Waiting at the doctor's office...what do you do?
10-12-2014, 06:53 AM
#51
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Pine Grove, PA
Posts: 466
I had been helping my Mother a few years, and had a few trips to ER. She had heart problems for one! However, always waited! It scared me to wait so long, but wait we did. THEN, I was away, my Dad called about Mom,I didn't 'trust him to drive at night in distress. I said call the ambulance. Guess what, right in & taken care of! So, if we were concerned enough to want her to seek help, we called the ambulance. We didn't take advantage, but realized those guys really can help & know what they are doing! They were actually a "life saver' on more than one occasion.
Originally Posted by Jan in VA
I found this topic interesting as I've noticed in the past 2-3 years a change in many doctor's offices where I live. Most of them now have signs advising the patient to tell the front desk if they have waited more than given number of minutes, usually 15-25. It's actually been a while since I've had to wait in a doctor's office, sometimes to the point that I have to laugh because I've just gotten started on some article I wanted to read and was called to the back.
My family care/primary care doc calls me his favorite patient, even in front of his nurses. But if I had to wait over an hour each time I went in, I'd change docs in a heart beat.
I just wish our extremely busy (2nd busiest in the state) emergency department could get it together; it's been horrific for literally years. I once took my 88 year old father in at 10pm for chest pains -CHEST PAINS, mind you! - and we sat in the waiting room for 45 minutes BEFORE he was even triaged. And that happened only because I made a little scene about it. Thank God he was having stomach/reflux issues not heart, but WE didn't know that and neither did they at first.
When I torn my achilles tendon from my heel last week, I went to our adorable little county hospital where they treat you like family -- love that place -- and they were so dear to me and my mother at 2am. Exam, xrays, labs, warm blankets, in/out in 2 hours.
Jan in VA
My family care/primary care doc calls me his favorite patient, even in front of his nurses. But if I had to wait over an hour each time I went in, I'd change docs in a heart beat. I just wish our extremely busy (2nd busiest in the state) emergency department could get it together; it's been horrific for literally years. I once took my 88 year old father in at 10pm for chest pains -CHEST PAINS, mind you! - and we sat in the waiting room for 45 minutes BEFORE he was even triaged. And that happened only because I made a little scene about it. Thank God he was having stomach/reflux issues not heart, but WE didn't know that and neither did they at first.
When I torn my achilles tendon from my heel last week, I went to our adorable little county hospital where they treat you like family -- love that place
-- and they were so dear to me and my mother at 2am. Exam, xrays, labs, warm blankets, in/out in 2 hours. Jan in VA
10-12-2014, 08:17 AM
#52
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Grants Pass, OR
Posts: 2,071
I have heart disease, when I have pain, it is painful. When we go to the emergency room, my DH takes over in aggressive mode. He will think nothing of going to the back and telling them that his wife is there with chest pain and she needs help NOW. That usually gets their attention.
10-12-2014, 08:19 AM
#53
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 442
Looooooooooong time ago I had a GYN Dr. appt. After 1 and 1/2 hrs, I asked about the delay (yes, I know, I waited too long), and she explained doctor was held up at hospital because a procedure (which she named) had not gone well with the patient and he was held up there but would be back shortly. Since I really liked my doctor and I had already missed most of the morning at work, I continued to wait. When he got there and examined me, after the exam he came and told me that I needed a certain procedure done - AND IT WAS THE SAME ONE ! Boy, was that scary - but I trusted him and when I had it, it went well. As others have said, some doctors are worth waiting for, and some are not.
10-12-2014, 09:47 AM
#54
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 520
We usually don`t have to wait long, my problem is getting to see the Dr. I want to see. Having one problem and 3 or 4 drs. seeing you, gets to me. As far as waiting, I don`t mind because I bring my Meditations book and find reading good for the soul.
10-12-2014, 03:43 PM
#57
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Lancaster, SC
Posts: 349
I took my Mother to the ER in my hometown and waited for them to call her back. She was so sick she kept sliding out of the wheel chair that the ER provided. After about an hour and a half I went to window to see what the hold up was. A nurse came out and advised me from this point on instead of bringing her to the ER to always call an ambulance. Walk-ins always wait. Ambulance patients are taken straight back.
10-12-2014, 04:07 PM
#58
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Posts: 502
Originally Posted by jlm5419
I read a book on my tablet while I wait.
10-12-2014, 07:39 PM
#59
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Posts: 2,489
Wow...so many different experiences here. I must be extremely lucky. I deal with a major clinic and hospital, and rarely have to wait very long. They have the "15 minute" signs up, but I've never had to complain. Once the nurse finishes, the doctor is usually there in 3-5 minutes. Lab work never takes long either. My only ER visit they had been notified I was coming, and were waiting for me, so I was rushed straight through. I had a 10:40 appointment this past Friday with my cardiologist. Arrived 5 minutes early, was called on time, and talking to the Dr. by 10:45. No complaints here!!
10-12-2014, 08:57 PM
#60
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Quilting, crocheting, sewing and crafting in my Sewing Room...Peaceful and wonderful !!
Posts: 5,317
I have started taking crocheting when I go with my husband to his dr appts. Or I take a book, as most of the dr's here won't let you use wifi or your cell phone. There is a note to turn it off upon entering the office.
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