Your appointment is only 10 minutes long...

Published

My mother does not like going to the doctor so to get her there is a big ordeal. She had had a bunch of little things that should have been seen by a doctor but she puts it off. When she started getting numbness in her left hand I made her go to the doctor. Well actually she visits a NP. I usually prefer the NP because they seem to have more time and really listen to you. I encourage my mother to write her problems on a little note card before we go so she will not forget anything. When we got there my mom started on her list and after 2 issues the NP stopped her and said " your appointment is only 10 minutes long so we need to wrap this up" THIS SHOCKED ME! It has been a few days and I am still upset... really upset. My mother did not get to finish telling her what her medical problems were and she is now double reluctant to go to a doctor because now she doesnt even want to go to the NP anymore. Im just upset and frustrated but what I am really looking for is for some ideas on how to deal with this. I really want to send the NP a letter or somthing but would not know what to say. I love my mom a lot and just want her to take care of herself and this NP really SUCKS. Any ideas on what I should say in the letter or what I should do? Thanks for any help.

Specializes in Oncology.
:igtsyt: If a patient comes in and takes more than 10 minutes, and it is a trend that is happening in the doctors office. Maybe they should look into changing there policy instead of trying to be money greedy. Isn't that what you pay for? This absolutely frustrates me, this is not how it should be. The doctors or NP should be caring instead of trying to just take the money from people that don't have it. Who cares if they have a list, that is what THEY are paying for.

And for someone trying to make everyone think that is ok for a doctor or NP to say that that there time was up., shame on you!

:twocents:

PCPs often make less than NPs in specialties as it is. If they let everyone have an hour to discuss any issue from the last 6 months they can think of, they wouldn't even be able to pay their bills.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in IMCU.

I think that it is a bit much to behave like that with someone, especially someone older. Why couldn't the NP have suggested, kindly, that you deal with the couple of things bothering her the most and ask her to come in for another appointment?

I don't know if it is a myth, but didn't they used to say it was the last thing that the patient mentioned that was the thing that REALLY brought them to the doctor/NP?

I do tend to store things up for my own doctor, but I book a double appointment. I also tell him I booked a double when he walks in the door so he knows he doesn't have to worry as much about time. It works quite well for us both.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in IMCU.
i just want to say that i love my doc, absolutely love him.

i have many health problems, and i see my internist 4-5 times a year to ensure that i am not 'bogging' him down with crap.

me too. :bugeyes:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in tele, oncology.

I have managed to avoid this issue by only going to docs that I know from working at the hospital.

I've spent the most time with my OB/GYN over the last several years, since I had a baby nearly three years ago and then had a hysto last year. I never felt rushed. There were times when I had to wait, but that's the nature of the beast...if I expect my docs/NPs to take time with me when it's warranted, I have to assume that they've done the same for others and may end up running behind.

I'm looking for a PCP now, and am soliciting the opinion of nurses that I trust to try and weed through the candidates. It's the best way that I've found for finding someone you can trust who will take the time necessary with you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in IMCU.
That NP, should be ashmed of herself. Any practice that gives you the bums rush, should get one too. My Drs. office has no such policy, and if they did, I would switch. And, when I go to the Doctor, I see a Doctor. No NP's for me, not interested at all.:wink2:

Sorry you don't like the idea of NPs. I love them. My hand surgeon has one who was THE best medical professional I have ever seen. EVER. Everything from her knowledge to manner was exceptional. I even wrote a letter to the admin of the clinic and said so.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology.

When I was a teenager, I was seen at a specialty clinic at our local children's hospital. I LOVED that doctor. And he spent a ton of time with me. But, I averaged a 3 hr wait each time I went. I knew the wait was worth it. I brought books and hw. I planned on the wait. But that was the price I paid to have him spend time with me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU.

It's interesting reading all the responses. I have to say that I have physicians that keep me waiting who fall into both categories. My OB/GYN frequently keeps me waiting a long time, but when it's my turn, he'll hear me out and spend as much time as I need. I adore him!

The opthalmologists I've seen with my kids (3 different ones) book several kids for every time slot but spend next to no time with each patient (I've talked to friends who have the same experience) and then turn around and say to come back in six weeks. It's infuriating! :down:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have seen plenty of NPs and they are excellent for many things. I saw one in the hospital when I broke my foot for them to wrap until I saw an orthopedist, had one presribe meds for bronchitis, etc. They were professional, got the job done, and I received the help I needed. That's what they are there for.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Rehab, Infection, LTC.

well now i know why i felt like my PCP was rushing thru my last appt.

what bothers me about this is that if a PCP/NP won't listen to the patient's "list", how can they properly diagnose anything?

nonmedical people are really ignorant at times and may not realize what is trivial and important.

so if you dont even listen to their list (and maybe say...ok lets take care of the pertinent problem then work on the rest on your f/u) then what happens if you miss a diagnosis and the patient has cancer or something? your butt would be toast, no?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiology.

To anyone afraid that health care rationing is coming, guess what? It's already here. Perfect example.

It's not about NPs vs. MDs, it's not about caring -- it's about a provider being compensated for his or her time. If that means scheduling 4, 6, or more patients an hour to make revenue goals, that's what's going to happen. And you can always count on work-ins -- we try to limit them but if an unscheduled pt or scheduled pt's spouse walks in complaining of chest pain, we can't very well turn them away.

Add the fact that my clinical time is limited by the need to spend hours on the phone getting preauths for procedures and medication, or trying to give recaps by phone to family members who are concerned about what transpired at the appointment but not concerned enough come along.

Some providers and practices handle it better than others, but unless you are blessed with the resources to pay for concierge care (I am not), this is the system we have. Most of us are doing our best.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

So do you guys think I should just let it go and in the future mabye just book double appointments or do you feel like writing a letter to this NP would actually make a diffrence for one of her patients in the future? Thanks for all the input btw its really helping me and seeing it from the point of view of someone working in the setting helps. Still a bit angry tho.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Sometimes it is worth writing in and maybe not actually making a complaint but an observation on how it came across. It may be that the NP was under a lot of stress that you didn't see and didn't mean to come across like she did.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion