It’s a common frustration – you arrive on time for your doctor’s appointment only to sit in the waiting room for 30 minutes past your scheduled time. Why does this seem to happen so frequently? There are several factors that contribute to doctors running late.
Too Many Patients Booked
Many doctors overbook their schedules knowing that a certain percentage of patients will cancel or no-show. This practice allows them to maximize the number of patients they see in a day. The problem arises when fewer patients than expected cancel and the schedule gets backed up.
| Appointment Time | Patient | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 am | John Smith | Arrived on time |
| 9:15 am | Lisa Davis | Cancelled |
| 9:30 am | Tom Jones | No-show |
| 9:45 am | Jessica Lee | Arrived on time |
In this example schedule, the 9:15 and 9:30 appointments cancelled or no-showed. That means the 9:45 patient will likely have to wait past their appointment time to be seen since the doctor is still with the 9:00 appointment.
Complex Cases
Some visits require more time than expected. A patient may come in thinking they just need a quick prescription refill and it ends up being a 20-minute conversation. Or a physical exam reveals an issue that requires additional testing. Complex situations mean the doctor will run behind.
Workload
Doctors have a tremendous workload – they don’t just see patients in the office. Their day may include:
- Reviewing lab results
- Returning patient phone calls
- Consulting with specialists
- Completing paperwork
- Dictating notes
Trying to cram too many tasks in between patient visits can make it challenging to stay on time.
Emergencies
Urgent issues arise that require the physician’s immediate attention and throw off the planned appointment schedule. A patient may come in with chest pains that warrant quick exams and action. Or the doctor may get called to deliver a baby or tend to a car accident victim. Emergencies are unexpected and understandably will make a doctor run behind.
Inefficient Office Staff
The check-in process and coordination between medical assistants/nurses can impact the doctor’s timeliness. Slow paperwork handling, inaccurate booking, and delays obtaining medical records from other practices can all lead to the doctor starting appointments late. Disorganized or inefficient staff adds to the problem.
Challenging Patients
Some patients are more complex and require longer visits. The elderly, those with language barriers, individuals with many chronic conditions, and difficult personalities all take more time. Doctors may need to repeat information, speak slowly, coordinate multiple prescriptions, and delicately handle belligerent individuals. This extends appointment lengths.
Doctors Get Interrupted
Doctors get interrupted frequently while seeing patients – phone calls about lab results, questions from staff, prescription clarifications, etc. These disruptions make it hard to maintain a schedule. If a doctor gets interrupted 3-4 times with each patient, minutes get added to each visit.
They Want to Be Thorough
Most doctors aim to provide high quality care and be very thorough. They take extra time for a full history, complete exam, and detailed explanations. They leave no question unanswered. This attentive care is appreciated by patients but means appointments take longer.
Inefficient EHR Use
Electronic health records (EHRs) used by most practices actually slow some doctors down. Taking notes, scanning through charts, and entering orders can take time. Poor EHR skills or flawed software contribute to docs falling behind.
Appointment Types Vary
Visit types for new patients, physicals, and chronic disease management require longer than simple follow-ups. A doctor’s day may include a mix of short and long appointments. New patients tend to extend the schedule.
Doctors are Perfectionists
Physicians often obsess over minor details and take extra time to provide flawless care. They analytically contemplate diagnoses, intricately examine issues, and provide patient education. Their perfectionism and thoroughness contribute to tardiness.
Impact on Patients
Doctor’s running late can negatively impact patients in several ways:
- Frustration and anger over wasting time in the waiting room
- Disruption of schedules and missing other obligations
- Anxiety over the extended wait time
- Rushed visits once finally seen
Patients end up feeling like their time isn’t valued when doctors are constantly late.
Impact on Doctors
Doctors also experience consequences of running behind:
- Patients get upset and complaints increase
- Days feel chaotic and stressful
- Have to rush through visits leading to burnout
- Forced to stay late finishing notes and charts
Always running behind decreases doctor satisfaction and well-being. They don’t like keeping patients waiting either.
Conclusion
Doctors running late for appointments results from a combination of scheduling practices, workload, unexpected events, staffing issues, patient needs, interruptions, EHR use, appointment types, and their attentive natures. While being late can negatively impact patients and the doctors themselves, there are some solutions.
Doctors can allow more time for new patients and physicals, reduce overbooking, delegate tasks to staff, utilize EHRs more efficiently, and optimize office workflows. Patients can also call ahead when they anticipate needing extra time. Keeping patients informed if the doctor is running behind can also help reduce frustration.
While it’s unlikely doctors will ever completely eliminate late arrivals, solutions to minimize excessive waits include modifying scheduling tactics, improving office efficiency, managing patient expectations, and allowing flexibility where possible. With some adjustments, patients and doctors can together improve the appointment timeliness.