Bother.

[reynardo]

Annoyed at doctor's waiting room - was told that there was at least a 20-30 minute wait, so ducked out to shopping centre and did some boring change-of-address stuff and collect refund. Then back to doctors in about 12 minutes. (It's a common enough practice).

Finished letter to friend. Read 2 bad magazines. Worked out that I wasn't imagining it, and that the last 3 people to be seen had booked in after me. Asked at counter "Look, it's been an hour now - am I going to be seen soon?" "Oh, the doctor must have called you out and you weren't here."

Would it be too much for them to try asking a couple of times? Perhaps mention "let us know when you come back in case he has already called you"? I'm on graveyard shift at the moment and fairly tired, so had just enough energy to sit and wait. *grumble* Doctor saw me about 5 minutes after that, took less than 5 minutes to determine I needed another appointment.

Then had to explain to reception that scheduling that other appointment for 2pm when that's the middle of my sleep cycle is a Bad Thing. Offered that as we have Insurance (not everyone in Australia does), I could go to another centre if they were that flat out. They then said I would have to get a different referral from the doctor as the one he did was only for their second appointment thingy, and each place has their own. So you can't get a blanket referral and go to a place of your choosing. Of course, at this point I didn't have the energy to fight, but they did manage to squeeze me in early Thursday morn which means leaving work early.

Then noticed the piece of paper in front of the receptionist had my name on, and asked what it was about, and she covered it up and told me she couldn't discuss it with me. I should have asked her to get me someone that *could* discuss it with me - it was something about the mortgage insurance we're organising and as far as I could tell was them saying they didn't need to schedule an approval checkup for me, but it would have been courteous for the receptionist to at least offer.

*sigh* I work in customer service. I know enough now to know that taking the little extra step to make a customer feel looked after can make a huge difference in their attitude. I was very tired this morning, and felt undervalued - and then left feeling like a piece of meat.

Comments

[harliquinn.livejournal.com]

I have made an effort to uncover, at every doctor's office I go to ONE receptionist who is sane and communicative. If this is a place you go often, I would try to seek out a receptionist who is willing to help you. Best way I've found of doing this is getting upset and asking to talk to "someone else". I generally make it known I don't care if ALL the other receptionists are busy, I would like to talk to someone who can give me answers straight, with no f'ing bullshit. And if no receptionist can do this for you, "I will have you go get the doctor NOW and I will talk to HIM if you cannot answer my questions." And their hiding information from you is likely illegal or against patient-rights.

I have had one too many trips to the doctor like the one you've described, and more hospital nurse horror stories than can fill a half hour.

I'm so sorry. We still love you.

[turnberryknkn.livejournal.com]

Bother.

And *hug*.