Key Takeaways
- Don’t let feeling rushed during a consultation be an indication that patient-centered care is absent—it could put you at risk for poorer health outcomes.
- Watch for signs like the doctor dominating the conversation, frequent clock-watching, or vague responses, as these can indicate your concerns are not being fully heard.
- If you find that time and time again you’re leaving appointments with your questions still unanswered or without understanding the explanation given, that’s a sign to look elsewhere.
- Write down your questions and tell them what you care about most right away. By respectfully standing up for yourself, you will receive the focus and care you need in appointments!
- In the United States, high patient loads and pressures in the system may contribute to rushed visits. Though your right to great care isn’t going away, it’s still important.
- Trust your gut on this one. If you find yourself consistently feeling like a nuisance or an afterthought, look for other local providers who focus on truly listening and engaging patients.
If you felt rushed during a consultation, that’s a hard signal to look for care elsewhere. In Los Angeles, clinics and specialists frequently run on commuter time. Being hurried through an appointment can mean you’re given less time to ask questions or talk about your health issues.
Quality care typically results from frank discussions and the patient feeling listened to. Even non-native speakers appreciate the chance for local patients to have time built into appointments to discuss symptoms, treatment options, and next steps. When a provider provides fast responses, it may often result in folks feeling dissatisfied.
Rushing to end the meeting too quickly leaves them feeling unsure about their care. In this post, learn what signs to look out for during a consultation. Get tips on finding a provider who will respect your time and focus on your needs.
What “Rushed” Really Means
Being rushed at a doctor’s office doesn’t always manifest the same way. In Los Angeles, with time at a premium and clinics booking out quickly, Ms. Patients wait weeks to months for an appointment, only to have it feel like it’s over before it starts!
One study found that two-thirds of the time, doctors steer patients off track within 23 seconds. Many walk out with many unanswered questions.
Doctor Dominates Conversation
If you pay attention, you’ll see that the doctor dominates the conversation. If your individual story is dismissed, or you are made to feel pressured to accept too early, that is a warning sign.
Some doctors seem to go through their own checklist with no room for you to stop and, perhaps, start a conversation. In this context, it can be hard not to feel like just a number.
Clock-Watching Becomes Obvious
If a physician is constantly looking up at the clock, it establishes an environment in which everything feels rushed. Some of them will go as far as to say there isn’t that much time.
Even before you take your seat, you may feel like the visit has a predetermined beginning and conclusion. When technical problems arise in remote consults, physicians are forced to scramble to make up the time. This usually eats into your time.
Your Questions Get Cut Short
It’s easy to be cut off, shunted, or otherwise ignored. If you walk away feeling like your top concerns weren’t heard, or this has happened more than once, you’re in good company—so to speak.
Research indicates that just one in four patients are able to complete their opening comment during an average appointment.
Vague or Incomplete Answers
Vague or incomplete answers render full evaluation of impact impossible. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification, explanation or elaboration.
When the physician avoids specifics, this may ultimately result in you feeling shut out of your own treatment.
Dismissive Body Language
A physician’s body language speaks volumes. If they appear disengaged, look away often, or appear to be in a hurry, it will leave anyone feeling undervalued.
Why Rushed Consults Harm You
A hurried consult isn’t just uncomfortable—it can lead to serious, negative impacts on your well-being and comfort for years to come. When your doctor or clinic in Los Angeles rushes through your issues, it puts your health at risk. You deserve the thorough care that takes your whole self into consideration! Here’s how these rushed visits hurt you.
Missed Diagnoses Potential
Short consults miss important questions, or stop you mid-story. As a result, doctors are more likely to miss critical clues. A persistent cough may indicate something more serious than a cold, or a changing mole may require further evaluation.
When the focus is on getting through a list, an issue may go unmissed, even for months or years. Without true, open, two-way dialogue, you lose the opportunity to communicate what’s typical and/or give an unvarnished view of the situation. This breakdown in communication can lead to missed or incorrect diagnoses.
Poor Treatment Understanding
When doctors are in a hurry, they have less bandwidth to educate you on their plan moving forward, which can include new medications. As a result, countless patients leave confused about when or how to take their prescriptions.
When the treatment plan is not well defined, you may accidentally skip doses or take them at the wrong time. This may delay or prevent your healing and even create new health problems without your knowledge if you cannot identify an error quickly.
