Long Wait Times

Let’s face it. There’s nothing worse than having a long wait time before seeing the doctor. And while it’s hard for just about everyone, it’s particularly hard on kids going through cancer treatment. Their calendars are already overcrowded with medical appointments. And more minutes at the doctor’s office waiting can only add to their angst. So, what can you do to make long wait times easier on both you and your child?

Why Long Wait Times Anyway?

First let’s look at why wait times are so long.  When you understand why, then you can take steps to change it, or at least make it easier for you and your child.

There are a variety of reasons that cause long wait times.  Equipment malfunctions, computer problems, staffing issues and patient emergencies can all contribute to appointment backups. Not to mention patients who arrive late and throw the schedule off and those who require extra time with the doctor.

Then there’s extensive medical documentation required by insurance and health regulatory agencies.  Doctors need to enter the information in real time or immediately after, which can add even more time to each visit and even more time waiting in the waiting room. To add to that is the barrage of phone calls throughout the day. This also takes time away from direct patient care as doctors and staff respond to urgent questions from patients, other physicians, pharmacists, and insurance companies.

Although all these situations are unavoidable, there are steps that you can take to minimize your chances of experiencing long wait times.

Schedule Appointments Wisely

First and foremost, schedule your appointment wisely.  When it comes to scheduling appointments, the earlier the better. If at all possible, try to get the earliest appointment in the morning or the first appointment right after lunch. During these times, you’ll avoid a backed-up of patients and there’s a better chance that the doctor will be running on time.

When you’re making an appointment, ask for one on a day or time where the doctor’s schedule is lighter. This can reduce your chances of having to wait. And try to avoid booking appointments on a school holiday or when your doctor is just returning from a vacation, conference, or period of time away from the office. Avoid making appointments on peak times like, Saturdays, evenings and holidays. And stay away from Mondays crammed with appointments for kids who got sick over the weekend.

So, what else can you do?  Call ahead.  Before you head out the door to the appointment, call the office and ask if the doctor is running on time and if you should arrive as scheduled or come a little later. Be prepared by checking-in electronically ahead of time or fill out the paperwork before you come to the office which will speed up your check-in process.

Making Wait Time More Palatable

Despite all the measures you may take to reduce waiting, sometimes a wait may be unavoidable.  But there are still things that you can do to make the wait more palatable. If you are prepared to wait, then your wait time will be less stressful.

First leave yourself plenty of time before and after the appointment. You don’t want to create more stress for yourself by scheduling something too close to your appointment. And factor in that the appointment will be much longer than you think it will be.  It won’t be so frustrating to wait if you’ve already planned on it. And if you’re not exhibiting frustration, then hopefully your child won’t be feeling it either.

Secondly, be prepared with waiting activities. That means a book, or knitting or paperwork for you and something that will keep your child occupied. Laptops, tablets and electronics like the ones that Mikey’s Way distributes are portable and packed filled with things that will offer both distraction and connection for your child.  You can also pack a bag of age-appropriate toys and activities specifically for waiting occasions. These might include: stickers, activity books, markers/crayons, pipe cleaners, playing cards and small toys such as Matchbook cars or action figures. And the markers, crayons and stickers are great for your child to use on the paper on the exam table while you wait to see the doctor. You might also want to pack water and a couple of healthy snacks such as pretzels or granola.

Have a couple of games up your sleeve that you can play with them such as I Spy. And have a blanket on hand if you think the office will be overly airconditioned or cold.

A little extra planning can go a long way toward avoiding the additional stress of long waits at the doctor’s office.