There is one orthopedic surgeon in DC that is qualified to treat my son's complex condition. We have waited in her clinic for five hours. 5 hours. She is overwhelmed and working in a subpar system trying to help children (many on Medicaid with low reimbursement). I have seen how she does the very best she can and just prepare myself for a ling wait.

Don't whine about 20 mins. It's just childish.

Wait. I go to several specialists whom I know always get emergencies in. They should take priority. I know if I have an emergency then they will make me a priority and have. I'd rather wait for someone to get the help they need if they are worse off than I am knowing the same will be done for me. Get over it and be a bit understanding.

I went to colo-rectal surgeon who sometimes ran as much as 90 minutes late. I brought reading materials. He did a great job with my surgery so it was worth the wait.

That is unacceptable. If they routinely run more than 5-10 min late then they need to allow more time between patients. Making people wait and wait is unacceptable. People have better things to do...or are on a meter, lunch break etc. Why even have an appt if it means nothing? Why not just show up whenever you feel like it? They could at least let you leave once you check in and call you when you're five minutes out so you're not sitting in that germ filed cesspool of bacteria.

Is this a short term situation? Ie: one consult, surgery, then one follow up? If so, I'd probably just put up with it.

BUT any sort of ongoing relationship, NO WAY.

Best doctor, my a&&. I go to good doctors, with outstanding customer service. That is my rule. My time is too valuable.

After 1 hr and 30 mins I leave. I did that at my last OB apppointment told the nurse I was leaving and she thought I was joking. I was like umm no I'm serious. Please let the doc know that I came and waited an hr and 1/2 thanks!

After 45 minutes, I leave.

We decided if your not happy find another doctor or suck it up.

Anonymous wrote:When it's two hours then you can gripe. (oh and when 20 minutes of it is you naked in a paper robe on a table)

This is my situation. And im on a dc meter. I couldve waited at my office. How much more time do i give? And should i walk into lobbey with just robe?

Orthopedic surgeons always seem to run late. IMO, 20 min is nothing for any doctor.

Your options are to find another Dr., make your appts first thing in the morning, or wait. But for an orthopedic surgeon who has fewer office hours due to time spent in the OR, plus a high patient load, and patients who probably have many questions, I usually give them 45 min before I get annoyed. But I've also been seeing orthopedic surgeons since I was 13, so I have a pretty high tolerance

When it's two hours then you can gripe. (oh and when 20 minutes of it is you naked in a paper robe on a table)

20 minutes? Eh, no biggie. If its going to be more than 45, though, I expect acknowledgement and an apology.

I go to the best dr's. I sometimes have to wait. No big deal. I bring my Kindle.

Dr is currently 20 mins late for my appointment. Orthopedic surgeon if that matters