Erosion of Trust in Providers
When you feel rushed, you can feel like your needs are unimportant. Eventually, this erodes trust and can drive you to seek other physicians. Trust is an important part of medical care—you should feel comfortable disclosing symptoms, habits, or concerns.
Without it, you could be covering up key information that impacts your care.
Increased Patient Anxiety
Rushed, stressful appointments can lead to more anxiety for patients. You’ll be too intimidated to ask questions or afraid you’re wasting valuable time. It’s much more difficult to advocate for yourself and remember what was communicated.
This additional challenge increases your stress over your health and care.
Compromised Health Decisions
When consults are rushed, it can be a lot easier to overlook dangers or make hasty decisions. Effective health decisions require adequate information and time for consideration, which rushed consults overlook.
Your health over the next 20 years is worth the time, space, and effort to ask, learn, and decide.
Is It Rushed or Efficient?
The point here is that not all quick consults are created equal. Some seem extremely rushed, while others operate as if everything is on a perfect schedule. The difference is frequently in whether the visit is thorough and tailored to your needs, and whether you feel like you’re listened to.
Research indicates that when patients become active participants in shared decision-making, they enjoy more seamless and productive visits. Finding the right balance means you exit with clarity and a plan, not confusion and anxiety.
Your Prep vs. Their Pace
Having a list of discussion topics will ensure that you leave no stone unturned and will maximize your limited hours. If you have an idea of what you want to know, steering the discussion gets a lot simpler.
That way you can make sure nothing falls through the cracks! This prep will get you one step closer to matching your pace with your doctor’s. If you come away feeling like it was all a bit hasty, despite a solid preparation effort, that’s an indication the engagement may be moving too quickly.
It’s not simply streamlined—it’s literally intimidating.
Complexity of Your Health Issue
Many issues are quite straightforward and can be resolved in a matter of minutes. Some, however, are complicated and require more in-depth discussions.
If your health is complex—such as dealing with a chronic disease or a barrage of new symptoms—additional time is warranted. Smart physicians recognize this and compensate. If they rush through the fine print, then it’s not the right match.
System Pressures on US Doctors
In this episode, Doctor Weiler speaks to three harried doctors. Overwhelming patient loads and regulations that incentivize haste contribute to time-crunched appointments.
Electronic health records and patient portals are meant to address this, and yet, at times, efficiency is placed on a pedestal above individualized care. That balance is difficult but essential to producing excellent outcomes.
Trust Your Gut Feeling Always
If you find yourself being dismissed or just not comfortable, trust your gut. Your gut feeling is bad form.
Your comfort is important. If this is something you continue to experience, don’t be afraid to seek out a different physician.
Patient-Centered Care: The Gold Standard
Patient-centered care is widely accepted as one of the core values in today’s healthcare in the United States. It means truly putting people ahead of their symptoms. This philosophy creates the best outcomes by empowering patients to be partners in their care, rather than just isolated cases.
When clinics put patients at the center of care, the experience as a whole becomes more humanized, more dignified, and more attentive. In reality, it results in better patient satisfaction and cultivates the trust that is so greatly needed between patients and providers.
What True Patient Focus Looks Like
What a true patient-centered visit looks like Providers take their time and listen far more than they speak. They have you tell them your story and they guide you in imagining your future state of health.
Personalized steps—such as making a diabetes-friendly meal plan that can work around your jam-packed work week—help prove that your narrative counts. Empathy shows itself in the little things—saying hello, asking if you’re comfortable, asking if you have questions.
These transitions lower their concerns, allowing for each appointment to feel less hurried and much more concentrated.
Your Fundamental Right to Be Heard
Your fundamental right to be heard. Whether it’s a major issue or a minor detail, sharing your concerns makes for better care. When physicians take the time to really listen, patients know that they’re being heard.
This feeling of being respected can help build confidence in navigating difficult health decisions. According to the American Hospital Association, one of the patient rights in the United States is to be informed and involved in care decisions.
Feeling heard fosters trust and may even increase rates of recovery.
Benefits of Shared Decision-Making
When physicians and patients share in decision-making, quality of care is enhanced. When physicians talk through risks and options, it builds understanding. Such collaborative approaches—already the norm for cancer care—result in better adherence to treatment plans.
By focusing on what matters to each person, shared decision-making makes care less like a series of boxes to check.
