When people know you’re a doctor, they never fail to tell you about their doctor and the interactions they have had with him/her. The thing they complain about the most is the lack of time the doctor spends with them. They make comments like, “He had his hand on the door handle the whole time!” “I couldn’t get a word in edgewise!” “I never said a word!” It’s frustrating for patients because to them the doctor’s behavior says he/she doesn’t care. He/she isn’t willing to spend the time needed to get a handle on the patient’s problem.
The word “time” was mentioned several times in the previous paragraph because it’s a precious commodity whose value is expressed in many ways. Time is valuable because the use of it is controlled by the physician, and if he/she uses it effectively, it makes a difference in outcome. It’s a proven fact, that if the bond of trust between the doctor and patient is strong, the patient will be healthier, is more adherent to treatment, has a higher level of satisfaction, and has better health outcomes. The amount of time the doctor devotes to a patient, correlates directly with a strong alliance and greater trust.
Finding time for a patient can be difficult in the traditional fee-for-service practice model. Productivity (how many patients are seen per day or per hour) is so important in fee-for-service practices because it is the factor that sustains the practice. The doctor’s business will suffer financial deficits if he/she is inefficient in time use. The doctor has to maximize time use and minimize idle conversation. Having extra time is far more likely in a direct primary care/concierge practice setting. A smaller patient panel and longer appointment times allow for better communication with each patient. The doctor has a better chance to get to know his/her patient and perhaps recognize previously undiagnosed problems.
Time is also a therapeutic modality when it’s used wisely. All doctors have told patients their current problem just needs some time to resolve. Or during a diagnostic dilemma the doctor may say “Only time will tell us what’s going on with Mrs. Smith.” “That wound just needs more time to heal.” “ We have all the time in the world.” Time is usually a good thing when there’s plenty of it because tempers subside and things become clearer.
Just be sure the doctor doesn’t short change you and gives you all the time you need.
Reference: Dhami R., This May Be Primary Care’s Most Overlooked Intervention. medscape.com 2026 August 12.
