Dooley Noted: 9/12/2014
I completely understand the frustration with trying to get an appointment with a doctor that has a tight schedule.
I once had an appointment with a neurologist, in which I had to wait 3 months for an open slot. But it was worth it.
I had a patient tell me a few days ago that scheduling with me was a “nightmare.”
So, I feel compelled to tell you why it’s so hard to get a slot with your doctor.
1. The best doctors are not vacationing in France while you await an appointment. They are working their glutes off. Trust this.
2. Billable hours are not equivocal to the time consumption of the doctor’s schedule. We spend many hours analyzing your videos, researching your cases, and improving our clinical skills.
3. Help one person, and they tell a minimum of ten people. We doctors are doing everything in our power to find you a spot that works for both of us.
4. Getting on a waiting list is always a nice back-up plan for a sooner appointment. Even when we find you a magical spot, sometimes you cancel. Sometimes, it is last minute. If this isn’t you, there are many others that do this. Do your best to keep your slot or give as much notice as you can to reschedule.
5. Show initiative in helping yourself. I feel compelled to respond to and be flexible for those people who follow a treatment plan.
6. If our schedules just can’t match, we doctors have a wide network of skilled practitioners to whom we can refer you. I have some in my same facility for this reason! We want to accommodate you.
Don’t give up on getting help because of a tight schedule. Prioritize your care, and we will help you get the care you seek.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley