Waiting for doctors, getting stood up and waiting in line

We are always trying to figure out whether to double book patients or schedule them based upon time required for treatment.

Lately we have had many patients just drop in. This presents a problem as that we are not prepared at times to handle the overload. I’ve only got two hands! During times where it is slow, it doesn’t present as a problem and then that gives the impression that it can be done at any time.

Some have even dropped in and been rather upset that they weren’t immediately given a room. We’ve recently had a number of patients just walk in and complain that there was a wait and storm out. Jeez. What are we supposed to do?

Maybe this has been our fault. We didn’t explain that there would be a wait. There are certain times of the day that are busier than others. Those are not the times to just drop in. Call first and let us know you’re coming in. We’re not an urgent care/walk-in/open 24 hours clinic.

The other thing that we can’t prepare for is the number of “no-shows.” It would be better if people called and let us know they weren’t coming in, but they don’t. We’re expecting them, have their chart ready, sectioned off time for them and we’re stood up. This happens 8-10 times per day sometimes.

Our solution to this is to schedule patients and see them first. All walk-ins will be squeezed in if time allows. It’s like waiting in line at Disneyland. It’s better to make an appointment. If people show, there will be a wait, if they don’t we run on time.

The best solution for you is to schedule an appointment and let us know if you can’t make it. Call us. It helps you and helps us help you.