Waiting to See Your Doctor

When you have a health need, you want to see your doctor quickly and with ease. Doctors and their staff take care of many patients, and they work to make sure visits run smoothly. Sometimes emergencies come up, and you might have to wait a bit during your doctor visit.

Be prepared for your next visit—keep these tips in mind:
 

• Arrive on time. If you arrive too early, it may seem like you’re waiting a long time.
• Check in online beforehand if you can.
• Have questions for your doctor written down.
• Bring all your medications with you, or have a list of them.
• Use the extra time to enjoy a book, magazine or puzzle (bring your favorites with you).
• Know that some offices have more than one doctor. Patients called before you may be seeing a different doctor.
• Ask the waiting room staff about long wait times.