<Back to previous page

The waiting is endless

   I am fuming.
   I took the 1:30 appointment at Dr. X.'s office specifically so it would be fast. The nurse had assured me over the telephone that it was the quickest appointment of the day since it immediately followed the doctor's lunch break. Since I'm taking time off my busy work schedule, I figured that 1:30 was the wisest choice.
   Well, I've been here for about an hour now and I'm still waiting! Every swear word in the book is going through my head right now.
   What an inconvenience!
   Don't some doctors have any respect for other people's time at all? Or is it that they never learned how to tell time? I don't get it.
   Let me share with you the events of my visit so far.
   I arrived at Dr. X's office at 1:30 to find the entire medical staff out to lunch and remained out until 1:45. When they finally got in, the waiting room was full of about 10 people - most of whom, like myself, had 1:30 appointments. (Now, I'm not stupid! I know it just isn't possible for a doctor to see more than one person at a time.)
   So, needless to say, I was not the first person in after lunch after all, but, the fifth (the bottom of the 1:30's).
   Once being called out of the large waiting room, (a mere 45 minutes later), my wait in the smaller, secluded room began. You know, the room the nurses put you in to give you the illusion that your turn is indeed coming up soon. But actually, it's just an extended waiting room. (I think the doctors planned this room so people can't tell the other patients just how long they've really been waiting!!!)
   This is where I am now. It has been a good hour!
   My doctor just passed by my room. For a minute, I thought it was actually my turn - but no - he just passed me by with a friendly smile. Little does he know I'm writing about him now!
   Grrr. How ridiculous! The irritating thing is doctors know they have you. You can't go anywhere else because you'll have to wait again at yet another doctor's office - for hours.
   Can you imagine going into a clothing or food store and waiting an hour for service? I can't. It would never happen because people would never put up with it. So why is going to the doctor an exception? Who made the rules here anyway? There must be a better system!
   I can't tell you how many times I've wanted to get up and scream at the nurses out front that kept telling me: "It will just be a few more minutes," or "You're next." Little do you know that the person in front of you could be having major surgery in the time it takes his appointment!
   Then when my appointments do finally come along they usually take five to 10 minutes max!
   Sickening!
   I know that I should just feel lucky to have my good health and be glad my minor problems take such a short visit, but I can't help but fume every time I put my foot in a doctor's door.
   F I N A L L Y, it's my turn!

   Writer's note: This entire column, with exception of a few minor changes, was written while I was waiting in the doctor's office - after the first 45 mins.

The Herald-Dispatch, 1995

<Back to previous page