What is a key factor affecting the overall rating of a practitioner?

The overall rating of a practitioner can significantly be influenced by the time spent in the waiting area. Patient experience is a crucial aspect of healthcare, and long wait times often lead to dissatisfaction, affecting their perception of the practitioner's services. Patients typically expect timely care, and excessive delays before an appointment can create a negative impression, regardless of the quality of care provided once they see the practitioner.

While factors such as the quality of equipment, the number of patients seen, and the amount of paperwork completed are relevant to the operation of healthcare practices, they do not have as direct an impact on the patient’s immediate experience as waiting time does. Patients often weigh the efficiency of their visit heavily in their evaluations, opting for practitioners who respect their time and provide a more streamlined experience.