What do YOU do when you have to wait at a doctor's clinic?
By ethanmama
@ethanmama (1745)
Philippines
January 5, 2010 9:47pm CST
I am a doctor myself and I do not like seeing patients wait for long hours, but sometimes there is really little that I can do, but we do try our best to at least minimize the discomfort of waiting.
In one of our clinics, we provide the following: wi-fi, newspapers, old magazines, TV with DVD player and a small coffee shop. We also advise patients to set appointments rather than just walk in so that they can come at the approximate time.
I am, however, aware that not all patients are interested in reading, watching TV or surfing the net (we only have 1 computer for public use, but some patients bring their own wi-fi ready gadgets).
Also, not all of my clinics are as equipped as this clinic for waiting patients.
As a patient, what preparations do you do to ensure that waiting will not be too difficult?
My suggestions are here: http://www.joeymd.com/2010/01/06/things-to-do-while-waiting/ (copy-paste to browser bar, please :) )
What about YOU? What do YOU do?
2 people like this
5 responses
@Porcospino (31366)
• Denmark
5 Jun 10
In my country I have never seen computers or tv in a waiting room. The waiting rooms are pretty oldfashioned and the only things we find are newspapers, old magazines and sometimes toys for the children. I went to the doctor today and my husband and I talked about the waiting room, and how boring it seemed. The colours, the posters and the furniture look like something from the 70's, and some brighter colours or some new posters would make a big difference, but they probably can't afford that.
When I am in the waiting room I sometimes read one of the newspapers or one of the magazines. It depends why I am seeing the doctor, if I am worried about my problem, I tend to think about that instead of reading.
@loralie1106 (208)
• Philippines
4 Jun 10
The best thing for me is still to have your patients book their appointment ahead of time, not only for the patient's own convenience but for everyone else coming at the clinic. This would also minimize crowding. i too is distracted when I see a lot of patient's waiting for their turn.
@KrauseHome (36447)
• United States
15 Feb 10
Well, unfortunately there have been times I have had to wait, and wait quite a while indeed. It is even worse when I have had to go to an Emergency room. But a lot of times I tend to read a magazine, Text someone on my phone, or just relax and wait to be called in. The biggest issue tends to be that the wait drives up my Blood pressure and then it is higher than like 10-20 minutes later as well.
@everafter (378)
• Philippines
11 Feb 10
I usually wait for a long time in the doctor's clinic and I make sure I have my ipod or my cellphone so I get to talk to my friends while I am waiting. I have this favorite magazine whicih is very expensive and I get to read all of them for free while waiting.
@crimsonladybug (3112)
• United States
15 Feb 10
I always have a book with me so when I have to wait at the doctor's office, I just pull out my book and read until it's my turn. Where I go, it doesn't help to set appointments - I still sit and wait for twenty or thirty minutes before getting called in. And that's just for a simple shot!
