Long waits top patient complaints

Patients' top complaint about physicians is the amount of time doctors make them wait for treatment, whereas physicians' top complaint about patients is their failure to follow prescribed treatments, according to a Consumer Reports survey that examined both physicians' and patients' attitudes.

Patients also complained that physicians

• couldn't schedule an appointment within a week—19%
• spent too little time with the patient—9%
• didn't provide test results promptly—7%
• didn't respond to phone calls promptly—6%

Doctors' other complaints about patients include that they

• wait too long before making an appointment—41%
• are reluctant to discuss their symptoms—32%
• request unnecessary tests—31%
• request unnecessary prescriptions—28%

About the Author

Reed Tinsley CPA

This article is written by Reed Tinsley, a Houston, TX-based CPA with over 30 years of experience advising physicians and medical practices across Texas and the United States. Reed holds certifications as a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), Certified Healthcare Business Consultant (CHBC), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP), specializing exclusively in the healthcare sector. He is a published author, nationally recognized speaker, and trusted advisor to physicians on accounting & tax, practice management, and financial planning. Schedule a Free Consultation.