Why are cell phones not allowed in the waiting rooms of doctors offices?

Question

I mean, what's the difference between talking on the phone & talking to the person right next to you?

Answer 1

Cell phones can emit certain radio waves (or whatever they are called) and can mess with thier equipment.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

Any interference issues aside, there is a difference between a room full of people who may comment to, or chat with, someone here or there and people on phones or with ringing phones. When phones are ringing and people are using their cell-phone voices, and since cell-phone use would probably mean several people on and off phones, there is just a whole different atmosphere than a room without cell-phone use.

Answer 4

No idea, I've never had to turn my phone off in a doctor's waiting room... that's weird.
If it's because you're right next to someone then you wouldn't be allowed to use them on buses and trains etc....
I don't think mobile phones muck with computer equipment - in some areas of hospitals you can have them on - just not where there is heart equipment or equipment that actually does get interfered with mobiles... not all do surely. (I'm from Aus, you're obviously from USA due to calling it a 'cell' phone - in Australia you can't use your phone at fuel stations or hospitals where mobiles interfere...)

Answer 5

Cell phones operate on some of the same frequencies as medical equipment; it's best to have them off when you're in a doctor's office, hospital, or similar medical setting.

Answer 6

I don't know, and I see your point. I think it is not necesarily the talking, but the ringing, ringtones, etc..is just a distraction in their building? I don't know. What I do know is that I find cell phone drivers to be very annoying. Slowing down, speeding up, weaving between the lines. And people who walk through Wal-mart talking on their cell phones going, "What aisle are you on? I'm over here on aisle 12 looking at such and such." Have a pleasant evening.

Answer 7

The big signs in my doctor's waiting rooms state that cell phones interfere with their equipment. But I agree that it also saves the nurse having to call you six times and then wait for you to hang up before she can ask you questions. Also, people talking on a cell phone tend to think they are having a private conversation and say things they shouldn't in public. I've heard people discussing sex and swearing while they were sitting at a mall playground, for one extremely inappropriate example.

Answer 8

Cellphones interfere with the equipment they use, especially telemetry machines which are most important because they monitor heart rates and rhythms.

Also there are people there waiting to hear that they have cancer, or who have just heard that they are pregnant out of wedlock, or who have to undergo lifesaving surgery that they cannot afford. People show up there under different circumstances. It is very rude for others to have to sit through wedding plans, birthdays etc when they are looking at possible death or other unfortunate circumstances.

Answer 9

I think that the cell phones may affect the medical equipment; also, it's rude.

Answer 10

there are two places you are asked not to use the phone
!) Hospitals
2) gas stations
!) you could mess up equip. and a patient's life may be jeopardied
2) you can blow the gas station