam room, I could hear him in the next room just bs ing with that (male) patient. They were having a real chat and laugh fest. When the doctor finally came to my room he had only a couple of minutes for me and kept looking at his watch and stood with his hand on the doorknob while I was explaining my problem. I was furious. I called member services and filed a complaint and changed doctors. The one I have now is excellent and only once have I had to wait and they kept telling me how long it would be and that they were sorry for the wait time.

And sometimes in an emergency room you have to make a scene to get treated. A friend waited hours to see someone and turned out it was a severe blood clot. Her daughter had driven her there. They believe you get better and faster treatment if the paramedics bring you in.

I always have paper and pencil for zendoodling in my purse since I can't do the hand sewing. Once I start drawing, I lose track of the time and it seems to go by quickly.

i always take a book with me so I am not tempted to touch their magazines. Those are read by sick people, and all that glossy paper is a great resting place for all that bacteria to rest while it waits to infect you! Bleah!

I think the older I get (I'm 68) the less patient I get. I just won't wait over 30 minutes. I think life is too short to be spent in waiting rooms.

Honestly, I don' go to doctor's much but when I do I bring something to read. Emergency room is terrible and they really try to make family members uncomfortable so we leave. My 87 year old Dad with altizheimers was in emergency room through the night, they had no bed available for him so we had to wait and I slept next to him in a little folding chair. I really did it to help my Dad, but also their life was easier with my presence. Hey what can we do other than vent and complain.

Here's my example, I had a re-visit with my surgeon who operated on my foot. My appt. was for 11:15, called into the exam room right on time, WHAT !!!! I thought I had hit it lucky this time but not my day, it was a full 1/2 hour before the doctor actually saw me.

ptquilts (Barb in VT) are you talking about DHMC? I spend a lot of time in 3K, they are quite wonderful!

After a recent move to our current city, I had not as yet found a doctor. So having a really bad sinus headache I went to doctor's shop. You know those little drs office where you don't need a appt. Their posted sign should have been my first clue. Workmen compensation patients are their first priority. Injured athletes, same. They weren't very busy, they took all my information, escorted to exam room, where I took a one hour nap. Woke up and went home. An hour later, I received a call inquiring as to my whereabouts, and if I returned the dr would see me immediately. I still had a headache, but I informed them that I was not returning and that I had informed my insurance of the situation and to reject any bill sent to them.