14 Biggest Mistakes People Make at The Doctor’s Office (And What To Do Instead)

Going to the doctor can be stressful, but it’s important to remember that etiquette should be followed. These rules are in place to make the visit more comfortable for everyone. Disruptive behavior can be irritating to medical staff and other patients. Here are some common etiquette mistakes and ways to act instead. 

Coming in unprepared

Write down your symptoms, medications, and questions while at home. It will be helpful to your doctor, and you won’t have to think about everything you want to know on the spot. You should also have all your paperwork in order so you don’t crown the front desk. 

Snapping at the staff

Sometimes, schedules get mixed up, and delays happen, but arguing with medical staff will not improve the situation. There are protocols if you want to file an official complaint, but taking out anger at the staff and making a scene will not help your case. 

Wearing strong scents 

Take a shower before your appointment, but skip fragrance or cologne. Other people waiting might be sick, and the scent could make them sicker. Additionally, you may cause someone’s allergies to flare up or give your doctor a headache. Hormone-disrupting mixtures in fragrances disrupt the natural cycle, so it is another reason not to wear them, especially if you’re going to a gynecologist. 

Thinking you’re not contagious 

Coughing and sneezing in the waiting room and at the doctor’s office can make others sick. You came to the doctor’s because you felt unwell, and you should not assume you are not contagious. Wear a mask if possible, or sneeze into your elbow. Wash your hands before touching anything, and give people space at the front desk. 

Allowing kids to be noisy 

Making noise in the waiting room is disrespectful, yet many people, especially with small children, treat it as a playground. Bring no-noise entertainment for your children and teach them by setting an example. You can prepare them beforehand. Remember that no one will judge your children because they are just kids. You will be judged by patients and some medical staff as well. 

Talking instead of a child

If you’re visiting a pediatrician, and a child knows how to speak, let them talk. You can ask follow-up questions and discuss the treatment with the doctor, but the child should describe the symptoms. Pediatricians understand children’s expressions. Since the child is a patient, they will provide more input than anyone else. 

Not being honest

Your doctor has heard it all before, and regardless of how embarrassing your confession might be, they won’t judge you. Being honest with your doctor is vital because it directly reflects on your health. Withholding the truth about your diet, drinking, or smoking will not allow your doctor a complete insight into your habits, and therefore, they won’t be able to do their jobs properly.  

Talking on your phone

In some areas of the hospitals, you might see “no phones” signs because signals can harm specific medical devices. While the waiting room is often dull, you should be respectful toward other patients and staffers and keep your phone on silent or turned off. Talking, or even worse, video chatting, is disruptive and can make other patients uncomfortable. 

Chatting up with other patients 

Trying to start unwelcome conversations with others is not a way to pass the time while waiting, especially if you are asking questions that are crossing boundaries. There are privacy rules in place, and if you are anxious about the waiting, bring a book or grab a magazine and read until it’s your turn.  

Being late 

One of the most important rules is to respect your doctor’s time. Their time is scheduled, and you throw everything off the balance if you arrive late. Call in if you have to be late, but do not think you will be next. You will have to wait for an open spot because other people also scheduled their appointments. 

Ignoring safety measures 

If masks are required, you must have one. Healthcare organizations require this protocol, and arguing with the staff only takes up precious resources. These rules are put in place to protect medical professionals and patients. Patients help ensure their safety and work with healthcare organizations to improve safety. 

Eating while waiting 

If you must eat due to a medical condition, choose something that’s easy to chew and doesn’t leave any scents. Otherwise, stay away from crunchy foods with strong smells. Smells can make other people sick, and it is impolite to make weird noises in a quiet waiting room.  

Staying quiet when you don’t understand something 

Many people are reluctant to ask follow-up questions regarding their health. Doctors often speak medical terms, but you don’t have to understand everything. Asking them to clarify specifics will be helpful in future appointments and for other specialists. You are not wasting a doctor’s time if you merely ask for your diagnosis in plain English. 

Rummaging through the exam room 

Some people get bored and start rummaging through cabinets, drawers, and everything in sight. That is not just childish, but it is intrusive, and it may even be illegal, depending on how deeply you conduct your search. There are files and equipment, yet some people think it is a place to stack up on band-aids or gloves. 

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