Doctor checking watch with pills in hourglass background symbolizing short appointments.

Are Doctor's Appointments Too Rushed? How to Make the Most of Your Time

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Research shows doctors often interrupt patients quickly. Learn how to effectively communicate your concerns and get the care you need."

In today's fast-paced healthcare environment, many patients feel their doctor's appointments are too short, leaving them with a sense that their concerns aren't fully addressed. It's a common frustration, especially when dealing with complex health issues or multiple symptoms. The feeling of being rushed can lead to misunderstandings, missed diagnoses, and an overall decrease in patient satisfaction.

A recent American study highlighted this very issue, revealing that doctors often interrupt patients very quickly, sometimes after only a few seconds. This can prevent patients from fully explaining their reasons for the visit and expressing their concerns, leading to a breakdown in communication. The study also suggests that patient satisfaction surveys might not fully capture these problems, as patients may be hesitant to openly criticize their doctors.

But what can you, as a patient, do to ensure you get the most out of your limited time with your doctor? How can you effectively communicate your needs and concerns in a way that leads to better care and a more satisfying experience? Let's explore some practical strategies to help you navigate these challenges and make the most of your doctor's appointments.

Why Are Doctor's Appointments So Short?

Doctor checking watch with pills in hourglass background symbolizing short appointments.

Several factors contribute to the feeling of rushed appointments. Doctors face increasing demands on their time due to larger patient loads, administrative burdens, and the ever-increasing complexity of medical knowledge. These pressures can lead to shorter appointment times and a tendency to focus on the most immediate issues, potentially overlooking underlying concerns.

One study found that doctors asked patients about the reason for their visit only a third of the time and interrupted the answer after a median of just 11 seconds. This highlights a significant communication gap, where patients may not have the opportunity to fully express their needs before the doctor moves on to the next question or examination. Primary care doctors were more likely to inquire about patient concerns compared to specialists, but the overall trend suggests a need for improvement in patient-doctor communication.

Increasing Demands: Doctors are often under pressure to see more patients in a shorter amount of time.
Administrative Burdens: Paperwork and administrative tasks take away from time spent with patients.
Complexity of Medicine: The vast amount of medical information can make it challenging to address all concerns in a single visit.
Communication Styles: Some doctors may have communication styles that prioritize efficiency over thoroughness.

It's important to recognize these systemic challenges to better understand the context of your doctor's appointments. While you may not be able to change the system, you can take steps to advocate for your own needs and ensure your voice is heard.

Taking Control of Your Healthcare Experience

Ultimately, navigating the challenges of short doctor's appointments requires proactive engagement and effective communication. By preparing in advance, being assertive in expressing your concerns, and following up as needed, you can take control of your healthcare experience and ensure you receive the best possible care. Remember, your health is your priority, and you have the right to advocate for your needs.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1503/cmaj.109-5661, Alternate LINK

Title: Are Physicians Too Busy To Ask About Patients’ Concerns?

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Canadian Medical Association Journal

Publisher: CMA Joule Inc.

Authors: Wendy Glauser

Published: 2018-10-08

Everything You Need To Know

Why do I often feel like my doctor's appointments are too rushed?

Feeling rushed during doctor's appointments is often due to several factors within the healthcare system. Doctors frequently face increasing demands on their time because of larger patient loads, administrative burdens, and the complexity of medical knowledge. These pressures can lead to shorter appointment times, making it seem like your concerns aren't fully addressed. Doctors may focus on the most immediate issues, potentially overlooking underlying concerns and interrupting patients very quickly, sometimes after only a few seconds.

How does the speed at which doctors interrupt patients affect the quality of care?

The speed at which doctors interrupt patients can significantly impact the quality of care. Studies show that physicians often interrupt patients within seconds. When doctors interrupt patients too quickly, patients may not fully explain their reasons for the visit or express all their concerns. This breakdown in communication can lead to misunderstandings, missed diagnoses, and an overall decrease in patient satisfaction. It's essential for doctors to allow patients adequate time to speak to ensure comprehensive and accurate information gathering.

What are some reasons that doctors have such short appointment times?

Several factors contribute to the increasing demands on doctors' time. These include larger patient loads, meaning each doctor must see more patients per day. Administrative burdens, such as paperwork and insurance-related tasks, also take up a significant portion of their time. Furthermore, the complexity of medicine, with its ever-expanding body of knowledge, requires doctors to stay updated, adding to their workload. Communication styles, with some doctors prioritizing efficiency over thoroughness, also play a role in appointment length.

What can I do to make the most of my limited time during doctor's appointments?

To make the most of short appointments, preparation is key. Before your visit, write down all your concerns and symptoms. Prioritize your list to address the most important issues first. During the appointment, be assertive in expressing your concerns and don't hesitate to ask for clarification. Taking control of your healthcare experience ensures that you actively participate in the discussion and receive the care you need. If your doctor does not ask your concerns it is important that you make them known.

What should I do if I feel my concerns weren't fully addressed during my appointment?

If you feel your concerns weren't adequately addressed, follow-up is crucial. Contact your doctor's office to ask additional questions or request further clarification. Consider scheduling a follow-up appointment to discuss any remaining issues or new developments. Being proactive and persistent ensures that your health needs are met and that you receive the best possible care. Patient satisfaction surveys may not fully capture these problems, as patients may be hesitant to openly criticize their doctors, so voicing concerns directly is essential.