Why do doctor’s offices always double (or quadruple) book patients? Case in point - on a recent visit to my dermatologist’s office I was the victim of what I refer to as the Dr. double book. I had the second appt of the day however when I walked into the waiting room there were 10+ people waiting to see the Dr. Now I know all these people were not 1-2 hours early for their appointments, they were given the same appointment I was. Needless to say there were a tremendous amount of waiting in vain.

It got me thinking…what if other businesses started to do the Dr. double book? What if we all started to do it? Could you imagine going to the salon for a haircut and finding out that 15 other women had been booked with your stylist for the same time slot? Good luck waiting around for that one, it will be the next day before she can see you. What about tow trucks? You call a tow truck and they say I will be there at 3 to come get you. Come to find out that they told 12 other people that they would also be there at 3. Hope you keep a sleeping bag in your car because you are going to need it!

I find it pretty ridiculous that a Doctor’s office sees nothing wrong with leaving patients in the waiting room for 45-60+ minutes simply because they overbooked but will “give your appointment away” if you are more than 5 minutes late. Seriously, I mine as well be 30 minutes late to cut down on some of my waiting time!

What is the longest you have ever waited due to overbooking?

Add to del.icio.us!