Beyond the Waiting Room:

We've all experienced it: sitting in a waiting room, glancing at the clock, wondering when our name will finally be called. While occasional, short delays in a medical setting can sometimes be understandable, consistent or significant wait times raise an important question: How much should your time be valued in the healthcare equation?

At Integrative Family Medicine of Bend, we believe that respecting your time is a fundamental component of providing thoughtful, patient-centered care. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about respect, trust, and creating a positive environment for healing.

A Recent Reminder: When Waiting Becomes Disrespectful

I was recently reminded of this quite powerfully, not as a physician, but as a parent. I took my six-year-old son for his annual well-child checkup at his pediatrician's office. Like most kids his age, sitting still in a waiting room isn't his favorite activity. After about 25 minutes past our scheduled appointment time, with restlessness setting in, I approached the front desk to politely inquire about the estimated wait.

The response was jarring: "Oh, the doctor is running about an hour behind schedule today."

An hour? With no prior notification? While I understand that unexpected things can happen in medicine, waiting 25 minutes only to find out we had at least another hour (or more) felt genuinely disrespectful of our time. My son was understandably antsy, and I had a subsequent meeting I needed to attend. Faced with an indefinite, significant delay and feeling that our commitment to being on time wasn't reciprocated, we unfortunately had to leave without seeing the doctor.

This experience wasn't just frustrating; it underscored why timeliness is so critical in the doctor-patient relationship.

Why Punctuality in Healthcare Matters:

1. It Signals Respect: Being on time shows that your provider values you as a person, not just a slot in their schedule. It acknowledges that you have commitments, responsibilities, and a life outside the clinic walls. Chronic lateness can feel like your time isn't considered important.
2. Reduces Anxiety: Waiting rooms can already be places of heightened anxiety for many people, especially children. Prolonged, uncertain waits only exacerbate this stress. Getting patients into their appointments promptly helps create a calmer, more reassuring experience.
3. Allows for Focused Care: When a schedule runs significantly behind, appointments can feel rushed. Both the patient and the provider might feel pressured, potentially impacting the quality of communication and the thoroughness of the visit. Maintaining a schedule allows for the necessary time to listen, discuss, and address health concerns properly.
4. Builds Trust: Reliability is a cornerstone of trust. When you know your provider makes a concerted effort to be punctual, it builds confidence in their professionalism and their commitment to your overall well-being.

Our Commitment at IFM Bend

My recent experience reinforced my commitment to how we operate at Integrative Family Medicine of Bend. We know you lead busy lives – juggling work, family, school, and personal needs. That's why we actively structure our scheduling and workflow to minimize wait times and honor your appointments.

We believe that "integrative care" extends beyond treating symptoms; it includes respecting the whole person, and that includes your valuable time. While the unpredictable nature of medicine means unforeseen emergencies can occasionally cause minor delays, we strive to communicate proactively if situations arise and always aim to keep your wait brief.

Your health journey deserves attention, care, and respect – and that respect begins the moment your appointment is scheduled. Thank you for trusting Integrative Family Medicine of Bend with your care. We promise to keep valuing your time as much as we value your health.