Time is Money

The fact that 35% of family physicians spend just 9 to 12 minutes with a patient is definitely cause for concern. When you consider that these are the doctors who are often our first point of contact when we’re feeling sick or need medical advice, it’s clear that 9 to 12 minutes is hardly enough time to fully understand a patient’s concerns, make an accurate diagnosis, and provide effective treatment.

Of course, there are many factors that contribute to these short visit times, from the pressure to see more patients in a day to the administrative burdens of modern medicine. But as patients, it’s important to remember that we have a voice in our healthcare, and that we should advocate for the time and attention that we need to stay healthy.