Physicians Practice: I Fired My First Patient

"A patient I had seen a couple of times in the hospital made a follow-up appointment in the office - that she didn’t show up for. Because she was in the hospital (again).

. . .

Does this sound familiar? How have you handled a difficult patient who repeatedly shows up late or not at all to appointments and is verbally abusive to staff? Read on and share your views with other colleagues on Physicians Practice blog, Practice Notes.

A few weeks ago, she was scheduled for another office appointment. A few minutes before said appointment, she called (from home) to say she was going to be late. By 10 minutes. For her 15 minute appointment. Generally, I say no to that. But I figured, she’s the last patient of the morning, and I know how badly she needs to be seen, so fine, I’ll wait the 10 minutes.

I should have known better."