Gotcha

Patient: Don't you think six months since my last visit is kinda long? Considering all my issues?
Me: Well, yes.
Patient: It's just so hard to get in with you.
Me: How do you mean?
Patient: It's hard to get an appointment.
Me: I'm sorry... what specific issue did you have when trying to make your appointment?
Patient: It's been six months!
Me: I don't understand what problem you had getting an appointment. We made an appointment for you two months ago, and you didn't come to it. And another appointment a month ago, and you didn't come to that one. So we gave you this appointment today, and you're here.
Silence.

At least this person was sandwiched between two of my favorite patients - the businessman who enjoys learning the research behind our diagnostic strategy and the schoolteacher with the best shoes ever.