How to Handle a Long Wait in a Maryland Hospital Waiting Room

There are few things more frustrating than spending hours in a Maryland hospital waiting room. It is not unheard of to spend six, seven, or even eight hours in one of these unpleasant waiting rooms – often while struggling with serious medical conditions. What is the best way to deal with this situation? How can you make sure that your medical issues are addressed in a timely manner?

 Avoid Lying in Order to Get Seen Earlier 

Although it might seem tempting to exaggerate your symptoms or tell outright lies, this is a poor strategy that could backfire. Even if you are seen faster, doctors will soon discover that you were lying about your symptoms. They may note this in their records, and this documented information could affect you in various ways. Perhaps most notably, it may be difficult to file a medical malpractice claim if you have a history of misrepresenting the truth.

 Call Your Family Doctor While You’re Waiting

 A positive strategy may be to call your family doctor while you wait. Assuming that the clinic is open, you may be able to discuss your situation on the phone. Your doctor could attempt to provide guidance without actually seeing you, and they may help you review your symptoms. After you finish speaking with your doctor, they may call the hospital directly and pressure staff to address your concerns.

 Understand How Triage Works 

Sometimes, you will be asked to wait because other patients are suffering from issues that are genuinely more serious than your own. A system called “triage” ranks patients depending on the severity of their injuries and other factors. For example, the entire staff might be treating people with stab wounds, amputated limbs, and other life-threatening issues. Although triage helps explain wait times, it does not “excuse” them.

 Tips for Fighting Boredom 

Boredom is one of the most difficult things to deal with while waiting in a hospital. You might want to find a magazine to read. Another option is to call friends and family for lengthy conversations. If you can walk, a stroll around the hospital may also prove helpful.

 Document Your Wait 

Finally, you might want to document your wait. Consider making regular “check-ins” with your phone. For example, you could film a quick “selfie-style” video every hour. Make sure to film the clock on the wall and explain how many hours you have been waiting. You might also want to describe how this wait makes you feel, and how bad your medical condition is becoming. This could prove to be useful evidence in a potential medical malpractice lawsuit.

 Consider Legal Action With a Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Baltimore 

If you were harmed due to an excessive wait at a Baltimore hospital emergency room, you may be eligible to take legal action. For example, your appendix may have burst while you waited for hours. Perhaps your fractured leg never healed correctly because the bone was not set in time. Whatever the case may be, it could be worth discussing your situation alongside the Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers at Furman Honick Law. Reach out today and speak with a partner for a free case evaluation.

 Source:

verywellhealth.com/waiting-room-survival-kit-activities-to-combat-boredom-2248833