02/09/2012
Q: Why is it that when you go to a doctor's appointment and show up at your scheduled time, you still have to wait for hours in the waiting room?
—Margaret Anderson
It all boils down to what makes the world go round: money. The more patients they see and procedures they perform, the more money they earn. They also overbook your scheduled time slot to offset any possible cancellations.
My suggestion to the doctors' offices is that they begin allowing patients to pay a higher co-pay if they so choose in order to join the “Premier Patient Club,” where you are privy to certain perks. In addition to being seen by the doctor first, you would have a separate waiting room where the staff brings you chicken soup and chilled shots of cough syrup. There could be a curtain separating the premier patients from the rest of the sick like on an airplane, and the exam rooms would all have feather-top beds and harpists.
But seriously, here are some tips that might make going to the doctor a little less painful:
- Try to get the earliest appointment in the day.
- When you make your appointment, ask which day of the week looks the lightest.
- Bring a good book/electronic distraction.
- Wash your hands after touching ANYTHING in the waiting room.
- Marry a doctor lenient with his/her prescription pad!
02/03/2012
Advice by Molly Forthright
Don't be unclear. I am not claiming to be an expert in all things or even one thing in particular. But I do have a propensity for brutal honesty and sarcasm. Ask me no questions, and I'll tell you no lies has always been my mantra.
Almost everyone is common in that they can all identify with certain situations in life. What I am offering is a place to ask the kinds of questions on everybody's mind. Topics like bad driving, rude people, work problems, relationship disasters and parenting dilemmas are things we can all relate to. Visit often to witness my snarky approach to handling everyday nuisances, and don't hesitate sending me your questions or opinions. I assure you that I can take what I dish out.
So fire away, but be warned...you might be asking for trouble.
