Patient/customer service. What is the best way to tell patients you just don’t have time ?

At least 2-3 times a day I see a patient who is scheduled for a follow up (15-20mins) normally, who also has 38 chronic medical conditions. These patients without fail also come in complaining of 7 different things. As a compassionate provider you try to address as much as you can, but every time I answer a 10 min question, they ask another, then another and another. Not to mention, 90% of these patients not coincidentally are the ones that never follow my advice, don’t change their lifestyle, still smoke, poor diet, consume excess alcohol etc etc.

Then, when I have finally had enough and politely say “ I am so sorry but I really need to see other patients” or “ I would be happy to discuss this at length during your next appt”. Without fail, I receive 1-2 poor patient review surveys. To be honest, I could not care less about those reviews or surveys. I mainly care about my time and not wasting it on inconsiderate patients who think they are entitled to 1.5 hour visits whenever they want.

I am so sick of this. Do I tell patients that 2-3 complaints max? How do I say “ ooops sorry times up” no more questions? What is the best and most professional way to move forward?

I know I sound like a total asshole, I promise I am not. Fellow doctors I’m sure you understand where I am coming from and all of the charting, paperwork, filling scripts, calling patients, answering direct patient messages, filling out FMLA forms, and other admin responsibilities we have on a daily basis. We truly do not have a minute to waste.