Appointment with Doctor

kismet · ‎03-10-2010

Not sure where to put this but here goes.

I'm due for a 5 year checkup on knee implants and tried to make an appointment with my surgeon. The whole practice has changed and now all calls go to a center. They transferred me to the only person that makes my doctor's appointments and here's where the problem is. I called two weeks ago last Friday and left a message and have not heard from the woman. In fact, called 5 times and nothing. Last Friday I called and left another message that if I don't hear from her in a few days that I will call records and have my records sent to a new doctor.

I've been with this practice for over 10 years. Granted I haven't been in since my 2 year checkup but I did get a letter from the practice about a year ago saying that the doctor wants to check at 5 years. So here's my problem. I would like to stay with this surgeon, really like him, but I don't want to have to deal with this woman and feel that the doctor should know how she "handles" his appointments. If I was a new patient I would of just went elsewhere after 2 calls.

The clinic isn't close to me and it would be a drive to go there. I called the answer center and asked to speak to the office manager at the joint clinic and they said they had no number for the person. Figured the office manager could look into it for me.

Before I had the knee replacements I had to decide between two surgeons at two different practices. I felt I chose the right surgeon but after this I probably will be going to the other surgeon. I did call the other surgeon's office and spoke to a person that took the doctor's appointments and they said they would need my records there when I make an appointment. Said I could get in in May. No problem talking to anyone there and he is the best in this area also. My husband said to stay where I got my knees done. I said I want to be able to see a doctor should something happen and not wait on a call back.

I have been to many doctors over the years and never got treated like this. I did write a letter to the doctor since I feel I will be sending it. I will mark it personal and confidential so no one else will open it. Does anyone have any other suggestions, maybe someone that has worked for a doctor, that would help be get beyond the answer center. I'm a patient person but enough is enough. If I get no return call by Thursday my call with be to the records department.

Sorry about the large font, thought it would be smaller when posted. Also does the doctor have to sign off on sending records to another doctor himself or can a nurse do it.

Thanks

hckynut · ‎03-10-2010

@kismet

I have a lot of different doctors because of my vast variety of serious health issues. I can tell you this for sure. If I left a message for any of my Doctor's, even the ones that are good friends of mine, and I felt I was getting the run around?

I would go directly to their office and talk to whomever was necessary to get a direct answer. I have been known to raise the decibels in my voice in any or all public settings if I do not feel I am being truly heard?

Nobody in any type of business or medical practice wants any of their patients(or customers) making negative comments about how they are being treated. Someone would either address my problems or call Security to have me removed. I doubt any doctors office would have any of their patients escorted out of their office.

If that is not something you can or would do? Go to another doctor who WILL see you. What good is sticking with your surgeon if you can't get by some thick headed person that seems to be giving your the run around?

hckynut(john)

Big Sister · ‎05-15-2010

@kismet, here is another suggestion for you to try: Check online to see if there is a web site for the dr. or his practice. Get their email address and send an email asking them to reply in an email or to call you.

I am really surprised that they aren't helping you make contact with them.

I would be really angry.

lilipearl · ‎03-28-2016

I wouldn't give up on making an appt with the surgeon that did your knee replacement. Call and talk to the practice manager or office manager. the one lone scheduler might be out on vacation, or ill or maternity leave, or what have you and the center may have screwed up and not sent you to the correct scheduler. If it is a 5 year checkup and not an emergency I would keep trying.Keep calling the office, not the same scheduler that hasnt returned your call.

Sadly, this is the new face of healthcare. expect access to get even worse. It won't be any different at the other surgeon's place. It is important to see the same one if you can. Hang in there!

ID2 · ‎06-25-2012

Wow how rude of them and how aggravating for you. I would have gotten in the car and would have paid them a personal visit. I always get things done to my liking by talking directly to people. Good luck.

"Pure Michigan"

jackthebear · ‎03-11-2010

does the practice have a website?

sometimes you can make appointments that way, worth a try or contact the Dr

Sounds to me as though this person is just doing a lousy job and can't be bothered.

I think despite the fact that the office is not close to you, pay a personal visit to make the appointment and if necessary get your records.

hckynut · ‎03-10-2010

@lilipearl wrote:

Sadly, this is the new face of healthcare. expect access to get even worse. It won't be any different at the other surgeon's place. It is important to see the same one if you can. Hang in there!

@llilipearl

This may be "the new face of healthcare for you". Ain't no way it is or ever will be for me. Another surgeon will be no different? I see several different surgeons and not a one them has ever come close to having an employee or Answering Service give me the "catch me if you can" run around like "kismet" is getting.

No surgery is so important that any patient should be treated as invisible and unimportant and I don't care what credentials a doctor has hanging on his walls. You may "hang in there" but I would not. Any doctors office that doesn't return my phone calls in a reasonable amount of time? Chances are pretty high they would soon be my former doctor.

hckynut(john)

SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

@kismet If I called 5 times to make an appointment or such TO ANYONE.... and did not receive a call or such back in a reasonable time period( a day or two) I would write them off my list. I suggest you go to the clinic IN PERSON even if it is a bit of a drive and request your records- fill out whatever you need to fill out while there to have them sent to you.

Go to a new Doctor. It seems that your past Doctor has allowed his crew to fail him. I would move on.

This is what I would do if in the same situation. I go for a three year checkup for my two knee and two hip replacements all in the same visit. I love my Doctor, but, if I was treated like you have been just to make an appointment, I would move on. I hope I do not have to experience this only if down the road my Doctor retires from practice as he is my age(60) and I assume eventually I will find myself going to my checkups with someone new down the road years from now.

orange · ‎03-09-2010

I ran into this problem as well and have another suggestion.
Call the doctor's nurse directly and explain the doc told you he wanted to see you and you are trying to make an appointment but you are getting no response from his scheduler. Nurses are often more helpful. Good luck!

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

HIPAA laws have made it very difficult for doctors to see patients and keep their office abreast of the laws. Because of this we have seen doctors now practicing medicine in large groups. Small practices have hired out for some of their services.

it seems like your doctor is paying a service to set up his appointments and the person who is supposed to beg doing this doesn't give a hoot or is overwhelmed.

You need to let your doctor know that he is not getting what he is paying for. I'll bet he has no idea. Once patients start complaining, he will do something about it.