Re: Anyone "go off" on The Dr. Medical Staff?

sktchy · ‎03-10-2010

@Scooby Doo wrote:
I did the other day. I've never done that before and now I feel kinda sorry. But........
Short story long is that my cpap sleeping machine gave me a message that the motor has exceeded it's lifetime. I need this machine and am dependent on it. So I called my Dr. office to get a new prescription for a machine and the young man answering the phone says they are booking over 2 months out. I tell him I can't wait that long to see someone for a new machine. He says "sorry Ma'am but there's nothing we can do". I tell him again I can't wait. He repeats several times "there's nothing we can do". And don't call me ma'am.
So I go off on him telling him that's not an acceptable answer and to find something they can do. He put me on hold for a long time. Comes back and tell me the process for getting a new machine according to medicare requirements. OK. But do something.
I tell him they are Tomessing with my health and life and they are responsible to do something because they are my medical provider. Puts me on eternal hold again. Miraculously they just had an appointment cancellation and can get me in 2 days later.
The guy on the phone sounded like he was in his early 20's and didn't expect to be yelled at by an old woman who's tired of taking cr##. So I get to meet him face to face today.
Most likely will look for another provider.

To me - from my perspective - it seems like the best solution would be to just order you a NEW MACHINE -

since this is an ongoing 'illness'. For example - they would be renewing a prescription. Why is an appointment necessary ?

santorini · ‎03-09-2010

Maybe it's a regional thing but I've never scolded someone for calling me "ma'am." Where I live, that's quite normal and a sign of respect - not something to be offended by.

CalminHeart · ‎03-09-2010

His responses were just wrong. I wouldn't have yelled at him but I would have told him all I needed was the prescription and I want to talk to his manager. I have very little tolerance for stupid.

ScrapHappy · ‎03-28-2010

@Scooby Doo wrote:
I did the other day. I've never done that before and now I feel kinda sorry. But........
Short story long is that my cpap sleeping machine gave me a message that the motor has exceeded it's lifetime. I need this machine and am dependent on it. So I called my Dr. office to get a new prescription for a machine and the young man answering the phone says they are booking over 2 months out. I tell him I can't wait that long to see someone for a new machine. He says "sorry Ma'am but there's nothing we can do". I tell him again I can't wait. He repeats several times "there's nothing we can do". And don't call me ma'am.
So I go off on him telling him that's not an acceptable answer and to find something they can do. He put me on hold for a long time. Comes back and tell me the process for getting a new machine according to medicare requirements. OK. But do something.
I tell him they are messing with my health and life and they are responsible to do something because they are my medical provider. Puts me on eternal hold again. Miraculously they just had an appointment cancellation and can get me in 2 days later.
The guy on the phone sounded like he was in his early 20's and didn't expect to be yelled at by an old woman who's tired of taking cr##. So I get to meet him face to face today.
Most likely will look for another provider.

Next time this happens, hopefully it won't, speak to triage/nurse line. If you've been seen by the doctor, usually within 6 months to a year, they'll be able to talk to the doctor directly for you. Don't bother with front desk in situations like this, they have no power and usually don't think of conecting you to a nurse.

jubilant · ‎06-10-2010

@Scooby Doo This kind of thing can be super frustrating. Believe me....I know. The fact that you are feeling a little sorry about going off on this makes me think maybe you should talk to the office manager before you make any changes.....especially if this was a one time incident.

I had a family doctor offend me once but I thought I would give him one more chance. I'm so glad I did as he was the smartest and best doctor, I ever had. If, however, he had done it again, I believe I would have found another doctor.

I did, leave a doctor once because her office manager was a very rude person and the doctor chose to keep her on. Doctors need to be aware what's going on in their office and be involved. Sorry this happened to you.

PuppyLoverBob666 · ‎12-17-2021

@SeaMaiden wrote:
@Scooby Doo wrote:
I did the other day. I've never done that before and now I feel kinda sorry. But........
Short story long is that my cpap sleeping machine gave me a message that the motor has exceeded it's lifetime. I need this machine and am dependent on it. So I called my Dr. office to get a new prescription for a machine and the young man answering the phone says they are booking over 2 months out. I tell him I can't wait that long to see someone for a new machine. He says "sorry Ma'am but there's nothing we can do". I tell him again I can't wait. He repeats several times "there's nothing we can do". And don't call me ma'am.
So I go off on him telling him that's not an acceptable answer and to find something they can do. He put me on hold for a long time. Comes back and tell me the process for getting a new machine according to medicare requirements. OK. But do something.
I tell him they are messing with my health and life and they are responsible to do something because they are my medical provider. Puts me on eternal hold again. Miraculously they just had an appointment cancellation and can get me in 2 days later.
The guy on the phone sounded like he was in his early 20's and didn't expect to be yelled at by an old woman who's tired of taking cr##. So I get to meet him face to face today.
Most likely will look for another provider.
@Scooby Doo I understand it can be frustrating with how things are due to shortage's in help, equipment and just about everything these days... I do think you were wrong to go off on this poor staffer who is just trying to do his job. I am sure they are use to people losing their tempers....but, it still is not pleasant or something they should have to deal with.

yes, do try a different provider to see if they can give you a replacement cpap machine sooner... why not? I would also stay on the wait list for one from the present provider as well....being proactive in your healthcare is the best thing.....but remember to take a deep breath and try not to lose your temper next time.❤️

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And if you get a chance, apologize to that young man; either in person or send him a card.

depglass · ‎03-10-2010

Our sleep clinic is eons behind the hospital that owns it. Still keeping paper records for part of their operation. And Covid really messed them up. Fortunately, DH doesn't have a very serious case of apnea.

Scooby Doo · ‎03-14-2010

I went to my appointment yesterday. While sitting in the waiting room for a while I watched this guy working the desk and phones. I realized that he was very new and needed some extra training. A woman was sitting right next to him watching his every move and instructing him. I don't think he could be left alone at this time.

The other office staff were very cordial to me and helpful. I explained to the specialist that I needed a new machine and she readily agreed and said she would order one right away. It's a Medicare requirement that I have a face to face meeting in order to get a new prescription. And 3 months after I receive it I have to go back again in order for them to pay. It all seems unnecessary to me but it is what it is.

CelticCrafter · ‎03-09-2010

@Trailrun23 wrote:
I do feel your pain! DH's cardiologist said he was "very concerned" about his chemical stress test but didn't elaborate. I can't go back with DH to the exam room due to the COVID rules that are still in place. They are just now allowing a second person to go into the waiting room. DH was referred to another heart specialist and he has been trying since early June to get them to return a call. It's nowJuly. The specialist has only a recording with no menu and a very short time to leave a message. Problem is not a new one in my experience. The specialist has three offices but just one phone number. Just maddening. Have called back DH's dr three times...the young woman who they always give me to just says "be patient and "they will get back to you". ARGHHH!

The urologist my husband goes to is in group of at least 30 doctors, with multiple offices and ONE central phone number. There is no way to get directly in touch with the office you want to use. After trying for days to set up a new patient appointment he finally got in the car and went over to the office to make the appointment.

It's really a terrible system.

pietook · ‎07-12-2011

When my Dad was in a nursing home there was a nurse who just always seemed to have an "attitude". After some "care" for my Dad--- I went to the nurses station and in front of all ---- said, "it's evident you dislike your job, but please don't take it out on my Dad". She ranted a bit----and it did not improve her attitude or work ethic.He left there soon after.