As I may have mentioned a few times on this blog, I am cutting back on clinic hours, starting this month.
The effects on scheduling have been apparent quite quickly: whereas it never used to be a problem scheduling out 3 to 4 months for follow up, this is now a huge problem. (I imagine it will be less of a problem in a few months, as patients decide they can see someone else; or move away; and are not replaced by new patients.)
I have therefore been telling patients that they should lock in a follow up appointment now (at check out), since I’m reducing my clinic hours and it may be harder to schedule going forward.
I have found the reactions of various patients very interesting.
The older, wealthier, patients are pleased for me. They are mostly enjoying their own retirement and seem happy that I am taking time for myself. (I think they are also happy that I am not totally retiring, leaving them to find a new PCP.)
The younger patients don’t seem too phased. I’ve let my hair go gray, so I probably look old–and lately, possibly haggard–so of course their elderly doctor is easing up on the workload.
However, the people in my age range seem appalled that I am cutting back. I don’t know if they really know how old I am, but from age 52-59, my patients pretty much berate me for not working full time.
I wonder how much of it is defensiveness about not be able to cut back themselves, or feeling the cold breath of age and debility breathing over their shoulders as they continue to work flat out.
I bring up my aged mother, and my wish to be dutiful and visit her more often, and they can’t really say anything about that. [Reminder to self: plan another trip home before the weather gets terrible.]
Meanwhile, I’m looking forward to a no appointment weekday today.
How would you feel if your doctor said they were reducing their working hours? If you took a glide path to retirement, did you catch flak from your age mates?
I recently learned that my PCP, who is a couple of years older than me, is retiring this fall. He has cut back his hours in recent years. Naturally, I am concerned about ongoing continuity of care, but I don’t begrudge anyone their right to some well-earned downtime.
An internet PCP thanks you for your understanding!
my PCP 10+ years ago from went to concierge medicine when she wanted to cut back her time. I was very bummed because I wouldn’t be able to see her any more but could understand she didn’t want to work so much.
Concierge medicine is an interesting thing. It’s billed (to doctors) as a return to the better old days–when you had more time to spend with your patients and could do the kind of medicine that’s possible when you aren’t allotted 10-15 minutes a patient (and any note writing or results reviewing happens on your personal time). However, the thought of being on call *all the time* just gives me hives.