How It Improves US Healthcare
Patient-centered care addresses deficiencies in the health system. Improved communication and teamwork on the frontlines makes care safer, more efficient, and more effective. Surveys such as the CAHPS survey assist in keeping providers accountable for addressing patients’ needs.
When patients provide feedback, clinics are able to make changes and improve standards of care. Focusing on what matters to patients will improve healthcare for all.
Feeling Rushed: Time to Switch?
Being rushed in a consultation is nerve-wracking even under normal circumstances. Across the United States, access to healthcare is unequal. In a world where time is always the scarcest resource, this feeling of being rushed may be time to go underneath the hood.
Often, a hurried appointment is simply the product of an overbooked clinic. When quick interactions are the status quo, the provider’s trust in you erodes. This ultimately impacts the level of care that you’re able to receive. Before you decide, unpack what’s actually going on. Feeling rushed? Is it time to break up and find someone who will treat you right?
1. One Bad Day or a Pattern?
Often, even one appointment is rushed due to the provider being behind or in a crisis. If you’re realizing that every appointment is rushed, then that’s a red flag. Talk about feeling rushed…it’s like the clock speeds up every time you walk into the testing room!
If you walk away from several appointments thinking you should have asked additional questions, it’s time to wave the warning flag. It could be a sign that there’s something wrong with the practice itself. We all know that good healthcare depends on following a patient through time. If the rushed pace does not change, you may lose the benefit of continuity of care. This continuity is crucial for establishing rapport and comprehension.
2. Your Concerns Consistently Ignored
Maybe a one-off snafu is understandable. Yet when you repeatedly try to discuss side effects, concerns, or even new issues and they’re consistently dismissed, annoyance turns into anger. Ignoring their concerns can rob patients of the safety and dignity that’s foundational to an effective patient-provider relationship.
For instance, if you bring up concerns about side effects from a new drug, your clinician may brush them aside without further dialogue. That might leave you feeling like your voice is never heard. Over time, this erodes your ability to trust their advice or feel safe bringing them new news. You should be an empowered partner in your care, not a bystander.
3. Feeling Like Just a Number
Healthcare in large, crowded urban environments such as Los Angeles can often feel cold and transactional. You might go through the motions: a quick greeting, a checklist of symptoms, then out the door with a prescription. When your provider doesn’t spend more than a moment looking at you, it’s like you’re just a number.
If they already appear to care more about the time than what you want, that impression quickly deepens. This approach can leave you feeling unseen and disconnected. An approach that acknowledges you as a whole person—your unique life situation and care preferences counts—goes a long way toward creating an atmosphere of collaboration.
Providers who pause to inquire about your work, children, or how treatment will fit into your day are invested. Their attention can make all the difference in your experience!
4. Lack of Clear Explanations
Walking out of an appointment wondering what in the world just took place is a warning sign. When discussions happen at an accelerated pace, or when medical terms are not defined, that’s when the confusion begins. Perhaps you lack a clear grasp of why you’re starting a new drug or the significance of a lab result.
Without clear next steps, some patients may miss a follow-up, experience heightened anxiety, or worse health outcomes. The top providers simplify difficult subjects into everyday terms. Their focus is on ensuring you walk out the door with a defined strategy and understanding of what your next steps should be.
This complete care method gives you the confidence to take charge of your well-being.
5. No Real Rapport or Connection
Fostering positive, productive relationships is essential. A good patient-provider relationship isn’t about being friends. It’s about having rapport. When the interaction is aloof or unwelcoming, it’s difficult to bring up actual concerns.
Perhaps you pen questions or hesitations in advance, but decide against them because you feel like your provider isn’t going to care about it. In a city like Los Angeles, the healthcare system can seem big and impersonal. This lack of rapport or relationship is sadly the norm, but it doesn’t have to be.
Providers who create a supportive environment, even with small gestures, encourage you to share more openly and stick with treatment plans.
6. When Your Gut Screams “Leave”
Listen to your instincts. Your gut instincts are important. If you are constantly getting the anxious, rushed, brushed off vibe, then trust that intuition. Chronic stress from hurried visits isn’t just irritating—it can compromise your immune system, affect your sleep, and drain your energy.
Those who experience hurry sickness struggle to be in the moment, feeling rushed and agitated—anxiety that extends beyond the clinic. Often, the right decision is to put your health first and find a new provider who respects your time and needs. Trusting your gut goes beyond being comfortable—it can be a matter of long-term health.
