WHY DO DOCTORS RUN
LATE? Doctors run late because
Patients: - arrive late for appointments
- don’t book enough time for the problem they have
come with
- have medical emergencies
- Consultations are interrupted by phone calls
- Epidemics occur
As you can see, the
doctors aren’t in control of any of these factors. We can't
control for epidemics and emergencies but your assistance with
the other factors will help us to run on
time. WHAT YOU CAN DO TO MINIMISE WAITING
TIMES? - Arrive on time. Let
receptionist know if you are here for breathing test, ecg,
preg test so tests can get underway while awaiting your
appointment with the doctor
- If returning for
an Xray result or Masta travel advice reply ask for it at
front desk and bring it in with you to the consultation
- Ring well in advance if you can’t make your
appointment. This allows us to allot an urgent appt to a
true space and not have to fit it in where there is no space
and thus delay your appt. It also helps to maintain
bulkbilling as long as possible since every unfilled appt
causes a loss to the practice. It also saves you being
charged the non-cancellation fee!
- Book ahead,
don’t leave it till the last minute
- Book
adequate time for the problem you have come with, ask advice
if needed.
- Book a minimum 20 mins for a life
crisis situation or a complex problem
- Be
realistic in your expectations and aware a delay is possible
when we are dealing with people’s lives. Factor this into
your expected time out of work. (It is unrealistic to expect
to be seen in a 15-min coffee break or just before your bus
leaves- this is a recipe for disappointment!)
- Book first appointment after lunch or in the
morning as these have the least potential to be delayed
- If you phone for an estimate wait time, it will
be rough only as waiting times vary minute by minute.
- Book a priority appointment or express
appointment
- Come on rainy days and
Wednesdays – they are always quieter.
- Avoid short weeks, and the day after a public
holiday – they are always very
busy.
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