The pediatricians in my neighborhood that are the best doctors are basically the ones with the longest wait times. And yes, they overbook because it’s almost impossible to say no to a sick child. That holds even more true when the flu or some other virus is out there infecting many kids.
But if you end up waiting a while at a medical center even when there are almost no patients, it’s most likely that the bureaucratic system and staff are at fault.
It’s always good to check what’s going on after half an hour or so, perhaps the receptionist simply didn’t check you in properly. And for them to know you don’t appreciate waiting…
If it’s an emergency speak up loudly, and if staff doesn’t listen, walk in straight to the doctor. (Years ago, my then toddler needed nebulizer treatment and perhaps medication for breathing difficulties that I couldn’t safely handle myself. When I told the receptionist that my child was breathing rapidly her response was an empathetic “Yes, I see that.” but continued to let me wait… So I walked in to the pediatrician who B”H had the sense to treat right away.)