7. Exploring Other Local US Options
Switching providers may seem intimidating, but it is much simpler than you may think. Most urban areas in the U.S., including Los Angeles, offer a wide range of healthcare options, from large hospital systems to smaller private practices.
Doctors who put patients first can often be found with the help of online reviews and recommendations from friends. Create a vetted lineup of providers who hear you out. This maximizes your chances of finding a solid fit as they are good communicators and break things down for you.
Find out how to switch today! The effort involved in doing so will pay big dividends in more personalized care and feeling like a true partner in your health journey.
8. Your Health Deserves Full Attention
At its core, quality healthcare is about dignity and focus. You deserve longer consultations, where you have time to ask questions, express concerns, and be treated with dignity and respect. When we’re all fully in the moment, as patients and providers, it reduces stress and improves the experience and quality of care.
Engage in mindfulness by taking time to stop and breathe. Write down your questions in advance to keep you on track and avoid getting flustered in appointments. Understanding the symptoms of hurry sickness will equip you to make a change.
By controlling these symptoms—both in and outside of the office—you’ll find yourself experiencing greater balance and serenity in your life.
Speak Up: Advocating For Yourself
Getting the most out of a doctor’s visit, whether you’re in Los Angeles or far away, requires a little more than just walking through the door. Most of us leave our appointments feeling like we had to hurry up and get out. With the average primary care visit only 18 minutes long, preparation is essential.
It is no surprise, then, that negative experiences—such as weight stigma and a dismissal of overall needs—are rampant. Over two-thirds of patients say they have encountered weight-related bias. What’s more, almost one-fourth of LGBTQ+ Americans have experienced being blamed for their health problems. These are the numbers that help explain why self-advocacy is so important. Those that speak up usually receive improved care – just as patients that asked for Neulasta to be included in their treatment regimen experienced tangible results.
Prepare Key Questions Beforehand
Preparing a key list of questions in advance will ensure your visit stays focused. Write down what’s important—like new symptoms, side effects, or changes to your day-to-day life. Carry these notes with you.
A symptom diary can be helpful. This helps you keep everything clear and focused so you can communicate your concrete, factual needs, rather than your general feelings, to your provider. Being prepared in advance will save you both time and questions, leading to more answers in the end.
State Your Priorities Clearly
State your priorities clearly. As you begin the visit, identify your priorities. Tell the doctor at the start of the appointment what outcome you are looking for.
If pain, fatigue, or a new symptom is your top concern, make that clear from the start. Stating your needs clearly allows your healthcare provider to cut through the clutter and makes every minute of your appointment more effective.
Politely Interrupt If Necessary
If the physician is going too quickly or leaving something out, use something like, “I’m sorry, I just have a really quick question.” You might instead raise your hand and say, “I’d like to contribute.
These assertive but polite interruptions re-focus the discussion on what you require.
Always Ask for Clarification
Use simple phrases: “Can you explain that?” or “What does that mean for me?” Always ask for clarification. Follow up if you don’t understand something.
This dialogue ensures you know what to expect with your care and what should happen next.
Request a Follow-Up Appointment
If you run out of time, request a follow-up meeting. Besides addressing anything we may have missed, a follow-up visit makes sure you’re getting continued care.
Having someone there from the beginning will keep you empowered and on track.
Finding a Doctor Who Listens
We hear from countless people who leave their doctor’s office feeling like they didn’t receive the time and attention they deserve. In the U.S., visits are typically around 15 minutes. Doctors see 20 to 30 patients a day and may spend more time on paperwork than with patients face to face.
Yet, this feed-the-beast approach renders any meaningful dialogue nearly impossible. They’re not just looking for a quick turnaround—they’re looking for a doctor who listens and addresses their concerns.
The right healthcare provider will help you address your underlying issues, not just the symptoms. Here are qualities to look for:
- Shows interest in your health history and concerns
- Listens without cutting you off
- Explains things in a way you understand
- Makes time for your questions
- Treats you with respect
Researching Potential US Providers
The search for the right doctor begins with research. Healthgrades, Zocdoc, and most local health systems have directories of doctors who have been rated highly for patient-centered care.
Check for board certifications and fields of specialty. Research a potential US provider to see if there are any red flags or concerning patterns. Doing a little research ahead of time allows you to pick someone who aligns with your priorities and values.
Reading Online Reviews Wisely
This is where online reviews prove to be an invaluable tool. Pay attention to trends such as whether patients think they are rushed or that their needs are met.
