5/9/12: Laurali Noteman
Did you know nationally the average number of patients seen by a primary care physician ranges between 25 and 45 on a daily basis? Neither did I until I looked it up on line. That national finding is one of the things that make rural physicians special.
Kane County Clinic’s physicians and mid-levels see around twenty patients per day. Now wait before you complain about those long waits or being unable to get in. When you are in the exam room with your primary care provider are you shuffled out the door as quickly as possible? Well no not really. I know my primary care doc. treats me with empathy. He cares and takes the time to listen, even if he knows, there are other’s waiting for his attention. We matter to them.
Have you had to wait or been canceled for your appointment? Those national figures don’t take into account the rural primary care provider who is also covering emergency calls night and day, seven days a week. I know when my husband was taken to the ER and a physician’s day was interrupted I didn’t think about the patients who were sitting in the waiting room. I knew my husband needed their attention right then.
The point of this information is, we are currently running short staffed in the Kane County Medical Clinic. We have hired a mid-level, John Emmett PA, who will begin working with our team August 8, 2012.
Until then we ask that our patients show more than their usual patience. Your primary care provider whether in Kanab or Valley is taking on more ER call and seeing more patients. Hard to believe I know but, they are human. Your provider will be doing his or her best to meet your needs.
