OpenHealth Q&A

If your doctor is late for an appointment and you have another appointment scheduled soon, it’s understandable to feel anxious. Here are some key points to consider and actions you can take:

1. Check with the Receptionist: If you haven’t already, approach the front desk staff. They can provide you with an update on your doctor’s arrival time and may also inform you if the delay will affect your ability to see the next doctor on time.

2. Prioritize Your Appointments: Given that you have another appointment in 5 minutes, you may need to make a decision quickly. Usually, if you wait a little longer for the first doctor and there's no sign of arrival, it may be best to head to your next appointment to avoid being late.

3. Consider the Policies:

   • Missed Appointments: If you leave for your second appointment and the first doctor arrives shortly after your departure, many practices have policies that allow you to reschedule without a fee if you're not seen. However, this can vary by practice.
   • Fees for Late Arrivals: Some clinics charge fees for missed appointments, but typically this applies if you do not inform them of your departure. You might still want to confirm these details with the staff.

Next Steps:

• Talk to the Staff: Approach the receptionist to inquire about the estimated wait time for the first doctor.
• Make a Decision: If the wait is significant (for example, more than 10 minutes), consider attending your next appointment to ensure you don’t miss it.
• Notify Them If Leaving: If you decide to leave, let the staff know so they can mark your first appointment accordingly and reduce the chance of being charged a missed appointment fee.

Remember, it's okay to prioritize your health appointments, and the staff are there to assist you through this process.