Master Thread of Pet Peeves

[ExGingi]

Merkaz gutnik l'ktanim v'ligdolim

We know about that one. But even that one doesn't have a plaque.

[yochiek93]

Sure. Come on over & lemme know which teeth you want knocked out.

How much would the settlement be for, it might be worth it

[whYME]

The patients on their side, don't feel that they're entitled to much, as they aren't the ones paying, and don't feel like they are in any position to bargain about the service or the price.

-1/2
It's not about feeling entitled.

I've complained plenty, but when I'm not the one cutting the check my complaints don't really have any teeth.
The only power I have is to take my business elsewhere. I've been flirting with that idea for a while now.

Do you really think this situation would go on if each and every person coming for service would have to write a check for it?

Of course not.

It's a vicious cycle: patients often come late or cancel so doctors overbook to compensate; patients who come on time get frustrated and start coming late, etc.

That's part of the problem but IMO it's not the core of the issue. Of course you can't expect them to be running on time 100% of the time, but when they're virtually always running behind with the appointments something is wrong with their booking methodology. What really bugs me the most is when I call and ask when I should come in and they say "come now" or "come in 15 minutes" and I get there and I still need to wait 20 minutes to be put in a room and then another half hour until the doctor comes around.

[yitrap]

People that underestimate the value of restrooms. Did you ever see a dedication on a shul or yeshiva restroom?

Zichron moshe Shtieblach.

[ckmk47]

What really bugs me the most is when I call and ask when I should come in and they say "come now" or "come in 15 minutes" and I get there and I still need to wait 20 minutes to be put in a room and then another half hour until the doctor comes around.

+1
I once made the 'last' appointment of the day by a doctor, because I had experience waiting in his office.  I called near my appointment time and asked how they're 'running', when should I come.  She said 'now'.  I got there and waited my usual over an hour and a half.  My last time in his office.

[ExGingi]

-1/2
It's not about feeling entitled.

I've complained plenty, but when I'm not the one cutting the check my complaints don't really have any teeth.

Which is why I tell them that I am paying and have no insurance.

Try it, you will feel empowered!

The only power I have is to take my business elsewhere. I've been flirting with that idea for a while now.

I have done that where a nurse practitioner is sufficient. Saves me money, time, and עגמת נפש.

What really bugs me the most is when I call and ask when I should come in and they say "come now" or "come in 15 minutes" and I get there and I still need to wait 20 minutes to be put in a room and then another half hour until the doctor comes around.

Which is why I tell them when I book my appointment that I am around the corner, and they should call me as soon as they have a room ready for me to go into. I tell them that if I have to wait in the reception room more that 2-3 minutes (whatever might be reasonable if the staff is dealing with someone else when I walk in) I will deduct money from my payment. I've never had to make good on my threat, as they comply and call me when a room is ready! We should all do the same!

[thaber]

Which is why I tell them that I am paying and have no insurance.

Try it, you will feel empowered!
I have done that where a nurse practitioner is sufficient. Saves me money, time, and עגמת נפש.
Which is why I tell them when I book my appointment that I am around the corner, and they should call me as soon as they have a room ready for me to go into. I tell them that if I have to wait in the reception room more that 2-3 minutes (whatever might be reasonable if the staff is dealing with someone else when I walk in) I will deduct money from my payment. I've never had to make good on my threat, as they comply and call me when a room is ready! We should all do the same!

This sounds like campaign trump talk. If I was your doctor and I am busy enough to keep you waiting for hours, I have more then enough patients to blow off the guy who threatens to deduct payment per minute spent waiting. The maaleh of not having to bill insurance for a single patient is not enough to make it worth it. But hey, if it makes you feel empowered..

[as2]

This sounds like campaign trump talk. If I was your doctor and I am busy enough to keep you waiting for hours, I have more then enough patients to blow off the guy who threatens to deduct payment per minute spent waiting. The maaleh of not having to bill insurance for a single patient is not enough to make it worth it. But hey, if it makes you feel empowered..

Whether he feels empowered or not, his tactics have clearly worked for him, and the doctor clearly doesn't think the way you do. Bottom line is, if it gets results, who cares?

[thaber]

Whether he feels empowered or not, his tactics have clearly worked for him, and the doctor clearly doesn't think the way you do. Bottom line is, if it gets results, who cares?

It seems like a bully tactic to me. I'd imagine the doctor and his staff care.
Of he's not as belligerent in real life as he's making himself sound that would be a different story.

[ExGingi]

This sounds like campaign trump talk. If I was your doctor and I am busy enough to keep you waiting for hours, I have more then enough patients to blow off the guy who threatens to deduct payment per minute spent waiting. The maaleh of not having to bill insurance for a single patient is not enough to make it worth it. But hey, if it makes you feel empowered..

I doubt this even gets to the Doctor. It is enough to get the staff to cooperate! However, if push comes to shove and I am abused by the staff,the Doctor will definitely hear about it when I am seen. (Caveat: there are quite a few doctors in that office, if it's the one doctor I really want to see, I won't play as hard).

[keemster26]

Time for a new thread on waiting rooms in doctors offices

[thaber]

Time for a new thread on waiting rooms in doctors offices

Back to pet peeves :
People who could get their way being polite and friendly but instead are belligerent and ultimatum giving

[aygart]

Back to pet peeves :
People who could get their way being polite and friendly but instead are belligerent and ultimatum giving

Good thing we aren't in a thread about doctor waiting rooms since polite would never work there

[ExGingi]

Back to pet peeves :
People who could get their way being polite and friendly but instead are belligerent and ultimatum giving

People who make assumptions without being familiar with the subject matter and/or the facts.

[ExGingi]

Good thing we aren't in a thread about doctor waiting rooms since polite would never work there

-1
In some cases, and for certain issues politeness works great even in the worst medical offices. However there are certain behaviors/attitudes where an alternative, out-of-the-box approach needs to be tried (though if everyone would use it, it probably won't work. Also, when attempting such an approach, one must be ready to lose).

[thaber]

People who make assumptions without being familiar with the subject matter and/or the facts.

+1. I was starting a new peeve, remember?

Good thing we aren't in a thread about doctor waiting rooms since polite would never work there

-1.this may be locale specific

[Work-for-ur-muny]

Maybe he was up to 3am that morning making house calls his coffee?

FTFY

[Live N Learn]

People who daven Shemoneh Esrei in middle of the aisle.

[good sam]

People who daven EXTRA LONG Shemoneh Esrei in middle of the aisle.

And that

[Work-for-ur-muny]

People who take only half the piece of cake from the tray by a kiddush or yartzeit? Nah, not really...

People who take only the top half of the piece of cake from the tray by a kiddush or yartzeit after breaking it horizontally.