I thank you, and yes there are various things that can affect all of that.

>> I am wondering what steps they took if any to inform you and other patients of the wait time.
>> Also, I am wondering about the time of day your appointments are scheduled.

I live near a large teaching hospital where it is not unusual for a morning appointment to ultimately take most of the day by the time you actually see a doctor, and many doctors even at other locations here were trained in that setting and seem to think nothing of doing the same.

>> In most cases, the later an appointment falls the longer the wait.
>> A doctor and office cannot control those appointments that end up taking longer than expected.

Understood, and I typically make AM appointments and show up early with hopes of being finished by noon. In one case last week, I showed up an hour early and ended up finished by time my scheduled appointment time actually came around!

>> Please realize that running late is also difficult on the physician...
>> I think it likely this is difficult on their partners and family too.

Certainly, and it is sad that even doctors are often forced to keep pace on the money-driven treadmill.

>> What should have happened in my opinion is that the staff, upon your check-in, informed you of the wait time and given you the option of leaving and returning later accordingly or the option to rebook.

I have occasionally thought about asking, but I suspect I would then be labeled as being impatient or whatever!

>> My doctor's staff is aware of my mental health. If there is a wait they offer the use of a private room to do so.

The next time I suspect a long wait, I will likely ask for a quiet place where I can also find a more comfortable position for my back.