Kathy Chauvin MD explains: Why I Might be Running Late for Your Clinic Appointment:

I understand the disruption an ill child can bring about to every-day life. I only treat children in an effort to provide the most efficient and effective care possible. Limiting my practice to children prevents being “bogged down” with adult patients allowing me to more quickly address your child’s clinical and surgical needs. If I am late for your child’s clinic appointment, you may be wondering why. Waiting can be frustrating—especially when you’ve taken time off work, arranged transportation, are anxious about your child’s condition, or your child is missing school. But, otolaryngology (ENT) is a surgical practice. Unlike primary care physicians like pediatricians, surgeons have to coordinate clinical and procedural care. Delays in clinic are the result of patient care priorities rather than poor planning or, worse yet, me not valuing your time. Below are some of the reasons I may be running late for your appointment.

Sometimes I Have to Operate

Some days, I have to operate at the hospital prior to clinic. I am not the only surgeon operating. The hospital ultimately controls operating schedules, room availability, and staff designations. I have no control over these things or the delays associated with any other surgeon’s case scheduled before me. Also, procedures can become more time consuming once a case begins. There is no way to “speed up” to stay on a schedule. Despite the potential for delays, everyone works together to minimize issues and, most importantly, ensure patient safety.

A Prior Patient Needed More Time

Not every appointment fits neatly into a 15 or 30-minute slot. Some patients require immediate interventional care. While I try to assess what may be needed in advance of your appointment, the situation can change during the examination. While this can cause delays, my goal is provide immediate relief for your child in lieu of delaying needed care for another office visit.

Some Patients Arrive Late

Sometimes, patients ahead of you were running late. Unlike other physicians, I do not charge parents for missed appointments. I also do not cancel appointments if you show up late. I understand that parents are juggling many tasks and sometimes things just do not work out. If you are late, you may have to wait a little longer for a break in the schedule and squeezing you in could push back other appointments. Importantly, I will not stop for the day until every child is seen.

Surgical practices can spawn unpredictability. If I am not on time for your appointment, I want to you know that I am not being inconsiderate. I value your time and I will not short your child’s care to “catch-up.” If you ever feel like I am needlessly late, do not hesitate to express your concerns to me directly. Most importantly, I hope you are coming to me because I care about your child and you appreciate my ability to provide the absolute best care.

Contact

To set up an appointment with Dr. Kathy Chauvin please fill out our online form CLICK HERE or call 985-845-2677.

Kathy Chauvin, M.D. ENT

985-845-2677

350 Lakeview Ct A,

Covington, LA

70433