14 Rude Things Floridians Do at Doctor Offices

There’s something about doctor offices that seems to bring out Floridians’ worst habits. Maybe it’s the stress. Maybe it’s the waiting.

Most people do their best to be respectful. But there’s always that one patient who behaves like they’re the only ones who matter.

From ignoring the receptionist to oversharing in the waiting room, here are some of the rude things that happen way too often at doctor offices… and why it’s time they stop.

Demanding to Be Seen First

No one enjoys waiting. But storming up to the desk, claiming your time is more important, and insisting on being seen immediately?

That’s a fast track to frustrating everyone around you.

Some people act like the rules don’t apply. They show up late and still expect to be squeezed in right away. Or they bring a minor issue and insist it can be “handled in five minutes,” as if that overrides other scheduled appointments.

Others compare themselves to everyone in the room: “I was here before him,” or “She came in after me!”

But medical appointments aren’t always first-come, first-served. Emergencies, procedure types, and doctor availability all factor in.

Hovering Too Close to the Reception Desk

We’ve all seen it: a patient leaning over the reception counter, tapping impatiently, listening to the private conversation happening in front of them.

Hovering at a doctor’s office reception desk isn’t just rude. It’s intrusive.

Doctor’s offices deal with sensitive information. Medical histories, payment details, and personal symptoms aren’t meant to be overheard by strangers.

When someone stands too close, it makes both the patient and the receptionist uncomfortable.

Some offices mark “privacy lines” on the floor, but those lines might as well be invisible to certain people. They step right over them, determined to be next in line no matter who’s talking ahead of them.

Refusing to Follow Basic Hygiene Rules

Doctor offices didn’t create hand sanitizer for decoration. But plenty of people skip it, cough into their hands, or ignore hygiene signs entirely.

Some even scoff at posted rules—refusing to wear a mask when asked, brushing off staff reminders, or treating safety protocols like personal insults.

It’s one thing to disagree about masks at home. It’s another to spread germs where people are trying to get healthy.

Doctor’s offices work hard to maintain a clean, safe space. But when patients don’t cooperate, it defeats the whole point.

Treating the Waiting Room Like a Living Room

Some folks walk into a doctor’s office waiting room and act like they’re at home. Shoes come off, snacks come out, and they spread out like it’s their own personal lounge.

Eating a quiet snack is one thing, but chomping on smelly food, spilling crumbs, or leaving wrappers behind crosses the line.

Then there’s the noise. Some people blast videos, play games without headphones, or let their kids run around shouting. It’s jarring for others who may be dealing with pain, anxiety, or grief.

Newsflash: The waiting room at a doctor’s office isn’t a restaurant, a play area, or your personal rec room.

Ignoring the Front Desk Staff

Receptionists are the unsung heroes of any medical office. They juggle phones, insurance, paperwork, and dozens of patients, all while trying to stay polite and professional.

Yet some people walk in and ignore them completely.

Instead of saying hello, they slap their ID down and say their name without eye contact. Some even interrupt phone calls or talk over other patients being helped.

This kind of behavior sends a clear message: “You’re not worth my time.” It’s the epitome of rude and disrespectful.

Talking Loudly on the Phone

There’s always one person who decides the doctor’s waiting room is the best place to argue with their cable company.

They’re not whispering, either. They’re on speakerphone, and everyone within earshot knows way too much about their business.

Doctor’s offices are quiet for a reason. Patients are often anxious, in pain, or exhausted.

Phones are fine—on silent and used with earbuds. But full-blown conversations in a quiet medical space?

Save it for the parking lot.

Showing Up Late Without Apology

Being a few minutes late happens to the best of us. Traffic, trouble finding parking, or misreading the appointment time can throw anyone off.

But what separates a mistake from rudeness is how you handle it when you walk through that door.

Some patients stroll in 20 minutes late, don’t apologize, and act like everyone else should adjust to them. They may even get snippy when they’re told they’ll need to reschedule or wait longer because the doctor is now behind.

Doctor offices run on tight schedules. When one person arrives late, it can delay every appointment that follows.

A quick phone call to say you’re running behind and an apology at check-in go a long way. Better yet, plan to arrive ten minutes early.

Bringing Sick Kids Without Warning

It’s perfectly normal to bring children to the doctor when they’re sick. But it’s not okay to show up with a coughing, sneezing child—plus siblings—without letting the staff know in advance.

Most offices try to separate contagious patients from vulnerable ones. But if they don’t know your child is sick until you walk in, there’s no time to adjust.

The result?

Other patients, some with compromised immune systems, are now sitting a few feet away from a walking germ cloud.

Kids will be kids, but parents can help make sure their little ones aren’t spreading more than a smile.

Talking Over Other Patients

Not everyone who visits the doctor is in the mood for conversation. Some are nervous. Some are in pain. Some just want to stare at the floor until it’s their turn.

But there’s always someone who doesn’t pick up on that.

Loud talkers, over-sharers, and those who treat the waiting room like a reunion space make things harder for everyone else.

They’ll ask strangers personal questions, comment loudly on how long it’s taking, or start a play-by-play about their symptoms.

A short hello or quiet conversation with the person sitting next to you is fine, if they’re receptive to it. But dominating a doctor’s office soundscape?

That’s when it veers into rude.

Oversharing at the Reception Desk

Privacy matters in a medical office. Yet some people forget that and start reciting their entire medical history within earshot of a full waiting room.

From describing symptoms in graphic detail to shouting out insurance problems or medication side effects, oversharing at the front desk makes things uncomfortable for everyone around them.

Yes, receptionists need some details. But there’s a line.

Going off on tangents about every ache and pain is a waste of time. That’s your doctor’s job to listen to and diagnose.

Letting Kids Run Wild

Bringing children to a doctor appointment is sometimes unavoidable. But letting them treat the place like a playground isn’t just rude—it’s unsafe.

Some parents let kids climb chairs, run down halls, or rifle through drawers in the exam room.

In waiting areas, kids may throw toys, yell across the room, or disturb other patients trying to rest.

Medical offices are full of fragile equipment and sick people. A child bumping into someone with mobility issues or spreading germs by touching everything puts others at risk.

Taking Frustration Out on Staff

Doctor visits can be stressful. Delays happen, insurance gets messy, and emotions run high. But snapping at the staff, raising your voice, or blaming them for every hiccup isn’t the way to handle it.

Receptionists, nurses, and assistants have limited control over how long a doctor takes or what your insurance covers.

Treating them poorly doesn’t speed anything up—it just makes you a disrespectful person.

Medical staff are there to help. But they’re human, and constant rudeness wears them down.

Refusing to Turn Down Noisy Devices

You’d think headphones were extinct the way some people blast videos, games, and music out loud in doctor’s office waiting rooms.

Even ringtones and message alerts can become irritating if they go off constantly.

If you must use sound, plug in headphones. As for those ringtones and message alerts, temporarily switch your phone to vibration mode.

Shared spaces call for shared manners. And silence is golden in a room full of people trying to keep their health in check.

Showing Up With Too Many Guests

Support is important during medical visits. But there’s a difference between bringing a helper and arriving with an entourage.

Crowding a doctor’s office with multiple guests takes up space in waiting rooms, clutters exam areas, and adds unnecessary noise to an already busy environment.