By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Addressing Patient Wait-Time Woes
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Business > Hospital Administration > Addressing Patient Wait-Time Woes
BusinessHospital Administration

Addressing Patient Wait-Time Woes

Andy Salmen
Andy Salmen
Share
4 Min Read
addressing wait time HIS
SHARE

addressing wait time HISIt’s no secret that some patients get upset at long wait times in healthcare offices, but a recent survey from Software Advice put numbe

Contents
  • Tips for Reducing Frustration with Wait Time
  • Tips for Reducing Patient Wait Times

addressing wait time HISIt’s no secret that some patients get upset at long wait times in healthcare offices, but a recent survey from Software Advice put numbers to the patient experience problem. According to the survey, 97 percent of patients report being frustrated with wait times, even though 45 percent of respondents said they waited less than fifteen minutes to see a doctor.

This research from Software Advice indicates patients are increasingly relying on online reviews for information about things such as wait times before they make appointments.  Though physicians can’t guarantee short wait times for every appointment in medical offices, emergencies and critical situations are bound to throw things off. Occasionally, there are some things offices can do to reduce wait times or create a positive patient experience when excessive wait times occur.

Tips for Reducing Frustration with Wait Time

Waits will happen, and medical offices can take action to positively impact patient experience throughout the process.  According to the Software Advice survey, 80 percent of respondents stated information about the wait would reduce frustration.  When patients check in, let them know how long the average wait is and keep those in the waiting room informed of delays.

More Read

Choosing New Tech Tools: Tips from a Hospital CMO
Chicago: The Future Health Tech Hub of the US?
Healing Environments
Can Savvy Marketing Solve the Problem of Low Clinical Trial Recruitment?
Is Social Media a Fit for Doctors?

Other ways to reduce frustration with waiting include:

  • Apologizing for delays.  The survey indicated that apologies from the physician were especially powerful in creating better patient experiences.
  • Offer free Wi-Fi in the waiting room.  Busy professionals will appreciate the ability to keep up with work, parents can entertain kids, and all patients can use the time to access email, books, or news.
  • Provide televisions in the waiting room.
  • Provide complimentary food and beverages, such as coffee, fruit, water, juice, and other small snacks when appropriate.
  • When possible, offer the chance to see a different physician within the practice to reduce wait times.

Tips for Reducing Patient Wait Times

Reducing wait times is one way to increase patient satisfaction, and office efficiency is the best way to do so.  Develop procedures for handling as much administrative work as possible before the patient arrives.  When patients make appointments online or via the phone, prompt them for necessary information such as address, phone, symptoms, and insurance.  For specialists in areas like orthopaedic or radiology offices, ensure referral records arrive before the patient.

Don’t overbook appointments.  Use exam rooms to keep patients rotating from the waiting room.  Even if patients are waiting a few minutes, the fact that other people are moving reduces the feeling that the office is backlogged and the appointment is taking forever.

Remove unnecessary tasks from physicians to speed up the process.  Physicians and clinical staff should spend as much time on patient treatment as possible.  Use software and services to make claims processing and medical records management more efficient.  When possible, use nurses for high volume functions such as injections or routine clinical questions.  Concentrate on efficiency to provide a patient experience that is quick and thorough, but never rushed.

(Image courtesy of: Ambro/ Freedigitalphotos.net)

TAGGED:wait-times
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

a woman walking on the hallway
6 Easy Healthcare Ways to Sit Less and Move More Every Day
Health
September 9, 2025
Clinical Expertise
Healthcare at a Crossroads: Why Leadership Matters More Than Ever
Global Healthcare
September 9, 2025
travel nurse in north carolina
Balancing Speed and Scope: Choosing the Nursing Degree That Fits Your Goals
Nursing
September 1, 2025
intimacy
How to Keep Intimacy Comfortable as You Age
Relationship and Lifestyle Senior Care
September 1, 2025

You Might also Like

collaborative conflict in healthcare
Hospital Administration

Collaborative Conflict

December 12, 2013
Business

Supply Chain Disruptions: The Enterprise Killer

October 16, 2017
BusinessFinance

How To Get Capital For New Equipment For Your Healthcare Business

June 21, 2019

HealthPocket: The Kayak of Health Insurance

December 14, 2012
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?