Hey, doc, give it to me straight — and could you get me those test results sooner?
Confusing explanations and slow medical-test results are the top two gripes in a Consumer Reports survey that asked 1,000 Americans to rank 16 pet peeves about doctor visits.
The “Gripe-o-Meter’’ in the magazine’s June issue shows how respondents rated the complaints on a 1-to-10 scale, with 1 indicating, “You are not bothered at all,” and 10 indicating, “You are bothered tremendously.’’
What annoyed patients the most — scoring 8. 1 — is when doctors don’t clearly explain what’s going on.
“People are frustrated when their doctor is being vague or using medical jargon, and they walk away feeling confused,” said Nicole Sarrubbo, a Consumer Reports associate editor.
There’s a cure for that, she said.
“Speak up gently, and let the doctor know you’re not understanding, and ask if there’s another way to explain the problem,’’ Sarrubbo said.
That gripe was closely followed by “test results not communicated fast,” which scored 7.9.
A long wait for the doctor in an exam room or waiting room rated a 7.6 score.
Other big pet peeves included billing disputes, rushed office visits and trouble getting an appointment.