So as those who have been reading my blog regular know, I have been looking into getting surgery on my left middle finger. I went to see a surgeon at the begining of February about pursuing that possibility. After that I had an ultrasound done of my hand and then…I sat around for two months waiting for the doctor to get back to me about the next move. Oh yes, two months. And, yes, I called the office several times and left several messages.
What is wrong with our health system that doctors feel they can ignore their patients? Now, I know this may be a staffing problem, but then what does that say about the way hospitals and doctors’ offices are run? It is rediculous. I just don’t see what is so hard about returning a phone call or setting up an appointment for a patient. It should not be this hard.
Because of this experience, I have learned a few things about trying to get in touch with doctors, and I thought I would share them with you.
- One, always get a doctors business card when you see him or her. These cards contain numbers to reach the doctor at and often an email address. Which brings me to my next point.
- Two, email your doctor directly. That is how I finally got an appointment. I sent the doctor an email, and he had his assistant pull my chart and got back to me with in the week to make an appointment. Worked much better.
- Three, try going into the office and talking to them. If they are being extremely difficult about making an appointment, go into the office and talk to them face to face. It is harder for them to ignore you if you are right there.
- Four, ask for a referral. If you feel that your doctor is never available and extremely hard to get a hold of, ask him to refer you to someone who might have more time for you.
Overall, remember to be friendly and courtious, no matter how difficult the staff is. People get on the defensive if you start yelling at them, and then they will never help you. They will be more sympathetic and helpful to your plight if you explain your problem clearly without making them feel they are to blame. I know it can be hard when you are frustrated with the office, but getting angry never helps.
That’s all the advice I have. Good luck! If you have a great/terrible story about getting pushed around by a rheumatologist’s office, email it to me at theyoungandthera@gmail.com, and I’ll put it up as the story of the month for next month! (See my STORIES tab on the right!)
Until next time,
S.P.
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