Why Do Doctor’s Run Late?
The usual reasons are pretty obvious.
I have to see more patients in the same amount of time to make less money than I did before. I have to be available at any moment for a delivery because babies can’t wait. I have to respond to any surgical emergency when it happens. Sometimes patients are late or show up on the wrong day and I try to fit them in. Etc, Etc…
But it is also because I love to see my patients and talk to them!
I genuinely want to hear what they have to say. Sometimes that means I’m running late. I want to know how your parents are celebrating an anniversary. I want to know the wedding you were so excited to talk about last year went well or that the Maid of Honor got dumped the day before the wedding and didn’t show up (true story). I want to hear how your kids are doing. I want to spend a few minutes comforting you when you are about to put your dog down after 15 years. I also share my family updates when you ask. I even ask your advice on parenting or relationships. I’m also not going to rush through a visit when someone is having a miscarriage or I have to tell them they have cancer. By communicating with my patients, I take better care of them.
It is also because I am human!
I have to go to the bathroom. I might be on my period. I might have a headache or not feel well that day. I might have just recovered from having my knee repaired and I’m walking slow. I might be starving and need a snack. I might have stopped to pump because I think breastfeeding my kids was worth it. I get calls from my kids’ school, or my parents. My office staff may need me to respond to an insurance company’s denial for a procedure you need. I have to take a call from another doctor about you or another patient. I do my best to stay on time. I try to apologize when I am running late. I try to communicate with my patients if I have to leave for a delivery or an emergency. If a patient is in a time crunch, I may see them before you. I do the best I can to keep everyone happy and on time. There are lots of reasons a doctor can be running late.
If you are in a hurry, please let us know. We will do our best to get you seen and cared for!
About Dallas Obstetrics & Gynecology PA
For over 35 years, our team of Board Certified, North Dallas physicians have provided the highest quality of comprehensive women’s healthcare in gynecology and obstetrics. We serve Dallas, North Dallas, Richardson, Addison, Garland, Preston Hollow, Lake Highlands, Vickery Meadow, Plano, Carrollton, Lakewood, Farmers Branch and Buckingham by providing care to women through all stages of life. Our physicians are diverse in medical specializations as well as diverse in culture: we speak English, Spanish, Hebrew, Vietnamese and ASL. Contact us today for an appointment at 972-566-7009.
