Your patient waiting room is important. Here’s how to get it right

As physicians, you’re forced to walk the delicate line between moving patients through fast enough to meet criteria set by medical insurance companies and giving each person the time and attention they deserve. And, no matter how efficiently a practice runs, there are always going to be unknowns that lead to delays throughout the day. The end result is a nationwide average wait time of around 20 minutes. So it just makes sense to consider a positive patient waiting room design.

It’s no secret that many people experience anxiety when seeing a doctor. Patient surveys have shown that this unpleasant sensation can be exacerbated by a poorly thought out waiting room setup. Forcing healthy people to sit next to those who are obviously sick, not providing any form of entertainment, and the overall ambience all come into play when talking about the worst and best practices for patient waiting rooms.

It’s not all about the chairs

Did you put a lot of thought into the furniture that you purchased for your waiting room? Having family seating, like a loveseat, and patient waiting room chairs and desks that are designed specifically to be utilized as a work space are both ways to help people feel more comfortable. Designating a corner with kid-friendly activities is also helpful. Another area of importance is providing activities that are more engaging than the old stand-by magazines.

Some practices are now offering branded WiFi, TV monitors that show health-related programs, and computers to help people pass the time. Pay attention to the volume of music or television in the waiting area, however. Not everyone wants to be forced to listen to what is being broadcasted. Even painting the walls and using brighter, more natural colors can help reduce the imposition of waiting.

Make them want to stay after their appointment

One of the best ways to help your patients feel more supported is by providing family health supplements in your office. How often do you recommend someone begin taking a vitamin or mineral supplement, and then send them off to the drug store to choose a good brand and correct dosage on their own? Carrying supplements is also a way to meet the waiting room best practices recommendations because your patients can spend time browsing and learning about healthy supplements while they’re waiting.

Keep patients coming back and referring your practice to others by making a positive impression in the front office as well as the treatments rooms. Put thought into the waiting experience and offer additional benefits like access to a high quality line of supplements such as those made by Green Leaf Sciences.