It s no secret that traditional medical scheduling is far from perfect. I ve been on both ends, facing angry patients who have waited an unconscionably long time to see me and having cooled my heels in many a waiting room. Once, I fell asleep on the exam table while waiting for my 2 p.m. annual physical. In fact, I think the nap did more good for my health than the physical. But that won t work for most patients.
Many offices try to meet demand by leaving several slots open each day.
These are doled to patients with urgent needs. But even this system breaks down. Unexpected things happen. People cry and need to be consoled. Managed care companies have to be called to get approval for a prescription.