Please excuse the length of this post but I have what I consider to be a huge dilemma with my vet and I would like to seek the wisdom and advice of fellow dog parents (who may or may not be as obsessively neurotic as we are!).
We have been going to the same vet for almost over 14 years (we have 3 dogs all 13+ in age). We absolutely love him but his staff has always been another story (for the most part, rude, unfriendly and uncompassionate).
As we come in more and more often because of their age and medical issues, I am becoming more & more distressed by the little mistakes the staff makes (most recently with meds). Lately, between the three dogs, we’re there about once a week.
I sent him an email about the particular recent rudeness of one of his employees to another employee and a problem with a drug that was prescribed and its incompatibility with other meds my dog is on.<br /> <br />He basically wrote back a “CYA” letter which bothered me even more. I want him to be dismayed by the error, not write back and try to justify the incompetence. He said something to the effect that the drug interaction would not have been that bad and yes, it would have saved vet tech time if he/she had checked the records before giving us a bottle of antibiotics that the dog was already on (!).
A couple of visits ago, he sent out a form for his clients to evaluate the level of service and our experience.
My question is whether or not I should respond (with my dismay at his response) and then send my long evaluation “dissertation” that I’ve been preparing with the pros and cons of his practice in response to his questionnaire.
It looks like the writing is on the wall and we may have to switch vets (which I would really hate to do) but I really am getting concerned about all the little errors the staff makes.<br /> <br />And, I would like your thoughts on one more thing – because his (rude & inefficient) reception staff was unable to handle the front desk and answer the phone, he recently instituted a new system. The only time you may call & speak directly to someone on his staff is if it’s “urgent”. If it’s not urgent, like say you want to make an appointment, you are instructed to leave a message for that particular “department” and they will call you back, or, in my experience, not.
Is anyone else as absolutely appalled by this as I am? Am I crazy? Can you imagine looking for a new vet, calling around the various vets and then calling his office and not being able to speak to the receptionist to make an appointment?
I truly appreciate any thoughts on this matter. I need some perspective and look to any of you to help provide it. Should I write him or just drop it? Do you think he wants to hear my comments & concerns, or not really?
Thanks so much in advance!
Laurie
Blogs & Forums
Forums
Blogs
