News outlets report on recent developments — such as patients billing physicians for the time they spend waiting and how doctors are seeking help in dealing with difficult patients.
ABC: Could You Bill Your Doctor For Making You Wait?
Most people have been in a situation similar to Kerr's, watching the minutes slowly tick by, waiting waiting waiting for their names to be called. And some have refused to waste anymore time in waiting rooms without something to show for it, such as compensation for their time. "I think this is a fantastic idea, especially when the doctor is clearly in the wrong," said Dr. Pamela Wible, a family physician in Eugene, Ore., who gives her patients gifts of lotions or soaps if she's running more than 10 minutes late for an appointment. "This is about mutual respect. It's time to do this." Other doctors have followed the same path as Wible by offering gift cards, presents or even cold hard cash if they leave their patients waiting too long. Other offices keep patients abreast of the doctors' schedules by calling or sending text messages when running late (Conley, 7/7).