We’ve all waited around in a doctor’s office, but a provider in Boston seems to have such frequent delays that they have developed a chart in their reception area to help patients know how long they will be sitting around. The chart has markers for 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, and a one-hour delay. How sad that a one-hour delay is so frequent that it needs its own designation.
Since you don’t see the chart until you are in the office, does it serve any purpose except for patients to know that they are stuck waiting? I guess it lets them know they can grab a cup of coffee or do something productive. In reality, I think it was developed to keep people from “bothering” the receptionists.
If delays occur this often, there has to be a better way than a magnetic board in the lobby. Revise the scheduling increments. Allow a buffer time. Text patients when the delay is 30 minutes or more. Do a live feed so patients can check the board before they arrive.
Sometimes, your attempt to serve is just an attempt to cover up the real problem.
Thanks, Meg!
