Patients may get angry and doctors may be extra-stressed or feel rushed. Some physicians are trying to address the problem with more realistic scheduling and better management of patient relations. Office staff may call patients or tell them at check-in the doctor's running behind. Some offices have computer terminals, FAX machines, or telephones in the waiting room for busy patients to keep up with their work. Some office practices are even offering beepers to notify patients when doctors are ready to see them.
Patients can also take some steps to reduce their waiting time.
Call the office before leaving for the appointment to see if the doctor is running late. If you find yourself waiting longer than you expected, talk to the receptionist. When the doctor is going to be much longer than anticipated, you may want to reschedule your appointment. If your doctor tends to run late chronically, try to schedule your visits for the first appointment of the day. To save time in the exam room, bring a list of all your current medications and come prepared with a list of questions for the doctor.