Wellness

[shoesnbags]

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@Laura14 wrote:

@shoesnbags That's what my mother says!

They are the best rated which is why I am so puzzled, but no. My BIL works for the hospital as an anesthetist and he has given me a referral of another ENT doctor in the area.

Of course that means starting over with someone else which I'm not sure I have the energy to do right now. It's been two months of frustration and preparation for absolutely nothing. 

The kicker is they have really bad reviews for exactly what I am experiencing. I am doing nothing further with this group. They are currently paid in full for the initial appointment and the CT scan. 

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Good move, @Laura14 .  You've taken enough grief from this group. 

[DottieBlue]

Every employee has a supervisor or someone they must answer to.  I'd find out who that person is and talk to them.  

I'd also leave an honest and complete review of your experience on their website or wherever their "highly rated" status is posted online.

AND, I'd also tell the doctor about it so he isn't "blindsided" and only hears the employees' side of the story.  I think he would like to know that it wasn't anything HE did that made you so dissatisfied to make you go elsewhere.  If he realizes that the incompetence of the office staff is driving patients away, it might motivate the powers-that-be to do something about it.

Good luck!

[Foxxee]

What you are saying has been very familiar to me.  Trying to get appointments for my parents visits and tests has been like pulling teeth.

Having been told, THEY WILL CALL ME, I have had to chase them down when they didn't call. 

Yes, there most likely is an office manager.  If it is a hospital setting, go to the Patient Advocates department. 

Don't always expect a friendly office manager.  Very defensive...we didn't do wrong, you did, attitude..  I ran into one about a month ago.  

[Laura14]

@Foxxee 

[elated]

• I would not have the patience to deal with incompetence. I would have called my insurance and filed a complaint. Also, although you are giving the doctor a pass, I think the doctor is well aware of his staff and their incompetence.  In this day and age, we are dealing with more and more personnel who don't have the qualifications or initiative to do their job. I would move on and not be fearful of the staff member getting offended. Remember, if you don't make yourself a priority no one else will.

[JudyL]

@Laura14 - If there is a Practice/Office Manager, contact them with ALL the details - each phone call, email, dates, etc.  Put it in writing - email is fine, and cc the Dr., and Office Staff. In that email, tell them you want a response within 5 business days. Then follow up your email with a letter the very same day - can be a copy of the email attached to a cover letter, saying as a follow up to my email on such and such a date, attached is a hard copy for your convenience and say I look forward to your response in 5 business days.  On the cover letter, cc the Dr and address the envelope to the Practice Manager and address the cc copy to the Dr to the Dr only NOT his staff. Yes, his office will open it but since it's addressed directly to the Dr, it should go to him.  Then give them 5 business days only to respond.  If you don't get a response, on the 6th day email and follow up again.  If you still don't get a response, you may need to send letters Certified Mail/Return Receipt Requested.  Then you will have proof his office received it.  Do this now and when you go to your pre-op if you still don't have this resolved, take it all with you to your appt and show the Dr.  Time to let them know that you've had enough of this.

[elated]

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@JudyL wrote:

@Laura14 - If there is a Practice/Office Manager, contact them with ALL the details - each phone call, email, dates, etc.  Put it in writing - email is fine, and cc the Dr., and Office Staff. In that email, tell them you want a response within 5 business days. Then follow up your email with a letter the very same day - can be a copy of the email attached to a cover letter, saying as a follow up to my email on such and such a date, attached is a hard copy for your convenience and say I look forward to your response in 5 business days.  On the cover letter, cc the Dr and address the envelope to the Practice Manager and address the cc copy to the Dr to the Dr only NOT his staff. Yes, his office will open it but since it's addressed directly to the Dr, it should go to him.  Then give them 5 business days only to respond.  If you don't get a response, on the 6th day email and follow up again.  If you still don't get a response, you may need to send letters Certified Mail/Return Receipt Requested.  Then you will have proof his office received it.  Do this now and when you go to your pre-op if you still don't have this resolved, take it all with you to your appt and show the Dr.  Time to let them know that you've had enough of this.

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Why does she have to go through all this to resolve an issue? That is crazy making.

[CelticCrafter]

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@Laura14 wrote:

@grandma r Thank you for explaining all of that. That helps a lot.

I kept asking them to explain the process or time frame to me because the info sheet they gave me was obviously completely wrong and this is my first time. I have been following their stated directions. Them, not at all. 

I was able to find out they are private and I have the top girl's name and information.

I am tempted to keep the 5/17/23 appointment with the doctor for the pre-op and pay the $75 specialist copay so I can see his face when I give him the rundown as to why he's not collecting anything from me and the surgery is off because the scheduler won't do her job.

And his scribe standing beside him refused to help me get her to do her job (she's listed on the info sheet as the back up) and I got tired of asking both of them to help me get his treatment program implemented.

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@Laura14 I think if it were me and I could afford to pay the co-pay I would keep the appointment just to be able to fire him in person.

[Laura14]

@CelticCrafter I may film it for everyone's enjoyment. My mother asked to come with popcorn. 

[Q4u]

I read the entire thread and WOW!!  I am appalled at the treatment you are receiving.  Can you imagine if they pulled this on someone who was critically ill (without anyone knowing at this point) and having tests and appts delayed or cancelled to such an extent that the person dies??  The doctor and every "power" person in there would be sued and taken to court.  They're playing a dangerous game.....