Your Time Management

Anywhere from 5-15 minutes. Due to time limitation, please note services for family members not checking in with you today typically can not be accommodated.

You can expect to be at the facility from 30 minutes to 1 hour. Unfortunately, we cannot predict when there may be delays, but we treat every patient with the care and attention they deserve. We appreciate your patience while you wait.

Unforeseen medical emergencies can cause a doctor to run late in their schedule. In a medical crisis, the doctor will not limit the time needed to support a patient in this situation. Please try to remain understanding of such circumstances.

While we are not strictly adhering to a one-issue-per-visit rule, we may not be able to cover everything during your appointment. For scheduled visits, in fairness to all patients in waiting we request you to prioritize and limit your health concern to 1 or a maximum of 2 if there is a quick additional concern. As you know we have fixed time for each patient. In case you have any additional concerns please schedule another appointment. Your ‘quick question’ usually generates questions I need answered or follow-up or +++. “Quick” things rarely are quick, and further questions will follow. I may have to look through your chart. These things all take time. If you have a list, please hand it to me and we will both agree to establish an action plan for your visit.

Please refrain from discussing family members health during your visit who have not been pre-booked and checked in with you that day.

If you are advised that another appointment will be needed to discuss additional issues, we ask that you politely respect this decision. You will be assisted by our staff to coordinate a short-term follow-up appointment which can be accommodated virtually or over the phone. 

The first visit is typically just a "meet and greet", giving you a chance to discuss your health with your doctor and to see whether the clinic is a good fit for you. There is only rarely enough time to investigate or treat any medical issues that you may be experiencing.

Depending on your health condition, we may need to obtain prior copies of your medical records before proceeding. However, our shared goal at this visit is to make and execute a plan for your healthcare moving forward, so that we can help you as soon as possible.

You might receive an email from Hazeldean Medical Clinic or no-reply@cognisantmd.com with a link to a pre-registration medical questionnaire. Although they are optional, your answers to these questionnaires are very helpful for your physician to obtain your medical history and to prepare for the visit. 

While all your concerns are important, it is simply no longer feasible for multiple issues to be addressed in a single appointment. Issues such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and dizziness take up a full appointment. If you have a list, hand it to me at the start of the visit so that we can manage your time and prioritize accordingly. It's OK to show us a list of your issues if necessary. Covering too many issues means that each will not get the time and attention they deserve. “Quick” things rarely are quick, and further questions will follow. I may have to look through your chart. These things all take time. Lists also prevent everyone from running on schedule. Our work on your behalf does not end when you leave my office. There is, on average, an additional 10 minutes of invisible work that is generated by each visit. We do not say this to complain but to inform you of what else we are doing during a given day  

• Prescription refills are NOT urgent. Please monitor your medication supplies and re-order no later than a week before you run out.