So, I call the doctor's office...
Me: "Yes, I'm adopting a child and I need a physical for my husband and I. They want to know my general condition, and I need some lab work done too. His will need to be on a Wednesday."
Receptionist: "What kind of lab work do you need?'
Me: "Let's see. It says, Urinalysis, Tuberculin skin test, blood count, Serology (RPR), and HIV Results." Please note that I am telling her all the names of the tests.
Receptionist: "Ok, how about Wednesday, May 7, at 1:30 for your husband and Thursday, May 8, at 4 pm for you?"
Me: "Great! That will work. Thanks."
Great, I'm thinking! In about two weeks we'll have this part all done.
My husband goes in for his appointment today and finds out that the TB test has to be read 48 hours after it was given and you have to fast for the other lab work. So, he calls me, realizing that since mine was scheduled for Thursday, my TB won't be able to be done because they only read results Monday through Friday and I can't go until 4 pm fasting. I only weigh 100 pounds. I would pass out if I had to wait that long to eat.
GRIPE NUMBER ONE: I told the woman on the phone all the lab work I was going to have done...I would think she should have a rudimentary understanding of what these tests are so she knows how to schedule people. She should have known not to schedule someone for a TB test after Wednesday of any given week and if I need to fast, then I need to get in early in the morning.
So, I called the medical center back and explained, AGAIN, what I was having done, and what my husband had found out about the tests, since obviously the people scheduling the appointments don't know and we, the patients, need to tell them.
The conversation continues:
Receptionist: "How about Friday, May 16th?"
Me: "That won't work, because I need to have the TB test read 48 hours after the test is given." For those not keeping up, as this woman wasn't, that would mean I would have to have the test read on Sunday. No, they are not open on Sunday.
Receptionist: "You could come in Monday to have the test read."
Me: Trying to remain calm...."That would be too late. I have to have the test read withing 48 hours."
Receptionist: "Oh? Ok....how about May 20th at 1pm."
Me: "Miss, I have to fast too. I need something early in the morning."
Receptionist: "Right....hmmm...ok...I'm still looking....how about May 19th at 8:15? That will have to do. That is the ealiest we give appointment."
Me: "Great! I'll take it. Thanks."
GRIPE NUMBER TWO: Twenty-four plus twenty-four is forty-eight. Three, twenty-fours...yes, I know higher level math....is...hmmmm......carry the one...hmmmm.....Seventy-two. Come on people. Is this really so much for me to expect from someone who answers phones and uses computers.
UHHGGGG!!!!
3 comments:
That type of situation is high on my list of pet peeves.....It's not fun having to do everyone else's job.:)
God Bless,
Amy:)
Sorry to hear about all your troubles. I used to work for a doctor, and I tell you, some of the people I worked with were "useless" when it came to knowing how to schedule or deal with patients situations. Hopefully the rest of your adoption process goes a lot smoother!
That is aggravvating and frustrating. So glad that in the end the employee "got it" and you have the appointment set.
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