While at the doctor's office I noticed a small poster that one of the employees had written and taped to the wall.  I thought it was a rather well done list that described the Top 10 reasons why you wait at the doctor's office.  I thought I'd post it on the blog for interests sake.

#1
Problem: Appointment booked for 15 minutes; You have 10 items to discuss.
Solution: Please let the receptionist know ALL of your concerns so that the appropriate amount of time is booked for you.

#2
Problem: Appointment booked for 15 minutes. You have two items to discuss but you don't bring up the second item until the 15 minutes are used up.
Solution: Please let the receptionist know when booking your appointment.  Please let the medical assistant know so that it is written in the chart and the Doctor can budget the correct time for each complaint.  By telling the assistant your complaints, it also allows them to prepare you for the Doctor (i.e. undress appropriate area, take blood pressure, find a test result, etc.) which improves the efficiency of the Doctors time.

#3
Problem: Appointment booked for little Johnny only. Little Suzy , Bobby and Harry come and need to be seen.
Solution: When one child is sick and an appointment has been made, another child may become ill. It is important to call and ask to fit your child in so that another appointment is not booked close to yours and that the charts can be located and ready for your Doctor.

#4
Problem: Appointment booked for wife - husband comes and wants to be seen as well.
Solution: It is important to call and ask so that the schedule can be adjusted.

#5
Problem: Too many people are getting sick!!
Solution: Regular exercise, good well balanced diet and proper sleep.  

#6
Problem: Emergency patient walk-in without an appointment
Solution: Patients will be assessed by the receptionist and will either be seen immediately, scheduled for later that day or booked for another day depending on complaint.

#7
Problem: You have been sick for "years" and you have not discussed it for quite some time with your doctor, but a regular (15 minute) appointment has been booked.
Solution: Please inform the receptionist that your medical concern may take more time.

#8
Problem: You asked for a pap test (15 min) but have other concerns.
Solution: Please book a complete medical (30 min), so that all concerns can be addressed.

#9
Problem: You've run out of medications and need to be seen that day, so you are fit-in (5 min). You forget which medications you are on or need.  This adds ot the length of the appointment.
Solution: Please look ahead to see what medications are running low, check refills and BRING IN YOUR MEDICATIONS OR A LIST.  Please ask your pharmacist for a list of current medications.

#10
Problem: You have an appointment for an injection or to remove stitches (5 min). You also want the doctor to discuss other concerns or ailments.
Solution: Please call and request a longer appointment.