Patients have high expectations for their doctor’s visits, and that’s for good reason. In a survey from 2022, respondents from across the world said doctors and scientists are the most trusted profession. This trust means patients expect a near perfect experience at each visit, and even though that’s not possible, it is important for doctors to understand some of the frustrations patients feel during their visits. This is a list of 10 of the most commonly cited concerns and ways to address them.
1. Long Wait Times
Waiting for extended periods in the doctor’s office can be both frustrating and inconvenient. Patients often have busy schedules and limited time. Many of them have children who need care, and they view appointment times just line any other deadline. Waiting for extended periods can lead to feelings of impatience and dissatisfaction. Doctors should strive to manage their schedules effectively to minimize wait times and maximize patient satisfaction.
2. Inadequate Communication
Effective communication is essential in any doctor-patient relationship. Patients appreciate doctors who take the time to actively listen to their concerns, explain medical information in understandable terms, and address questions or doubts. Patients should never leave an appointment confused about a diagnosis, and good communication and eliminate the anxiety and lack of trust created from misunderstandings.
3. Feeling Rushed
Patients want to feel that their doctor values their time and respects their personal needs. Feeling rushed during an appointment leaves patients dissatisfied. That feeling also is leading to something called “patient burnout,” and it is considered a big problem for the medical industry. Doctors should try to allocate sufficient time for each patient encounter, allowing for thorough discussions and addressing all concerns. Doing so can cause other frustrations for patients, like creating longer wait times, but patients want to feel like they’re the most important person while doctors are in the room.
4. Lack of Personalized Care
Each patient is unique, and their medical needs should be treated accordingly. Patients may feel frustrated if they perceive that their doctor is not taking their individual concerns seriously. Providing personalized care involves tailoring treatment plans and considering the patient’s overall well-being and preferences.
5. Limited Appointment Availability
Difficulty scheduling an appointment when needed can be a significant source of frustration for patients. Long waiting lists or limited availability can lead to delays in receiving necessary care. There are all sorts of factors that limit appointments, and some of them – like number of doctors, facilities and other obligations – are unavoidable. However, when doctors can spend time focused on convenient appointment options, the greatly reduce patient frustration.
6. Complex Billing and Insurance Processes
The complexities of medical billing and insurance procedures can confuse and frustrate patients. Navigating insurance claims and understanding medical bills is overwhelming, if not impossible. Doctors should provide clear explanations of fees, assist patients in understanding their insurance coverage, and offer support in dealing with billing questions.
7. Lack of Follow-up
Patients appreciate doctors who demonstrate ongoing interest and follow-up on their progress. Failing to follow up on test results or treatment plans can leave patients feeling neglected and uneasy, and often patients are hesitant to bother their doctors. Regularly checking in with patients and providing necessary updates builds on the trust patients want to have with their doctors.
8. Insufficient Time for Questions
Patients often have questions and concerns they want to discuss with their doctor. Feeling rushed or not having enough time to address these questions can lead to frustration. The best doctors are the ones who let their patients know it’s OK to ask questions. It’s also important to think through questions someone without a medical background might have and try to address those even before the patient asks.
9. Inadequate Explanation of Treatment Options
Patients want to be actively involved in their healthcare decisions. When doctors fail to explain all the available treatment options or involve the patient in the decision-making process, patients can feel helpless. By viewing medical care as a collaboration, where doctors explain the pros and cons of different treatment plans, helps patients take ownership of their treatment and, most times, make better decisions about their health.
10. Lack of Empathy and Bedside Manner
Patients value doctors who show compassion. A lack of bedside manners, or a sense of apathy to a patient’s concerns, can create frustration among those patients. Doctors who work hard to establish a warm and supportive interaction with patients are the ones who earn trust and eliminate many of the concerns voiced by patients.
