Anyone else hate it when your provider tells you to arrive 15 minutes before the appt time?

[Anonymous]

Especially when this is not a regular provider and they tell you this when they call to confirm? If they need 15 minutes for processing why the hell don't they budget it in the appt time? This really bugs me, mainly because I am a prompt person and don't like being late for things. So which is it? IS the appt for 3pm or 2:45?

[Anonymous]

I hate it. I now ask them why. 9 times out of 10 it is to fill out paperwork. Most places now have that paperwork online or can email it to you. I fill it out, show up at my appointment time and hand them the paperwork. Usually they are thrilled that I typed the forms and am prepared. Never had a problem.

[Anonymous]

I don't mind if they tell me while making the appointment, so I can budget in the time. But really, who doesn't just factor in the 15 minute thing with any new doctor. It is pretty standard. It's the time for the office staff to get all your info. The appointment revolves around the doctors time.

If it really annoys you, ask about online forms. They usually concede to not needing 15 minutes if you have the forms. But I think they just say it beccause I bet half the people either do not fill them out or do not fill them out right.

[Anonymous]

As a provider I can tell you why: everyone is not like you, in a nutshell.
Some people don't read or write well. Or at all. Or in English.
Some people don't understand what they are reading and have a lot of questions.
Some people fill out the forms wrong, don't sign, sign in the wrong place
Some people try to pass off relatives and friends insurance cards as their own and we have to verify if they are who they say they are
And that's all I can think of off the top of my head. Hope that helps!

[Anonymous]

And then they don't see you until 45 minutes after your appointment time. Happened to me today. Again.

[Anonymous]

^^ a few more things.
If there is an issue with your insurance (you said you have BCBS, you show up with a card with a different ID than what you put on the online form, for example), our office needs time to figure this out, call the insurance company, etc.

If a patient hasn't paid their bill and the office needs to collect the payment. And they want to work out a payment plan. And argue about the bill. And the line is forming behind them.

[Anonymous]

This seems to be the new trend, with every single medical provider. I can't stand it. Appointment at 11:00? Please arrive at 10:45. Of course, we won't acknowledge your presence until 11:34, so you'll be mystified as to why you needed to arrive so early. And you won't be placed in an examining room until 11:48, and the doctor won't see you until 12:08.

21:22, that's ridiculous. If it's for the first appointment, fine. I get it. But every single appointment??? When no one acknowledges you? No way.

[Anonymous]

I always assumed it was because if they ask people to get there early they might actually be on time.

[Anonymous]

So don't show up 15 min early if you don't agree that it is necessary. Or go to a concierge practice and pay an extra $1500+ per year for less hassle factor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This seems to be the new trend, with every single medical provider. I can't stand it. Appointment at 11:00? Please arrive at 10:45. Of course, we won't acknowledge your presence until 11:34, so you'll be mystified as to why you needed to arrive so early. And you won't be placed in an examining room until 11:48, and the doctor won't see you until 12:08.

21:22, that's ridiculous. If it's for the first appointment, fine. I get it. But every single appointment??? When no one acknowledges you? No way.

Ridiculous that the rear of the world isn't as capable as you? You need your presence acknowledged in what way? You go up to the desk and sign in. That's your acknowledgement. So you don't go up to the front desk and let them know you are there? We can add that one to the list of why they need extra time, to hunt down patients who are there but can't follow the sign "check in here"
And you can't think of a reason why a doctor would be running late?
Your insurance has to be verified every single time. People lose their jobs, don't pay their premiums all the time. People don't pay their bills.
If you only want to be seen with perfect people like yourself than cough up the money for a concierge practice.

[Anonymous]

Rear-rest

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This seems to be the new trend, with every single medical provider. I can't stand it. Appointment at 11:00? Please arrive at 10:45. Of course, we won't acknowledge your presence until 11:34, so you'll be mystified as to why you needed to arrive so early. And you won't be placed in an examining room until 11:48, and the doctor won't see you until 12:08.

21:22, that's ridiculous. If it's for the first appointment, fine. I get it. But every single appointment??? When no one acknowledges you? No way.

New trend? It's been going on since the dawn of time. Are you a Millenial who is going to the doctor for the first time without mom?

[Anonymous]

They think their time is more valuable than yours. I particularly hate it when they make you fill in the same information repeatedly.

[Anonymous]

It is like the airlines. Your flight is at 2..but boarding is at 1:30. Umm who cares when take off is expected if I have to be there at 1:30. That is the time of the flight.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They think their time is more valuable than yours. I particularly hate it when they make you fill in the same information repeatedly.

People lose their jobs, lose their coverage, all.the.time. And try to squeeze in a couple more appointments.
That is the main reason. We like it be paid, don't you?