How long do you usually sit in your doctor's waiting room?

[Xfizzler]

Well I am insured with Kaiser. It tends to be fairly routine. But when I’m there I feel like cattle, or just another number.  Wait time if you set an appointment usually only takes about 10 minutes to be seen. However once they go through all their weight and blood pressure etc. and get you to a room. I will wait an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Then it seems like I have to go all over through trying to tell the doctor why exactly I’m there and being treated. No real sense of personal tailored assistance. Once I’m off to go get my meds that’s the part that feels like I’ve been at a drive-through waiting to get what I need and just as quick as I get it I am out but I’m still usually dissatisfied because of how quick and generic the doctor treated me and in the end it did not get exactly what I actually once I’m off to go get my meds that’s the part that feels like I’m at a drive-through waiting to get what I need and just as quick as I get it I am out but I’m still usually dissatisfied because of how quick and generic the doctor treated me and in the end did not get exactly what I actually wanted.

X, sounds like you are describing classic assembly line medicine. I feel that way sometimes when I am an inpatient at the hospital. Everyone there is playing their certain part and they act like they can do it in their sleep. All so generic and impersonal, as you say.  RM

Hi Rafterman!

Sorry for the late response. But unfortunately this is the sad reality. I look around me and wonder how many other patients are there that don’t feel like they are truly being cared for. It really hurts me to see that.

X., I know what you mean and I feel the same way. People are already in a vulnerable emotional and physical state when they are sick, then have to submit themselves for treatment to places that treatment to places that act as if they are just a number. I am a realist and I know that some of that is necessary to keep things moving, but it has gone too far. I can barely stand that interaction any more. It makes a difficult situation more difficult. Another peeve of mine if privacy. This is really a subject for a different thread, but I hate the 'one size fits all" treatment that patients get, particularly male patients. Female patients are usually accommodated when it comes to personal care, which I think is great. You aren't going to find too man male mammogram techs, if any, for instance. But if you are a guy who needs something urological (like kidney stone treatment), you don't get such an accommodation. The last thing that a sick person needs is unnecessary extra embarrassment added to his/her mental load. With a few policy tweaks, male patients can be better accommodated, but I won't hold my breath waiting for that to happen. The crime is that many will avoid treatment rather than subject themselves to that scenario. Okay, off the soapbox (for now!). Have a great day.

Rafterman! Well said! And yes I agree that women do get better treatment. My wife’s Dr. is actually understanding and cares to listen to tailor to her needs. I just asked to be transferred over to her. Hopefully I too xmcan get better treatment. I appreciate your thoughts on the last message.