GRRRR! I'm so SICK of my ENDO!!

Lane · 06-21-2007, 01:57 PM

Ok, rarely do this..but I am so frustrated at this point, I seriously have to get this off my chest.

I have been going to the same Endocrinologist for nearly 15 years. SHe is the one who diagnosed me with PCOS and has treated me and even helped me finally become pregnant with my twins. But ever since I delivered the boys nearly 3 years ago, things at that office have gone downhill. One person in general is the office manager who RETURNS CALLS if the Doctor is busy. THere are times when I call in and request a medication to help relieve a symptom without having to make an appointment. Something as simple as an antibiotic. I rarely have to do this..but sometimes I have had to for a yeast infection or whatever. She actually WROTE me an email saying I could discuss that need at my next appointment! !!!!!!!

When does the office manager start making decisions for the doctor? And why the hell is she discussing MY health with me?! She is in billing for the most part. She is NOT a nurse. She is NOT a doctor. Not to mention...she yelled..yes I said YELLED at me on the phone when my insurance company didnt pay $50 on a claim they submitted. Then she told me if I wanted to see the Doctor...i would have to pay first and then they would schedule an appt. Of course I paid it...was reimbursed by my insurance after I resubmitted the claim and finally (4 months later) was given an appt.

IF I call in to make an appointment...she is rude beyond belief. Others have complained, yet she still works there. Its almost as if I'm bothering her, but I'm the damn patient trying to schedule an appointment within a decent amount of time. I'm not some random person wanting a first time appointment..I've been going there for 15 years!!

What the hell is going on?!

So then I decide to switch doctors. Because I've spoken to other patients there that are complaining of the same problem. But it seems you have to have a referral to get appointments with another ENdo..and even then the wait is almost till Jan now.

IS anyone else having this problem?

Any ideas of what I can do?

Am I just overreacting?

montana_in_la · 06-21-2007, 04:39 PM

No, the medical industry sucks. What's sad is that a lot of doctors know this, but because of the way things are set up there's not much they can do to change it.

Have you tried talking to your doctor about this? Have you said, look, I need a referral to another endo because your staff is difficult to deal with? (Not to mention unprofessional?)

I would say call your insurance company and find another endo that's in your network. Then call them up and see what they can do for you; if they can schedule an appointment for you or not.

(This is one of the reasons why I prefer PPOs to HMOs; the ability to go to whoever you want!)

Jashobeam · 06-21-2007, 06:37 PM

The staff at our former family doc (DH still goes) was horrid at times. No, the office manager should not be discussing your medical issues. Is she his wife or other relative? Our doc had no idea her staff was so rude, and after some complaints at least one person was let go. Before you leave, make sure you write a letter to your doc and give it to them in person. If you mail it the office manager or other office staff will probably be the one to open it.

I have never had such rudeness at my GYN's office, so there are good offices out there with good staff.

Lane · 06-22-2007, 11:40 AM

Montana: Its a sticky situation. My doctor is the type without any bedside manner at all. She's an aquired taste..but is so knowledgable about PCOS (she has it too) that I have stayed with her. My mom also goes to her and has seen some of the bad attitudes I'm talking about.

This doctor has been told already about this specific woman. She stills works there. This doctor has also had several other doctors join her business but have all left within ayear of working there. I dont know why, but I'm guessing it for the same reason I'm talking about.

I'm in the process of trying to get in with another Endo as we speak. I'm going to lightly explain the situation and see what can be done.

With the relationship I have with my current doc...it would be very odd to request a referral from her..i've been going there forever and my mom even goes..its sort of a complex relationship in that aspect. So I'm just gonna have to leave...maybe get a referral from my GYN or something.

Thanks for replying btw. I'm happy to hear I'm not overreacting, but not so happy to hear this happens alot.

Lane · 06-22-2007, 11:43 AM

Jashobeam: Actually this woman is of no relation to the doctor. She's just your everyday witch with a capital B. LOL! Unfortunately for her, she's not going to like my attitude when I speak with her next. I simply can't hold my tongue anymore!

As you can see..I'm feeling better today! LOL! Thanks for responding!

SarahJ · 06-22-2007, 11:54 AM

Lane;

You're not overreacting at all. You're entitled to care from someone who is not only knowledgeable in the field, but also responsive. Your experience sounds over the top!

I had a similar experience myself and I went through a period of wanting to report my doctor (or her assistant) to the insurance company. In the end I just decided to vote with my business. I don't think you need to explain anything if you don't want to. You can just say it's for "convenience" sake that you're changing doctors and leave it at that.

FWIW, I am so happy with my new doctor. He is wonderful, thorough and compassionate. I think if I lived in another state I'd fly in to see him. They do still exist.

Good Luck!
Sarah

Lane · 06-25-2007, 03:41 PM

Sarah: Thanks for responding. I'm so happy you have a doctor who you find to be so wonderful!! I am hoping to find the same after switching. Its a shame her office has allowed this to continue, thankfully I will be gone soon =)

Btw, I've now resorted to having to actually EMAIL my doctor to let her know that no one is calling back to schedule me something. Ridiculous huh? And its the only place I can get an appointment sometime time year, so I have no choice but to try and get in.

Anyone know of a great Endo in the Nashville area?