Look for reviews that provide specific information, rather than ratings. Reputation Trust criticism on platforms like Yelp or hospitals’ own websites. Balance the positives with the negatives to see the whole picture.
Asking Friends for Recommendations
Trusted friends can offer honest opinions. Ask:
- Does your doctor listen to you?
- Do you feel rushed?
- Are questions welcome?
- How convenient is it to schedule an appointment?
Testimonials aren’t just about building trust; these real-life accounts can lead you to the right provider.
Your First “Interview” Consultation
Write down your questions—inquiry about your issues, their office hours, their approach to care, etc. Determine whether the doctor is an active listener and clear communicator.
Pay attention to how comfortable you are. If you come away without feeling listened to and cared for, it’s time to seek another option.
Provider View: Why Rushes Happen
Nothing about a rushed doctor’s visit feels like a privilege for most people in the U.S. There’s a larger tale lurking behind those speedy appointments. Providers are doing their best to deliver quality care within a system that is often designed by tight schedules, large patient panels, and extensive documentation requirements.
These systemic problems create challenges in delivering all patients the attention and quality of care they deserve. Knowing why this occurs can go a long way to establishing appropriate expectations and informing more productive discussions with care teams.
System Constraints and Tight Schedules
We know that the average day for the doctor is pretty tight. They need to jam in as many patients as they can, and the average primary care visit is only 18 minutes. That narrow window requires a sharp focus on each side’s value proposition.
Electronic medical records have undoubtedly improved safety and quality through a wealth of data they provide, but these records consume a large percentage of a provider’s day. Rather than treating patients, physicians often lose additional hours clicking through new forms and insurance pre-authorizations.
Insurance mandates are another barrier, complicating processes for providers and requiring them to go through additional paperwork and red tape. The difference between extraordinary care and flawed care. These issues aren’t the fault of one bad provider—they’re designed into the system of American healthcare.
High Patient Loads in the US
High patient volume leads to a rush in care delivery with varying attention level per visit and sometimes even per patient. When faced with such an overload, it’s easy to rush and miss important details or have the sense that your issues just weren’t addressed.
Providers want to provide the best possible care every day. The high volume of patients leaves little room to spend time really getting to know each patient.
Not an Excuse, But Context
Not an Excuse, But Context. System pressures do not excuse poor care. Providers can and should continue to strive for a high bar of quality, but understanding this context can allow patients to enter any visit with realistic, prioritized expectations.
Good communication will allow everyone to maximize what can be accomplished in the short amount of time that exists on both sides.
Conclusion
If you feel rushed during a consultation, it’s easy to imagine how your needs will fall by the wayside. Excellent care makes room for your questions, candid conversation, and an honest give-and-take. In hospitals across Los Angeles, people want their physician to care for them, their family, and their unique needs—not a figure in a spreadsheet. If you’re walking out of the office with more questions than when you came in, it’s time to look elsewhere. You deserve clinics where the staff knows who you are, remembers your story, and protects your health like it’s their own. Listen to your intuition. Don’t be afraid to speak up, ask your questions, and seek out care that is patient-centered. If you’ve changed doctors to find someone who better meets your needs, tell us about it! Your experiences could save another person in your town a world of hurt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to feel rushed during a consultation?
What does it mean to feel rushed during a consultation. You might leave feeling unheard or unsure about your care plan.
Can a rushed consultation affect my health?
Can a rushed consultation impact my health? This can make a real difference in your treatment and recovery.
How do I tell if my doctor is being efficient or just rushing me?
Being efficient doesn’t mean your doctor rushes through everything without letting you speak or answering questions. When an appointment is rushed, not only are key details skipped over, you walk away feeling disregarded.
Should I find a new doctor if I feel rushed?
If this is a common occurrence and you feel ignored, then it’s time to make a move! You deserve a provider who respects your time and is engaged in your care.
How can I speak up if I feel rushed?
Skills to advocate for yourself
Politely let your doctor know that you need additional time or that you have additional questions. It’s your right to be informed about your health.
Why do some providers seem rushed?
Physicians in Los Angeles and similarly congested communities are under the burden of a tremendous patient load and time constraints. Patient care must not come at the expense of providing proper care.
How do I find a doctor who listens in Los Angeles?
Request recommendations from friends, search online reviews, and find providers who prioritize patient-centered care. Your neighborhood health coalitions and insurance company provider lists are useful resources as well.