Community Chat

[gidgetgh]

This is a good natured, no it's not an important issue, thread.

but really....

I had a routine dermatologist appt. This morning.  I made the appt a year ago.  

A week ago, I received the "please confirm that you're coming" text.....followed a few hours later by the same thing in email form.  I replied to the text.

Then yesterday, I received another text, reminding me again.  Then another text, informing me that I need to wear a mask.   Ok, ok already. 

I went this morning and, on the way out, scheduled my next appt for next April.  Receptionist wrote the appt on the little card because I didn't feel like pulling out my phone and recording it. I didn't really need the card. I would have remembered when I got home.  

Before I even got home, I received a text AND an email titled "appointment reminder" for April 18.....2023.  

And an hour ago, I received an email saying there was an update to my file. Tried to login to their patient portal.  However, as a first time user, they didn't provide me with all the information I needed to register.

Nope, I'm not calling them to get it.  I ate a cookie instead.  Better use of my time. 

[gidgetgh]

Next will be the appt. Follow up survey followed by a reminder to do that because I'm not going to do the survey.

[Cakers3]

We do not receive emails but we do receive text confirmations by the time we get home and then as reminders.  Also for hair appts.

Often there is the option to type STOP to get out of these texts but I do not mind them.

We always take appt. cards, too, and bring them on the day of the appt.

Why you ask?

Because the text reminders are not used by our PCP.

THREE TIMES our appts. were not entered into the computer.  The cards showed we just didn't show up expecting to be seen.

[Love my grandkids]

@gidgetgh Love your attitude! When someone on the forums gets nasty (which you are NOT) I always say "Have a cookie".  Overkill for sure but what can you do!

PS: What kind of cookie was it?

[geezerette]

How about the text about 20 minutes before your appointment reminding you that you have an appointment in 20 minutes?

[PinkyPetunia]

Yes, my mega medical group is the same.  Reminders of appointment, remember to sign in, update contact info, update insurance,  email reminder, text reminder, etc.

I do like the patient portal though.  I can see test results, make appointments, email doctors with questions, request prescription refills.  

[gidgetgh]

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@Love my grandkids wrote:

@gidgetgh Love your attitude! When someone on the forums gets nasty (which you are NOT) I always say "Have a cookie".  Overkill for sure but what can you do!

PS: What kind of cookie was it?

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@Love my grandkids - I stopped at Publix to do my grocery shopping on the way home from the appt and bought myself one chocolate chip m&m cookie in the bakery. My treat to myself for being a good girl at the doctor. Kind of like an adult lollipop.  

[gidgetgh]

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@PinkyPetunia wrote:

Yes, my mega medical group is the same.  Reminders of appointment, remember to sign in, update contact info, update insurance,  email reminder, text reminder, etc.

I do like the patient portal though.  I can see test results, make appointments, email doctors with questions, request prescription refills.  

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@PinkyPetunia - I decided I didn't care enough to go through all the hoopla to get the info needed for portal set up just to see that the entry was that I had an appt today. I'm well aware I had the appt today. I was actually at the appt., LOL. I use the portal for my pcp and the doctor that monitors my blood thinners, but I don't need one for the dermatologist. He removed one thing from me today, at my request, and they're going to biopsy it even though he's totally sure it's just a dry skin patch.  He's going to call me with those results in 4-5 days.  Phone call.  Old school. My favorite. 

[Gr8tfulGrl]

I don't mind the reminders via text, email etc. because I sometimes have multiple medical appointments on the same day and it can get overwhelming for me at times. 

[gidgetgh]

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@Gr8tfulGrl wrote:

I don't mind the reminders via text, email etc. because I sometimes have multiple medical appointments on the same day and it can get overwhelming for me at times. 

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@Gr8tfulGrl - everyone is different and I understand that.  I actually get overwhelmed by all the pre and post follow up. It's too much for me. I decided this morning that in most cases it's not the actual appt. that I dread.  It's all the communication surrounding it.